The success of a project to restore historic canals in Gloucestershire to boost community wellbeing and tourism and provide habitat for wildlife is being highlighted by BBC Countryfile this April 2025.
The restoration of Stroudwater Canal, part of the wider project to restore the canal network between the Severn and Thames rivers in Gloucestershire, will be the focus of a segment of the long-running BBC One programme, showcasing to viewers the positive impact it is having on communities, wildlife and heritage.
Airing on Sunday 13 April 2025, the Countryfile episode will celebrate the National Heritage Lottery-funded project as the biggest canal restoration in the UK, highlighting the 'remarkable' progress made so far — with six miles of canal having been restored and another four miles currently under restoration.
The volunteer-led project, spearheaded by The Cotswold Canals Trust, aims to restore the historic canal network for community recreation including boating, as well as walking, running and cycling on its tow paths.
It is hoped it will also bring business opportunities as a new tourist destination; and open up a corridor of habitat for wetland wildlife.
The feature will focus on Cotswolds Canals Connected, the Stroud District Council-supported phase 1B of the project to connect the the Stroudwater Navigation canal with the Gloucester and Sharpness canal at Saul Junction.
Volunteers from lead organisation The Cotswold Canals Trust and Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust feature in the programme with presenter Charlotte Smith, at the new water vole pond and nature reserve created at Fromebridge; while John Craven joins local charity Cotswold Boatmobility in taking people out on the canal in accessible boats.
The project has been funded by £8.9 million secured from the National Lottery Heritage Fund in 2020, along with contributions from local councils, charities and personal legacies and donations.
Project director Chris Mitford-Slade, said: 'We are delighted that BBC Countryfile has chosen the Stroudwater Canal for this series, showcasing some of the amazing projects being undertaken by volunteers and for highlighting the benefits of the canal restoration to communities, wildlife and our heritage.'
