Local School Children Take The River Stort Challenge

7 November 2008

From Tuesday 4 to Friday 7 November, school children from six Harlow primary schools have been getting afloat with British Waterways (BW) and the Canal Boat Project, taking part in the River Stort Challenge.

Starting near Parndon Mill, the children enjoyed half-day boat trips along the River Stort.

Here they learned how to work the locks at Parndon and Burnt Mill, and how to steer the boat down the river, while enjoying the local wildlife along the way.

Lessons in designing and building model boats were the focus of the second half of the day, with workshops run by British Waterways at the clubhouse of Harlow Town Rugby Club. The children tested their own model boats out on the river, whilst learning how to be safe near the water.

Elaine Stanley, British Waterways’ learning services officer said: “This project gives children the opportunity to explore the delights of the River Stort and its wildlife by boat. The children will have hands-on experience of operating a lock, and get to participate in a boat trip, which they always enjoy.”

These days were funded by British Waterways London.

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

Participating schools: Milward’s Primary, St James Primary, Hare Street Primary, Churchgate Primary, Potter Street Primary and Harlowbury Primary School.

British Waterways - cares for 100 miles of canals and rivers and 110 acres of docks in London. It works in partnerships with the public, private and voluntary sectors to deliver regeneration and social improvements around its waterways and actively encourages the involvement of the community and local groups to unlock the network’s full potential.