A fundraising drive has been launched to help restore water levels to a section of the Grantham Canal between Hickling and Kinoulton, after extremely low levels were recorded over the past year.
The initiative, titled “Restoring Water to Our Canal”, focuses on improving water flow from the Smite Feeder, which supplies this stretch of the canal upstream of Hickling. Although the feeder itself has already been cleared, dense reeds and vegetation have built up within the canal, slowing the flow and absorbing significant amounts of water.
To address the problem, a four-metre-wide channel is being cleared along the centre of the canal from the Smite Feeder. The work is designed to increase water flow and create clearer conditions for fish, birds, dragonflies and other aquatic life.
Donate here if you’d like to help
According to information provided by the organisers, a specialist contractor has been approved to carry out the work using a long-reach excavator. Reeds will be pulled from the middle of the canal and placed along the bank, allowing insects and invertebrates to return safely to the water.
The need for action follows what campaigners describe as “extremely low” water levels observed this year. With summers becoming drier and hotter, there are concerns that conditions could worsen without intervention.
This stretch of the canal is disconnected from the main waterway network and is currently unnavigable by boats. As a result, it attracts limited maintenance funding from the Canal and River Trust and central government. Organisers say this has led to the canal becoming clogged with reeds and vegetation, while parts of its structure have deteriorated.
Alongside the current clearance work, further reed removal is planned through Kinoulton. Volunteers are also working on detecting and repairing leaks, maximising water feeds including the Smite and Knipton reservoirs, and managing sluice gates and stop-boards to make the most effective use of available water.
The group says ongoing maintenance will be essential to ensure the canal endures in the long term. A public appeal has been launched to support continued work, with donations being sought through an online fundraising page. Volunteers are also being invited to help keep the area clean and tidy.
Donate here if you’d like to help
Organisers say the canal remains an important local asset for walking, cycling, fishing and wildlife, and are urging residents who value the space to contribute if they are able.
