Chichester Canal is home this summer to a family of swans with a record-breaking 9 cygnets. As well as family-friendly wildlife, the canal is home to many bugs, butterflies and bees, and this summer the canal volunteers are encouraging families to find out more.
The Chichester Ship Canal Trust, the volunteer-led, self-funded charity behind the canal, is welcoming families of all ages to learn more about the insects that live along the canal. On Monday 25th July, from 10am – 3pm, the community volunteers will be outside the Heritage Centre at the Canal Basin, offering family friendly activities (inside if wet). Children are invited to take part in crafts and activities, including making insect hats, masks, peg butterflies and spring bugs. There is no charge for the activities, although donations to the Trust are welcome, and no booking is needed. Parents and carers are asked to remain with their children at all times.
The family friendly waterside café will be open all day. The popular boat trips are running through the summer holidays and booking in advance is recommended.
Chichester Canal is operated and maintained by the Chichester Ship Canal Trust, a small, volunteer led, self-funded charity. The purpose of the Trust is to preserve and maintain an attractive and accessible canal, safeguarding the unique heritage and natural habitat, for present and future generations to enjoy. In 2022 it is 200 years since the first formal opening of the canal, celebrated with a programme of anniversary events.
Celia Javan, Community Team Lead Volunteer, said, ‘Our family friendly events are proving really popular. The canal is a Local Wildlife Site and offers unique habitat for wildlife. This month’s theme is around butterflies, which is highly topical as the annual Butterfly Conservation’s Big Butterfly Count is running till 7th August, and we’re encouraging visitors to the canal to take part.’
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