The Oakham Canal Green Corridor Project (OCGCP) has been selected to be involved in Tesco's 'Stronger Starts' scheme.

The OCGCP 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 '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.

The Oakham Canal has been improved by a group of local volunteers passionate about the community and environment. Image credit: Nub News.

As well as continuing with ongoing works along the Oakham-Langham canal and recruiting new volunteers, the charity has been selected to feature in Tesco's 'Stronger Starts' programme.

The £5 million scheme supports thousands of projects and good causes across the UK. It is open to all schools, registered charities and not-for-profit organisations, and Oakham's Tesco has featured a range of local organisations and charities.

They shared on their social media: "We're delighted to announce that we have been selected to take part in Tesco's Stronger Starts scheme. This means from the start of October you will be able to vote for us using the little blue tokens handed out when you make a purchase.

"The charity with the most tokens at the end of the scheme will receive a grant of £1,500 from Tesco, which would really support our work over next year. So, please remember to vote for us whenever you are in store!"

The volunteer team need your support. Image credit: Nub News.

On top of these exciting developments for the group, thanks to National Lottery funding, the OCGCP is working with Arts for Rutland to explore the life of Oakham's canals in an intriguing new audio book project.

The team said: "We have been lucky enough to secure funding to create a "Talking History" audio guide, which will help us preserve the cultural heritage of the Oakham Canal, in posterity.

"The guide will be freely available and describe the history of the canal, how it was constructed, how it impacted life in Oakham, the lives of canal people and run through time right up to our project today.

"Many local groups are getting involved in the creation of this artefact.

"Do get in touch with us if you want to be involved."

Alternatively, find out more about the guided walks on offer along Oakham Canal in 2023.

The OCGCP run walks and gudied tours of the calan to highlight the area to Rutland residents and showcase their hard work. Image credit: Nub News.

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