Public to be consulted on 'stunning' restoration

Regeneration plans for an environmentally 'stunning' UK waterway have reached a critical phase – and the public is being invited to play a role in its future.

The Montgomery Canal Partnership, made up of major players in regeneration, boating, heritage and conservation, is launching a major consultation into how the picturesque waterway should be restored. The group aims to pump £35m from a wide range of sources to restore one of the most stunning stretches of water in the UK.

Now, a detailed conservation management strategy, funded mainly by the Heritage Lottery Fund, has been drawn up to ensure the unique fauna and flora along the "Monty" continues to flourish alongside access for boats.

Strategy project manager Stephen Lees said public input to the scheme was a vital aspect of the bigger picture: "The Montgomery Canal contains an extraordinary range of unique wildlife, with more than half its length designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest," said Mr Lees.

"The key to any development of the waterway for limited leisure use is sustainable management, with a careful balance struck between the requirements of natural conservation and the aspirations of leisure," he added.

David Parker, director operations, Countryside Council for Wales endorsed this: "We have a legal duty to protect the canal's conservation value, but have always recognised that the long term future will be best served if the canal is restored to use, with effective safeguards. We believe that the principles of this agreement provide that way forward".

The Montgomery Canal extends for 34 miles south from Frankton Locks, where it leaves the Llangollen Canal, Britain's most popular inland waterway. Just over two miles in England, and the whole of the Wales length, 24 miles, are designated as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). The Canal in Wales is also a candidate Special Area of Conservation (cSAC), under European habitat legislation. Two internationally rare plants, found in abundance in the canal are floating water plantain (Luronium natans) and grass-wrack pondweed (Potamogeton compressus).

Earlier restoration schemes have seen eight miles re-open in England, and 12 in Wales.

The public can find out more about the Montgomery Canal Conservation Strategy at a number of public shows throughout the summer in Welshpool, Berriew, Guilsfield, West Felton and Ellesmere.