18th July 2018
Lovers of the Chesterfield Canal were delighted by the news that this beautiful waterway has been officially recognised as one of the UK’s very best green spaces, not just once, but three times over.
Hollingwood Hub, which lies on the canal in Staveley, received its first Green Flag Award. The site is run by the Chesterfield Canal Trust. The derelict lock house was restored and extended in 2011, paid for by a grant from Community Assets. Volunteers from the Trust landscaped the gardens and now tend them in conjunction with a local school.
The bid was led by Jim Bower, Vice Chair of the Trust. Jim said: “I am delighted that the efforts of our volunteers have been recognised. The judges were amazed by the contribution the Hub has made to the area. We hope that this award will help our campaign to complete the restoration of the canal. It demonstrates how industrial wasteland can be turned into green spaces to benefit the whole community.”
Jim believes in leading from the front and is often to be seen mowing and strimming the grass at the Hub with fellow Trust member Chris Hadfield.
Hollingwood Hub is a very popular stopping off place for the many walkers and cyclists who frequent the towpath. Many visit Katey’s Coffee Shop, whilst others come to cruise on the tripboat Madeline. The Trust runs these trips every Saturday from April to October, with Monday and Wednesday added in the school summer holidays.
The whole of the eastern end of the canal, from Kiveton Park to West Stockwith, where it meets the River Trent, has also been awarded Green Flag status. This 32 mile long section is managed by the Canal & River Trust. Previously only the final 14 miles had achieved recognition.
Tapton Lock in Chesterfield is the longest standing Green Flag site on the canal. This is the sixth year running that it has received the award. It is run by the Derbyshire County Council’s Countryside Service.
International Green Flag Award scheme manager Paul Todd said: “We are delighted to be celebrating another record-breaking year for the Green Flag Award scheme, with more Green Flags awarded this year than last year.”
“Each flag honours the thousands of staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to maintain the high standards demanded by the Green Flag Award. We are proud to have so many wonderful green spaces in the UK for people to enjoy, and hope that next year, we award even more flags.”
For the photographic story of the early restoration of Hollingwood Hub, click here.
Hollingwood Lock in 1991.
Hollingwood Lock House in 2008.
Hollingwood Hub in 2018.