CHIPPENHAM Scouts and canal volunteers joined forces to breathe new life into a towpath.

They are planting native species of trees and shrubs, donated by the Woodland Trust, at both sides of the A4 near the Hyundai garage between Chippenham and Calne.

In one marathon session, the 10th Chippenham Scout Group planted 450 saplings in just one day. They have taken on the challenge as part of the Environmental Partnership Award.

The site was once the location of Derry Hill Bridge, where the canal passed beneath the Chippenham to Calne Turnpike Road.

Dave Maloney, Wilts and Berks Canal Trust project leader, said: “Thanks to the generosity of Lord Lansdowne, a lease for the land has been agreed here, and so we have been able to work on this section of the canal. Volunteers have been very busy clearing 100 years of accumulated brambles and undergrowth on either side of the A4, and local people have appreciated seeing this part of the canal gradually reappear as they drive along the road.

“We are thrilled to be working with 10th Chippenham Scout Group again. The scouts were brilliant at our Heritage Open Day last June, when they acted as marshalls and organised the car parking. They did a wonderful job for us, now we are pleased that we can reciprocate and help them to achieve this important Environmental Award.

“It’s so important to get the younger generation involved in environmental projects; it is the quality of their future that will be affected by projects such as these.”

Anyone interesting in volunteering or finding out more about the canal trust can visit www.melkshamwaterway.org.uk