The Wey & Arun Canal Trust has reaffirmed its commitment to creating a 'Green Corridor' through Surrey and Sussex following the recent appointment of Ian Burton as the Trust's Conservation Adviser.

Ian, who lives at Middleton-on-Sea, held various senior roles in the local authority sector before taking retirement in 2007. Most recently, he was Director of Outdoor Business for Mid Sussex District Council. He has also worked in the consultancy field and is qualified in horticulture and landscape design.

Ian believes that he can help to improve knowledge of the rich bio diversity of wildlife associated with the canal environment. He is keen to harness the conservation interest and awareness that exists in the local community which is reflected in the high value that many people place on the wildlife and recreational benefits of the canal corridor.

"The job will entail desk work as well as field study work, by liaising with interested organisations and individuals, while helping to consolidate and publicise the Trust's conservation credentials," says Ian. "The data collected will enable us to better set priorities for conservation, to direct engineering works sensitively, and formulate long term management plans for the canal landscape.

"I have been very impressed with what has been achieved, the longer term aspirations and the clear commitment to give conservation a higher profile and importance in the Trust's work," continues Ian. "I look forward to working with a wide range of talented people in the Trust co-ordinating and furthering conservation as a key element of reinstatement of the canal."

Further information about the Wey & Arun Canal Trust is available from the Trust's office, on 01403 752403 (office manned weekday mornings, answering machine at other times).

Notes for Editors

A photograph to accompany this release and further information about the Wey & Arun Canal Trust is available from Bill Thomson, bill_thomson@weyandarun.co.uk, 01403 210347

The Wey & Arun Canal Trust

The Wey & Arun Canal, "London's lost route to the sea" was originally opened in 1816 between the River Wey at Shalford, near Guildford, and Pallingham, near Pulborough, the head of navigation of the River Arun. It closed in 1871, due to railway competition. Since the 1970s the 23-mile waterway has been the subject of a campaign by volunteers led by the Wey & Arun Canal Trust to restore the route to navigation. Work has been undertaken in a number of locations, most notably the stretch near the Sussex/Surrey border at Loxwood. Over two miles in length, this includes four working locks, two public road crossings, an aqueduct, two farm bridges, and numerous minor works, all built or rebuilt through voluntary effort. Boat trips are available on this stretch, onboard several craft, including the new 60-seater electrically-powered Wiggonholt. See www.weyandarun.co.uk