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First boat in eight decades for Droitwich Barge Canal

2nd Sep 2010

The first canal boat to travel along the Barge Canal in around eighty years will usher in a new era of 'canal mania' for Droitwich.

The first boat is scheduled to enter the Barge Canal at River Lock, Hawford on 6 September. However, this is ahead of the canal being fully open to navigation, as due to low rainfall insufficient water is available to be abstracted from the River Salwarpe at present. Once water levels rise the navigation will be open.

A fully restored Barge Canal means the vision of a 21-mile continuous cruising ring around the scenic heartland of Worcestershire is close to reality, with just the short link of the Junction Canal scheduled to open in 2011.

21 mile cruising ring around Worcestershire

Ultimately, when this final connection is made between the Barge and Junction Canals, water can be transferred from the Worcester & Birmingham Canal and navigation will be unrestricted.

British Waterways Senior Regeneration Manager Jason Leach said: "We are delighted to be welcoming boats back into Droitwich in time to participate in the Salt Day celebrations on Saturday 11 September in the town.

"At the event we will be launching the Mid Worcestershire Ring’s Audio Trail and providing information on the routes," he added.

"It’s especially rewarding to see all the diverse efforts of groups and individuals coming to fruition after decades of planning and spadework. This £12m project to restore the Barge and Junction Canals will unlock the entire ring, a green waterway corridor for communities and a magnet for visiting boaters," he added.

Volunteer partnerships have been at work along the canal corridor for many years, focusing on sites of natural importance. This is only the start of the new life for the canal and there are still plenty of opportunities to get involved in the volunteer programme. Interested individuals and groups should contact suzanne.byrne@britishwaterways.co.uk

Last updated: 02/09/2010

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