Bridge 19-40 Canal Society Facts for Kids

A view of Bells Mill Wharf, a busy spot on the canal.

This sign shows that the area is accessible for everyone, including people with disabilities.

The Bridge 19-40 Canal Society is a special group in Scotland. It's like a club that helps look after the Union Canal. They are also a registered charity, which means they do good work for the community. This society uses boats to help people enjoy the canal. Their main spots are in Winchburgh and Drumshoreland, both in West Lothian.

What is the Bridge 19-40 Canal Society?
- How the Society Started
What Does the Society Do?
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What is the Bridge 19-40 Canal Society?

The Bridge 19-40 Canal Society is a group dedicated to the Union Canal. They operate community boats, which are boats used to help people explore and enjoy the canal. They also work to keep the canal and its surroundings healthy and safe.

How the Society Started

This society began in 1999. Before that, it was called the B.U.C.H.A.N. Society and was based in Broxburn. The members decided they wanted to help a bigger part of the canal. So, they changed their name to "Bridge 19-40 Canal Society."

The new name refers to two bridges on the canal: Bridge 19 and Bridge 40. Bridge 19 is the first bridge you see when you enter West Lothian. Bridge 40 is near Philpstoun. The name also means that the society acts like a "bridge" itself. It connects different towns and people who live along the Union Canal.

What Does the Society Do?

The Bridge 19-40 Canal Society has several important goals. They work hard to make the canal a better place for everyone.

Helping Canal Users and the Environment

They encourage everyone who uses the canal to work together. This includes boaters, walkers, and cyclists.
They help the canal grow in a way that is good for nature and lasts a long time. This is called sustainable development.
They protect the homes of animals and plants that live in and around the canal. This keeps the canal's natural habitats safe.

Community and Volunteering

The society offers chances for people of all ages to volunteer. This means you can help out and learn new things.
They want everyone in the community to enjoy the canal for fun. This includes people with disabilities, making sure the canal is accessible for all.

Working with Other Groups

The Bridge 19-40 Canal Society works with other groups that care about canals. These include the Seagull Trust, the Linlithgow Union Canal Society, and the Edinburgh Canal Society. They all work together to keep the Scottish Lowland canals in good shape. They want to make sure these canals are used and enjoyed for many years to come.

Teaching Water Safety

A very important activity for the society is teaching water safety. They regularly visit primary schools in West Lothian. During these visits, they teach children about the possible dangers of water. They also encourage kids not to throw litter into the canal. This helps keep the waterway clean and safe for everyone.