We work towards the restoration
for navigation of the Wilts & Berks Canal which was closed for
through traffic at the outbreak of the First World War. The
Canal ran from the Kennet and Avon Canal near Semington in
Wiltshire to the River Thames at Abingdon via Melksham and
Swindon. Branches were constructed to serve Chippenham and
Calne. In addition the North Wilts Canal ran from Swindon to
connect the Canal with the Thames and Severn Canal at Lechlade.
On the closure of the Canal
the ownership of the land was lost and our work now is dependent
on the kind permission of the current landowners.
Our Branch covers that part of
the Canal from Semington Junction to Pewsham including the
Branches to Calne and Chippenham..
We have Branch Meetings
once a month and Work parties restoring the Canal on local sites
at least twice a month.
We also organize fund raising social
events including an annual Quiz Evening in February and a
Sponsored Walk in April.
Of great importance recently
has been the foundation work to set out a line for a new route
for the Canal. The Trust has funded a number of feasibility
studies and a final route using the River Avon is now in place.
This will bring the Canal back to The Bell at Lacock which will
once again be a canal-side pub.
Please use the links to explore further.
