A diverse group of people from right in the heart of Stroud's community is working hard to ensure that plans to further develop the canal really do provide something for everyone.

Earlier this year, Heritage Lottery awarded £842,000 towards the £2 million cost of drawing up detailed proposals for restoration of the canal between Stonehouse and Saul Junction.

Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard:

Last year’s canal race was a huge success - raising thousands of pounds for charity. Photo: Chris King

Led by Stroud District Council, the project will look at how people and their communities engage with their canal and wildlife - to ensure that any future developments take want they want into consideration.

A social enterprise called Creative Sustainability has been brought in to ensure that everyone has a chance to have their say about how the regeneration should benefit them, and what they would like to happen.

Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard:

Rowers enjoying the canal. Photo by Glyn Heskins

Anna Bonallack and Emily Pearson, who are helping to lead the project, explained: “We will be working with local people, community groups and businesses, making sure everyone who wants to can take part, so that the restoration project is inclusive, community-led and benefits local people and communities, wildlife and heritage.”

The team has already joined forces with other organisations such as The Cotswold Canal Trust, Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust, Stroud Valleys Canal Company and Stroudwater Navigation Archive Charity, to create a programme of exciting, inclusive and hands-on opportunities for people and communities living and working along the canal corridor – all the way from Saul Junction to Chalford.

Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard:

A heron on the canal. Photo: Derren Chambler

People and local communities will get involved in wildlife conservation along the canal banks, explore the old canal archives and join heritage walks, share stories of the canal and join in arts and photography workshops. There will be canal-based activities for schools, mentor schemes and volunteering opportunities, and workshops for local social enterprises.

Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard:

Not just for humans! Mike Barby captured an otter in the water near Wallbridge

Canal based festivals in May and September, activities and exhibitions in local communities will give everyone the chance to have fun, explore the canal, enjoy the wildlife and celebrate together.

Community Engagement support, James Kriszyk, says, ‘We’ll be including everyone, from canal enthusiasts to people who have never engaged with the canal heritage before.’

Learn more, and have your say, at these public events:

Stroud – Subscription Rooms, Fri, March 1 – 12-4pm and Sat March, 2 - 10-4pm

Stonehouse Town Hall, Sat, March 9 – 2-6pm and Sun, March 10 - 12-4pm