Fund: SUEZ Communities Fund
Project: Hinds Lane Greenway
Organisation: Little Britain Anglers
Sometimes, community impact starts with rolling up sleeves and getting stuck in.
With support from the SUEZ Communities Fund, Little Britain Anglers have begun an ambitious project to restore a section of the Manchester Bolton Bury Canal along the Hinds Lane Greenway in Bury, Greater Manchester. The work is helping to improve access for leisure users while also delivering environmental benefits for wildlife and water quality.
Specialist contractors were brought in to carry out the initial clearance works, removing 
invasive plant species and accumulated debris from the canal. This has created a clear route for walkers, cyclists and anglers, while also improving water flow and reducing stagnant areas that can negatively affect the ecosystem.
Where possible, debris was carefully placed along the canal edge rather than removed entirely. This allowed invertebrates and other wildlife to safely re-enter the water, ensuring the clearance work was carried out in a way that supported biodiversity rather than disrupting it.
The grant funded the clearance of a specific section of the canal within the SUEZ Communities Fund’s eligible area. While fundraising continues to support the longer-term ambition of restoring the full stretch, volunteer working parties are already playing a vital role. Local volunteers continue to undertake routine clearance and regular litter-picking, helping to maintain the improvements and keep the greenway welcoming and accessible.
The progress made in just the first week of works has been striking. Videos shared by the group show the transformation from the first day on site through to day seven, highlighting just how much can be achieved when professional expertise and community effort come together.
This project is a powerful reminder of what voluntary groups can accomplish with the right support. By improving access, enhancing habitats and creating a space that benefits both people and nature, Little Britain Anglers are helping to restore a much-loved local asset for the whole community.
You can see the progress of the works in action through videos shared by the group, showing the transformation from Day 1 to Day 7.
- Day 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SBvf3VIeu3E
- Day 7: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i4DCly3dgdU&t=43s
Learn more about the SUEZ Communities Fund for England by clicking the ‘continue’ button below. The next application deadline is 11 February 2026.