In response to the devastating chemical spill in the Walsall Canal, the Canal & River Trust has launched a fundraising campaign to help restore the local ecosystem. The spill, which occurred when approximately 4,000 litres of sodium cyanide leaked into the canal, led to the deaths of thousands of fish and severely disrupted the aquatic environment.
The charity is seeking to raise £10,000 to support the extensive cleanup efforts and aid in the recovery of wildlife affected by the disaster. The funds will be used to manage the immediate aftermath, including removing contaminated fish carcasses and continuing water quality tests, as well as supporting longer-term ecological restoration.
The Canal & River Trust has expressed deep concern over the incident, which has impacted 12 miles of the canal and threatens the future health of the waterway’s ecosystem. Paul Wilkinson, an ecologist with the Trust, warned that the damage could take years to fully repair, with the loss of vital species and the potential for invasive species to take hold.
The Trust is urging the public to contribute to the fundraiser, emphasising the importance of quick and effective action to protect and restore the canal’s natural environment.