The Wilts & Berks Canal

Opened in 1810 - Celebrating the 200th Anniversary in 2010

The Wilts & Berks Canal was abandoned in 1914 and is currently thought to be the longest restoration project  in Britain. Restoration is underway due to the dedication and extraordinary efforts of volunteers, and the enabling works of the Wilts & Berks Canal Partnership. Several miles of the waterway have been returned to water with numerous structures, including bridges, locks and lengths of towpath, restored or in the process of restoration. The Partnership is aiming to complete the restoration of this important recreational and wildlife resource by 2025.

The main line of the canal runs for 52 miles between the Kennet and Avon Canal at Semington and Abingdon on the River Thames, with the 8 mile North Wilts branch connecting to the Thames and Severn Canal at Cricklade,  and a further 4 branches at Chippenham, Calne, Longcot, and Wantage.  

The Partnership 

The Wilts & Berks Canal Partnership was formed in 2001 to deliver this exciting project for the recreational benefit of local communities and to create a green/blue infrastructure habitat for wildlife.

The Partners are shown to the left and by clicking the links you can find out more about their part in the restoration of the  Wilts and Berks  Canal .

Your views matter

There are two projects planned for the near future and the Partnership would like to receive your views about the schemes. Please follow the highlighted link.

At Pewsham Locks  near Chippenham the Canal Trust are proposing to restore the derelict locks and facilities (dry dock, workshops  and saw pit)  as an education and heritage resource for the local community.

The Partnership at the meeting in June 2009 it was agreed to progress with the first phase of Wilts & Berks Canal form the Kennet & Avon Canal at Semington  to create the Melksham Link. Some initial plans have been proposed and the project would like you views on the scheme.

© Wilts & Berks Canal Partnership