Students shine in Canal Restoration Project

Since November 2023, National Star students have been actively volunteering for the Stroud District Council Restoration project. This initiative, supported by the National Heritage Lottery Fund, Cotswold Canals Connected, Cotswold Canals Trust, Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust, Stroud Valleys Project, and Cotswold Boatmobility, aims to restore the canal built in 1779, which closed after the Second World War. Dedicated individuals have long sought funding to revive this historic canal and were thrilled when the funding was announced in 2023 with the additional support from local schools and colleges, the project provides educational opportunities on heritage.

Weekly volunteering opportunities

Throughout the project, Julian, Education Programme Manager at National Star College in Ullenwood, has worked closely with Tony and Britta from the Stroud District Council to ensure that weekly volunteering opportunities were suitable and educational for the students.

“A highlight for me has been working with National Star and getting to know everyone,” said Tony. “The funding finishes in a year, but the hope is for continued support. This project demonstrates that a small input can significantly impact our community.”

Special experience

The collaboration with National Star College has been particularly special, with students like Sonny, Christopher, and George actively participating. Every other week they travelled to new locations, working on various aspects of the restoration. “For us as a college, this experience has been truly special,” Julian commented. “It started with Sonny and Christopher and then George joined in January. Every other week, we head off to the newest location together.”

The college logs student progress both on campus and through external projects, and the feedback on the students’ progress has been encouraging. Shared moments, such as working with Stroud Valley project team and enjoying cake together, have added to the experience’s enjoyment. “Hearing Tony’s comments on the students’ progress was lovely to see,” Julian noted. “We wanted to thank Tony and Britta for their constant support and always providing the biscuits.”

Student growth

The project has exceeded initial expectations, helping students learn about their local area. Flexibility in accommodating the students’ abilities has been crucial. The support staff, including Kim, Carl, and Kenny, have been instrumental throughout this project. Stories of the students’ independence and growth, such as Chris working with a wheelbarrow and Sonny cutting down fallen tree logs by himself, highlight the project’s impact. “There are so many things that the students have done and excelled at,” Julian shared.

Students and staff worked towards the John Muir Award, which encourages people to connect with and care for wild places. “We discovered the canal paths, bridges, meadows, woodlands, and rivers,” Britta explained. “We explored the canal in all seasons, took a boat ride from Cotswold Canal Trust, and joined regular volunteer groups for conservation activities.” Since November, students have dedicated over 200 hours to these efforts, and all participating students have received the John Muir Award.

“The future of this project is still unclear, but National Star is in conversation with Stroud Valleys Projects to plan another year of student volunteering,” Britta concluded. This initiative demonstrates that even small efforts can significantly impact our community, highlighting the potential for future projects and continued collaboration.

Please find out more about this project by watching our video below.