Paddling through the city

It’s hard to believe there’s any open space close by as we drive across Sheffield’s huge M1 flyover, past shiny online warehouses and shopping centre car parks. Yet hidden amid the concrete, Tinsley Marina is an oasis of sparkling blue and verdant green.

Built to carry iron ore into the city, and steel out of it, the canal is now being brought back to life. Today, it’s the venue for a ‘Let’s Paddle!’ event and Dan Crawford, our instructor, is busy explaining how to get going. “Paddle right to go left. Left to go right. Forwards to go backwards. Backwards to go forwards. And remember, screaming won’t stop you. Only paddling will.”

As difficult as it sounds, as soon as we get on the water, paddling comes completely naturally. Soon, 13-year-old Joseph is ploughing eagerly ahead through this gorgeous ribbon of water. We are totally focused and at peace. Like wanderers in wilderness, looking for adventure around the next bend. “Snake! Snake!” goes up a shout ahead. Sure enough, a grass snake swims head above water across the canal. A truly amazing sight in the heart of Sheffield.

Community roots engagement coordinator, Jade Wilkes, is responsible for putting on waterside events all year round. “We’ve got paddleboarding, walking, fishing and a ‘Let’s Lock-Keep!’ day coming up. There are street art days. Yesterday, I was running a Forest School session. Families might be a bit nervous at first, but every single time, they love the activities.

With lots of free events running on our canals this year, people of all ages are paddling, pedalling, walking or exploring nature by water. We visited the Sheffield & Tinsley Canal to discover how these open taster sessions are helping people in urban areas get active right on their doorstep.

“There are some of the most densely populated areas of Sheffield along this stretch,” continues Jade. “People don’t have access to many places to go outside for fun. I remember one young family were terrified to even go near a puddle. But by the end they were all splashing through the puddles and getting muddy. All children love to be outside. They just need exposure to it. Where I grew up, there was no chance to do something like canoeing. So now, I’m keen to give people opportunities they wouldn’t normally have.”

Meanwhile, volunteer team leader, Anthony Walker, is working hard with his volunteers to clear a wharf by the canal. He tells us: “We’re creating a canoe hub to help bring local families, students and people with learning difficulties down to the water.” It’s just one of many projects his volunteers deliver, from clearing up litter and fly-tipped debris, to planting bulbs and wildflowers and removing graffiti. “We are starting to get on top,” says Anthony. “The more beauty we create, or activities we run, the more people want to come to their canal.”

Join in!

‘Let’s!’ events are free, open to all and available right around the country. Get active by your local canal at canalrivertrust.org.uk/events