Barclaycard banks on East End’s Regent’s Canal

BANKING volunteers headed to an East End canal to help refurbish and replant floating bird rafts to help create a better wildlife habitat.

A group from Barclaycard’s London team rolled their sleeves up to work at the Regent’s Canal towpath yesterday (Tuesday).

Joining forces with British Waterways, they have ‘adopted’ a mile-long section of from Limehouse Basin to Mile End on the canal.

They will be working on the area during volunteer days over the next two years.

Diane Black, from Barclaycard, said: “The Regent’s Canal is a brilliant car-free route to walk and cycle across London.

“It’s a real asset to the area, and flows close to our office.”

It is all part of a scheme being championed by British Waterways to get businesses and community groups to get involved with their local canal or river.

The organisation is hoping to have 20 adoptions in place by next year.

Simon Salem, British Waterways’ marketing director said: “Canal adoption schemes are a great way for local people to really get involved and help look after their local waterway.”

The Barclaycard team spent the day refurbishing and replanting bird rafts on the canal.

The rafts provide a home for water fowl as well as a refuge for fish.

In future events, the team will monitor wildlife habitats, cut back vegetation, paint locks and carry out general maintenance like litter picking and graffiti removal.