Historic wharf restoration gives trip boat green light

The implementation of the project has been managed by British Waterways and funded by grants secured by the Grantham Canal Society from the Waste Recycling Environmental Network (WREN) and East Midlands Development Agency (emda).

It is anticipated that the restored wharf will support the Grantham Canal Society’s aspirations to operate a trip boat on the canal between Harlaxton and Woolsthorpe, and enable visitors to experience the waterway from an entirely different perspective.

The wharf dates back to the late 18th century when it was used for unloading coal and construction materials and loading agricultural products from local farms. The original wharf piling was constructed from oak, which over time had perished and needed renewing, and the surrounding land had become overgrown.

British Waterways’ acting general manager, Sean McGinley said: “We’re grateful to all the partners involved in the restoration of the wharf. This project could help to create a real focal point for visitors enabling them to further explore the Grantham Canal’s wildlife, heritage and excellent village pubs.”

A second phase of the project involving the creation of a landscaped community space is now being planned. Funding is being applied for by the Harlaxton Village community and a planning application has been submitted to South Kesteven District Council. It is hoped that the second phase, which will see the wharf opened up to the public, will be completed by the autumn.

Volunteers from the Grantham Canal Society and Harlaxton Village have previously worked to clear vegetation from the site, and an archaeological survey was carried out by the Grantham Archaeological Group. British Waterways also conducted a detailed vole survey to ensure that there weren’t any of the animals present before works took place.

Peter Stone, Secretary of the Grantham Canal Partnership said: “The response of the public to the ‘Grantham on Water’ festival, held at Woolsthorpe in 2007, was fantastic – with 4,500 visitors braving the weather and over 800 of them grabbing the chance to take their first-ever boat trips along the Grantham Canal. Ever since, we’ve been keen to re-open these 4 miles to visiting boaters and to introduce a trip boat for use for school parties, family picnics and other outings. Re-opening Harlaxton Wharf will go a long way to making this vision a reality”

The Grantham Canal has not been navigable for boats since 1937 and has become a rich wetland habitat with a five mile section, between Redmile and Harby, and a second section at Kinoulton, designated as Sites of Special Scientific Interest.