London schools celebrate Brunel’s heritage

The 'Brunel, Bugs & Bridges' event is bringing over 250 children to the waterway on their doorstep. Pupils go back in time to meet the famous engineer, Isambard Kingdom Brunel, who takes them on a towpath walk and explains how he built the 'Three Bridges' where road, canal and railway cross. They then go on to visit the Hanwell Flight of locks: a Scheduled Ancient Monument, go bug hunting in Glade Country Park and take part in water safety sessions.

The children also learn about the construction techniques used to create the canals 200 years ago by building and testing model bridges aboard Elsdale II, an electric wide-beam barge that houses a floating classroom.

Elaine Stanley, British Waterways' learning services officer, explains: "Three Bridges and the Hanwell Flight of locks are magnificent structures and an important part of our canal heritage. They were built using innovative engineering techniques for their time. By arranging this fun day of activities for local schoolchildren, we are giving them an opportunity to learn about the history, wildlife and engineering of their local canal, and hopefully inspiring them to learn more about these subjects and maybe become the engineers of the future!"

Find out about wildlife by your local canal or river