Popular boat trips in Chippenham are now quieter, cleaner and more environmentally friendly thanks to a new electric engine funded by a generous grant.
The Wilts & Berks Canal Trust’s Melksham, Chippenham & Calne branch runs two boats, The Mary Archard and Damselfly, which raise vital funds for the charity by carrying hundreds of passengers each year at special events including the Chippenham Folk Festival and Pewsham Locks Open Days.
Now, thanks to a £1,950 award from the Naturesave Trust, one of the vessels has been fitted with a lightweight electric outboard motor and battery. The new system is easier and cheaper to operate than petrol, while producing less noise and causing less disturbance to local wildlife.
Martin Palmer, who arranged the grant application on behalf of the branch, 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.”
Visitors will be able to learn more about the trust’s restoration work at the next Pewsham Locks Open Day on Saturday 11 October, which includes tours of the project and a pop-up café. Full details are available at www.wbct.org.uk/mcc-events.
The Wilts & Berks Canal Trust aims to restore the historic waterway from the Kennet & Avon Canal near Melksham to the Thames & Severn Canal near Cricklade and the River Thames near Abingdon, reconnecting towns including Chippenham, Calne, Royal Wootton Bassett and Swindon.
The Naturesave Trust, which funded the project, is supported by Naturesave Insurance, the UK’s leading ethical insurance provider for individuals, businesses, charities and community groups. More information can be found at www.naturesave.co.uk.
Photo: Martin Palmer with the electric engine and battery funded by the Naturesave Trust. Photo by Justin Guy
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