The MP for Melton and Rutland, Alicia Kearns, has unveiled the Oakham Canal Green Corridor Project information board and milepost in a ceremony this morning, Friday 13 January 2023.

The Oakham Canal Green Corridor Project is a registered charity working to preserve and restore the old Oakham Canal in Rutland, UK, in order to "share the economic, environmental, social and leisure opportunities this beautiful waterway offers". ​

The new Green Corridor will provide around 2.5 miles of footpaths between the Springfield Estate in the south, and the Oakham Enterprise Park in the north, with work so far having taken place on the canal paths between and around Oakham and Langham.

Volunteers also attended the event.

The project has been ongoing for 8 years, and has been a registered charity for 2.

Project Manager, Paul Dadford, said: "It was only and idea 8 years ago. I got talking to landowners, asked the public, and the idea grew. A public meeting was held and I expected only 10 people, so when 100 turned up, it was amazing to see that this would be a well-supported project - something it continues to be today.

"We believe that the Oakham Canal is a vital part of the local heritage, and with the right care and attention, can become a haven for both wildlife and the local community.

"In the future, we hope to undertake work on the Springfield canal, as well as realigning the footpath that runs alongside the railway in the fields immediately off of the bypass, redirecting it alongside the canal to correspond with the rest of the paths and work we have done."

Rutland Morris Men have supported the project keenly.

Local group, The Rutland Morris Men, have donated to the cause, and were also in attendance.

Mr Dadford, fellow canal project volunteers, and The Rutland Morris Men were celebrated today as the information board containing details about the history of the waterways, footpaths, and canal project was unveiled by Rutland and Melton MP, Alicia Kearns.

Ms Kearns said: "This initiative is so lovely and exemplifies true Rutland spirit. Paul and the team have worked together to make a difference to the local community. I walked here a lot with my children during the lockdown, and can appreciate the huge amount of work that has been put in.

"The canal is beloved. I am really grateful to Paul and the group for all you have done for the community."

A milepost, donated by Rutland resident, Jen, was also recognised in this celebration of culture, heritage, and nature.

Jen, who donated the post, was joined by her dogs, Snoop and Nela.

Jen said: "The milepost has been in my garden for some time, so it's lovely to see it here today. I have used these canals for many years, and will continue to do so, grateful for the hard work being put in by the volunteers."

Following the cutting of the ceremonial ribbon, The Rutland Morris Men performed on the roadside for the crowd of volunteers and local people who had turned up in support of the event:

County Council Leader, Lucy Stephenson, was also in attendance. Cllr Stephenson said: "This has been a lovely event, a chance to celebrate the hard work of those involved and to spread the word about these walkways."

Cllr Stephenson, Alicia Kearns, and Cllr Sally-Anne Wadsworth pictured with the group

Oakham's Mayor, Cllr Sally-Anne Wadsworth, added: "What a fantastic idea. This is a very helpful initiative to raise awareness of the canal paths and to help keep people active."

Find out more about the Oakham Canal Green Corridor Project and about volunteering opportunities with the group here.

Alicia Kearns celebrates the cutting of the ribbon.

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