2020 Canal Camp Work Sites
• Chelmer & Blackwater Navigation: to undertake vegetation clearance in February and to repair the bridge hand rails over Beeleigh Weir in summer.
• Cotswold Canals: supporting Cotswold Canals Connected on their restoration of four miles of the Stroudwater Navigation to link up with the national canal network. Volunteers will undertake the restoration of Westfield Lock and the construction of a new Oldbury Brook Aqueduct.
• Derby Canal: returning to Borrowash Bottom Lock, volunteers will continue to uncover and rebuild the original stonewalls above and below the lock chamber. Restoration work at Sandiacre Lock will involve rebuilding the upper gate area using brickwork.
• Lichfield Canal: this summer, volunteers will be working at either the Tamworth Road Section or Fosseway Heath Nature Reserve, undertaking lock maintenance, excavating the canal channel, restoring the towpath wall and reinstating the towpath.
• River Waveney: working alongside River Waveney Trust, volunteers will focus their efforts on restoring one side of the lock chamber; removing damaged brickwork and carrying out repairs using lime mortar. This camp has restricted numbers and preference is given to volunteers looking to step up and become a volunteer leader or camp assistant.
• Swansea Canal: this camp is a perfect opportunity for volunteers to learn heritage restoration skills while making a positive contribution to the local area. The volunteers will work at Trebanos Lower Lock to rebuild and repoint the lock chamber, reinforce the banks and repair the chamber features.
• Wey & Arun Canal: the work will involve preparing the site for future work and to begin the construction of the bridge. This camp is a perfect opportunity for budding engineers and construction enthusiasts to experience first-hand what it takes to work on a significant infrastructure project.
• Wilts & Berks Canal: returning to the Wilts & Berks Canal after a number of years away, volunteers will reveal and rebuild the foundation stones and wingwalls of Steppingstone Bridge. Volunteers supporting the project over the two weeks will have plenty of opportunity to undertake both heritage and modern construction techniques.