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- herefordshire & gloucestershire canal restoration
The major restoration project taking place at Over Basin, near Gloucester, is coming to an end in 2008 and has reportedly led to an abundance of wildlife.
The eight year long task carried out by the Hereford & Gloucester Canal Trust started in the grounds of the former Over hospital, where the canal begins its route from the River Severn.
Working alongside some executive housing developers, the Trust managed to negotiate a deal whereby the canal would become the focal point of the new development. As part of the planning permission, the Trust was able to gain ownership of the canal, the land beside it and the freehold of the original lock keeper’s cottage.
The plans for the restoration were vast and included the excavation of the canal and wharf, the construction of a surfaced towpath, 85m of wharf and a slipway. They also succeeded in building a pumping station to create a water supply from the River Leadon, a swing bridge, and a wharf house containing a visitor centre, restaurant, shop and B&B. Relying solely on volunteers and some hand-outs, the Trust managed to complete all of these tasks on a budget of just £50,000.
It is thought that this project has given the surrounding wildlife a massive boost as it involved the excavation of the wharf and part of the canal, both of which had been filled in when the hospital was built. The plans also included the planting of dozens of shrubs and mature trees, along with different varieties of willow to see which types would thrive in the Over’s moist clay beds. The construction of an Otter holt aims to get visitors flocking to the canal to catch a glimpse of these shy creatures. Other animal sightings have included birds such as the Kingfisher, Cormorant, Woodpecker, Kestrel, Heron and Moorhen, as well as the usual Ducks and Swans.
Visit the Herefordshire & Gloucestershire Trust website
