Heritage preserved thanks to United Utilities Community Fund

The New Cut Heritage and Ecology Trail group in Warrington has received equipment to help them continue their conservation efforts throughout the winter.

River Rangers from United Utilities handed over the new equipment, which included wellies, gloves, and waterproofs, to the group who look after Paddington Meadows nature reserve on the banks of the River Mersey in Warrington.

The 20 members of The New Cut Heritage and Ecology Group meet every Thursday on their so-called 'workday' to carry out litter picks, clear overgrown shrubbery and conduct a monthly bird, butterfly and dragonfly survey, the results of which are sent to the county recorder for official logging. 

Running for over 10 years they have gradually built up through the dedication and commitment of residents from the local community. As part of their work, they also aim to educate the local community through six information boards which they’ve installed around the reserve detailing the types of flora and fauna to be found in the area. One even tells the famous Warrington story of 'Old Billy' - the longest-living horse on record who was born in Woolston in 1760 and pulled barges up and down canals all his life. 

Lynda Eagan, vice chair of the group said the donation from the United Utilities Better Rivers Better North West Community Fund has made a big impact on the group's ability to continue their work in the winter months. 

"We're so thankful to United Utilities for providing us with this equipment. It means we can come out in wetter weather and the jobs that need more protective and warmer clothing can get done.

"Reedbeds for example - the waders will be essential for those when the water comes high.

"We'll take advantage of no birds nesting and the weed growth being reduced to crack on with our work."

Paddington Meadows, a 30-hectare nature reserve, makes up the bulk of the group's weekly activity but they also maintain the areas at both Woolston Lock and Paddington Lock, opposing ends of the now disused New Cut Canal, where the group takes its name from. 

Emma Birch, Engagement Lead for Cheshire at United Utilities, said: “It’s great to see The United Utilities Better Rivers Better North West Community Fund in action.  What we’ve provided to The New Cut Heritage and Ecology Trail group will have a real tangible impact on what they can achieve throughout the winter. We are delighted to be helping groups such as these as it takes real partnership with communities to keep the north west’s rivers looking at their best”.

The Better Rivers Better North West Community Fund supports community groups whose activities:

• benefit local watercourses and riverside environments
• act as catalyst for improved community and environmental wellbeing
• reconnect communities to riverside environments
• promote sustainable drainage

Groups can apply to the fund for up to £2,500 worth of support by emailing Stakeholderrelations@uuplc.co.uk with details of their request.