[Stroudwater] Canal restoration to feature on TV
Steve Mills
FYI:
[Stroudwater] Canal restoration to feature on TV
The Stroudwater Canal restoration project will feature on BBC Countryfile.
The hour-long episode will air on BBC1 at 5:15pm on Sunday, April 13.
It will highlight the remarkable progress on the canal restoration so far. It is the largest canal restoration project in the country and a key National Lottery Heritage Fund project in the South West.
Viewers will see the positive impact of the restored canal sections on local communities, wildlife and heritage preservation.
The programme features volunteers from The Cotswold Canals Trust and Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust at the new water vole pond and nature reserve created at Fromebridge, and Cotswold Boatmobility volunteers taking people out on the canal in accessible boats.
The Cotswold Canals Connected Project Team supported BBC Countryfile in planning the episode.
Chris Mitford-Slade, project director, 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.
"Cotswold Canals Trust, Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust, and Cotswold Boatmobility play star roles, but this project would not be possible without the support of the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Stroud District Council, Gloucestershire County Council, Canal & River Trust and numerous charitable trusts and personal legacies and donations."
To date, six miles of canal have been restored, with another four miles currently under restoration. The project has won several awards, and the restored sections of the canal have transformed local areas into well-used blue-green corridors, enjoyed by local communities and attracting visitors to the district.
Steve