The huge Scots Pine, which had come down during the recent stormy weather, was blocking the canal and preventing boaters and local people from using the canal and towpath.
A 21-tonne tree was lifted by crane out of the Leicester Line of the Grand Union Canal near Blaby on 24 October 2024.
A spokesperson for Canal & River Trust said:
‘Due to the size of the tree, we needed to bring in a crane and seat it on steel matting so it could be removed safely without damaging the canal bank and surrounding area.
‘We invested several thousand pounds in the removal, with local colleagues working alongside contractors to reopen navigation.’
Richard Walker, contract manager, said: “Trees falling into the canals can present us with some real challenges. Not only can they block navigation for boats, but they can cause significant damage, and because towpaths were built for horses to tow boats rather than heavy modern-day machinery, this can present several access considerations.
“We carry out proactive tree works outside of the nesting season and remove windblown branches and trees from our nationwide network of canals year-round. With winter approaching, and a changing climate that is bringing more frequent and severe storms, we will be on hand over the months ahead to keep navigation open.
“Our amazing canal network is 250 years old and is open to the elements. We welcome people’s support, through volunteering, donating, or spreading the word about our charity, to help us keep canals alive for years to come.”
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