Abingdon's Canal !
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The full restoration of the Wilts and Berks Canal is now likely to be achieved within the next ten to twenty years. This will complete the Wessex Waterway Network, linking the Kennet and Avon Canal at Semington to the River Thames near Abingdon, and the Thames and Severn Canal near Latton. It is the longest restoration project in the country. Abandoned in 1914, the canal has refused to die. The navigation was almost totally rural, originally passing through virtually no towns, although some, like Swindon, did eventually grow up around it. It’s rural nature was it’s salvation. For while in the towns the canal was filled in and built over, in the country much of it was just left to return to nature. In some areas landowners have backfilled the waterway, but mostly the original line is still visible and relatively easy to reclaim. Of course most of the bridges have gone, but again these mainly carried only minor roads, farm crossings or footpaths. Even the M4 is not a serious obstruction as there is, near Junction 16, a slightly raised section suitable for passing under and not too far off the original canal line. Diversions will be necessary where urban expansion makes using the original route impractical. Abingdon, Swindon, Cricklade and Melksham have all been surveyed for alternative routes which have been identified. The reports and feasibility studies commissioned show no insurmountable obstacles. In a show of confidence in the project the Environment Agency have produced a sign which has been placed on the site of the canal’s new Junction with the River Thames. This is a mile downstream from Abingdon and opposite Culham Lock cut. It is probable that the first full size boats to come back onto the Wilts and Berks will enter from a new junction with the restored Thames and Severn Canal near Latton and will be able to cruise down towards Swindon. Since being formed in 1977 the Wilts and Berks Canal Trust (originally the Wilts and Berks Canal Amenity Group) has been leading the restoration project. It’s ten branches are working at many sites along the sixty miles of canal. This has resulted in several miles having been returned to navigable water, many more miles cleared preparatory to dredging, towpaths reinstated, locks and aqueducts rebuilt, old bridges restored and new bridges built. The amenity use of the restored sections is already evident. A canalside park has been built and a fishery stocked. Towpath walking and cycling (in conjunction with SUSTRANS) are very popular pastimes. Two very successful Trail Boat Festivals, organised by the Trust have been held at Wootton Bassett, proving immensely popular with visitors and boaters alike. Membership of the Trust is rapidly approaching 2000. In 2002 Dr. David Fletcher, the retiring chief executive of British Waterways, agreed to become the President of the Wilts and Berks Canal Trust. The Wilts and Berks Canal Partnership, which includes all interested parties from voluntary, government and commercial organisations and departments with interests in the project, is now fully involved in all aspects of the restoration. There can be no doubt that a restored Wilts and Berks Canal, as the central part of the Wessex Waterway Network, will be an immense benefit environmentally, economically and recreationally to the people and districts through which it passes.
Click here for IWA Bulletin extract
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