Regent's Canal gets a makeover in time for summer

Regent's Canal is getting a makeover in time for summer.

A community group is working on an imaginative project to improve the look of the Regent’s Canal – as well as attract more wildlife.

Working with British Waterways, over 35 volunteers from Rosemary Works Community Association (RoWCA) have developed a site on a stretch of the canal near the De Beauvoir estate, and are responsible for its upkeep.

As part of the project, the community group – whose members range in age from eight to 64 – have planted a wide variety of plants to support existing wildlife including bats, insects, and birds, as well as attracting new species to the site.

Hackney Council donated 3 tonnes of recycled compost to the project. Association member, Daniel Rigamonti, said: “The project has brought residents closer together, and made the wider community take notice of the canal and the local environment.”

Three flowerbeds have been installed, with plans for another four.

The association is also hoping to get a local primary school involved, and take part in workshops on wildlife, gardening and the environment. Children can grow flowers to plant in the beds.

Other future plans include working with local artists to create biodiversity themed artwork to display at the canal-side garden site.

You can follow the project on the RoWCA blog.