Popular boat trips are cleaner and quieter thanks to a generous grant for an electric engine.
The local branch of the Wilts & Berks Canal Trust runs two boats, ‘The Mary Archard’ and ‘Damselfly’, which raise much-needed funds for the charity by carrying hundreds of passengers at special events every year.
These include the Melksham Food & River Festival, Chippenham Folk Festival and Pewsham Locks Open Days.
The trips are even more enjoyable after the Naturesave Trust provided a £1,950 grant to purchase a new electric outboard engine.
The lightweight motor and battery are easier and cheaper to operate than a petrol engine and create less noise and disturbance to wildlife.
The grant application was arranged by Martin Palmer of the WBCT’s Melksham, Chippenham & Calne branch.
He said: “We’re delighted to receive such generous support which is making a huge difference to people’s enjoyment of our waterways.
“Silent running means skippers and crew can talk to passengers about the restoration campaign and answer their questions without having to contend with a noisy engine.
“It also means we’re more likely to see local wildlife, which encourages people to engage with nature.
“Running costs are lower and it’s much better for the environment too.”
People can learn more about the charity’s local achievements at the Pewsham Locks Open Day on Saturday 11th October which includes a pop-up café and tours of the restoration projects.
Visit www.wbct.org.uk/mcc-events for details and directions.
The aim of the Wilts & Berks Canal Trust is to restore the waterway from the Kennet & Avon Canal near Melksham to the Thames & Severn Canal near Cricklade and the River Thames near Abingdon, connecting Chippenham, Calne, Royal Wootton Bassett and Swindon.
The Naturesave Trust is funded by the activities of Naturesave Insurance, the UK’s leading ethical insurance provider for individuals, businesses, charities and community groups.
Visit www.naturesave.co.uk
Photo: Martin Palmer beside the River Avon in Melksham with the engine and battery provided by the Naturesave Trust. Photo by Justin Guy
