I’m Harri, the Wilder Officer up North and as part of my role, I am active in the community finding out the wonderful ways local people are taking action for nature. I cannot tell you how delighted I was to find a group that works out of a canal boat along the Chesterfield canal. Python The Workboat is a canal boat run purely by volunteers and funded by donations, fundraising, and grant applications. She runs every week from March through to November and does about a 4 to 5 mile stretch of the canal each session, clearing the canal of rubbish.

I was lucky enough to get the opportunity to spend the day with the crew aboard the Python and learn all about what they do, and so much more. I was amazed to find out that the Python was built in 1929. She is an absolute beauty and runs like a dream, through hard work and commitment of the people looking after her down the years. After signing up to attend a session the whole thing runs like clockwork. I received an email saying where and when to meet with clear instructions on what to do.

On the morning of the outing, I was extremely excited and had forgotten about the fact it was work. I turned up at the meeting point and was greeted by Mic and Peter, two volunteers aboard the Python. We were also joined by Dan, whose first time it was aboard Python, but not aboard a canal boat as he lives on one. I was extremely impressed with the setup; we received full health and safety and were given high-vis jackets and life jackets to wear for the journey. They really had thought of everything, even a glasses string to ensure passengers did not lose their glasses in the canal. A few minutes later we were joined by the rest of the crew; Keith, Jenny, and Chris. The kettle was boiled, the tea was drunk, my excitement levels were high and off we went.

Litter pickers were handed out and roles were clearly explained. It become very apparent that the crew are so good at what they do and take so much pride in it. Two were walking the canal collecting litter, whilst the rest of us were collecting litter from the water aboard the Python. I was amazed at how much rubbish was being collected and pulled out of the canal and was even more amazed to find out that this was a particularly light day in terms of rubbish.

The stretch of the canal we were on is the longest uninterrupted stretch of canal, which means there is a long stretch without a lock - we only went through one the whole time. I had a turn of opening and closing the lock with the help of the crew members. Whilst at the lock we met some other lovely boaters all the way from California, they were over in the UK for 4 months living on a boat and loving life. They were very complimentary about the Chesterfield canal and amazed by the work the Python are doing.

Whilst the water was draining from the lock, the crew were working extremely hard cleaning the sides to stop roots taking hold of the mortar in the brickwork on either side of the canal. I watched from the shore in complete admiration of how fast and thoroughly they worked. It was at this point that it struck me how important all the work is that they are doing. I wondered who would do these sorts of tasks if it weren't for volunteers and it became very apparent to me that it would not get done.

Off we went again. This stretch of the canal had lots of long hanging branches obstructing the view of the skipper steering the boat. The crew removed just enough to make viewing clear, but whilst being mindful of the trees and the wildlife, to not remove more than necessary.

Then it was time for lunch. The sun was shining, spirits were high, and conversation was flowing. I was having such a wonderful time. The crew are so lovely and so friendly and happy to answer my endless questions. The kettle was boiled, the tea was made, and lunch was eaten and then off we set again.

This time I took a turn walking alongside the Python with Keith collecting rubbish. With our grabbers, buckets, and gloves at the ready- off we set. I was surrounded by nature, birds singing, butterflies everywhere, dragonflies and damselflies playing on the water's surface. I said to Keith how beautiful it was and he said that is why they do it. Again, bringing me back to remembering how dedicated and hard-working the crew are in acting for nature.

We reached our destination and moored up. The boat was full of rubbish and the canal was cleaner due to the trip. The crew had organised two cars to get us back to our original starting point, everything was planned and thought out. As we said our goodbyes and set off home I was honoured to have been a member of the crew for a day and had the best time aboard.

Although it was great fun, I think it’s important to remember that it’s not all about fun and the Python crew are doing such important work keeping the canal clean benefiting local wildlife and people alike. I can assure you as I'm sat here writing this the day after my trip, my aching bones are a good reminder of how hard the crew is working. I also got extremely lucky with the weather that day the sun shone down, and it was beautiful, the crew are out in all weathers. Thank you for allowing me to take part and see the wonderful work you are all doing. I will be back aboard again.