Vlog 336: If you build it…

Formed in 1969, the Grantham Canal Society is undertaking the huge task of restoring a 33-mile canal dating from the Industrial Revolution over 200 years ago. I went up to see how they’re getting along.

The canal route winds its way west from Grantham through to Nottingham where it (used to) joins the River Trent. It was opened in 1797 with the purpose of transporting coal to Grantham. The towpath still exists along its length and is a popular spot for walkers, joggers, cyclists, anglers and so on.

The restoration of the navigable route has still some way to go however with just short sections back in water and usable by boats, though the society is making good but slow progress on restoration of the Woolsthorpe lock flight. The major headache for the full restoration is that the original route through Nottingham would now be impractical due to urban growth since the canal became derelict, so alternative routes have been proposed and plans drawn up.

For more information about the restoration, visit www.granthamcanal.org