Signs for life
Commissioned by local conservation charity, Montgomeryshire Wildlife Trust (MWT), as part of a collaborative project called Canals, Communities and Wellbeing, the boards are positioned in well-trodden spots along the canal: in Llanymynech, at Belan Locks just outside Welshpool, at Brynderwen Lock near Dolforwyn and at Red House near Abermule.
Designed by Meifod-based graphic artist and wildlife photographer David Stevens, they feature illustrations of sections of the canal, with a few local landmarks and attractions spotlighted, in addition to information about why the canal is so important for nature and people alike.
Some key birds and animals that can be seen are highlighted, and there’s also a QR code directing visitors to where they can download a free app called Canal Safari, which will further enhance their trip with points of interest, quizzes, species cards and interactive functions like wildlife-recording and social media sharing.
“As well as being a beautiful place to enjoy a walk, go for a run or take the kids for a picnic, the Montgomery Canal is one of the most important canals for nature in the UK and of international importance,” says Charlotte Clayton, Communications Officer for the Canals, Communities and Wellbeing project at Montgomeryshire Wildlife Trust.
“But many people, locals included, don’t realise this special wildlife value. They don’t know it’s an otter stronghold, or that kingfishers are a regular sight, or that there’s a dazzling number of dragonflies and damselflies found here.
“We hope this colourful, easy-to-read bilingual interpretation about the canal’s natural highlights will help people discover some gems they might otherwise not have known about and give them a really wild and wonderful experience.”
What’s more, the interpretation boards also signpost visitors to some of the Montgomeryshire Wildlife Trust nature reserves located within easy walking distance of the canal, or indeed just off the towpath – Llanymynech Rocks, Llyn Coed y Dinas, Dolforwyn Woods and Red House – so they can extend their trip and learn more about the local area. https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/AJFCJaX03aPgRIwWy_tWADEW_gWAtcOILdDZ9RJr8R6EVxJnrB-ldr5EAVAwdFy9vu6ORPyJlDC60TgLZM8mtDhCIAZEpjBG0YZdc59EhOi_RScnYPwhm0qS9-AUTHzhLkESIVAm63Ub05KyIRdUiHCCJmv6Kw=w473-h400-s-no?authuser=0
The Montgomery Canal corridor – the land 5km either side of the waterway – boasts a great many important sites for biodiversity, and raising awareness of these and providing links to them is at the heart of the Canals, Communities and Wellbeing project.
The project has received funding through the Welsh Government Rural Communities - Rural Development Programme 2014-2020, which is funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the Welsh Government.
For more information about the Canals, Communities & Wellbeing project, visit www.montwt.co.uk/CCW
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