The Western Depot of the Cotswold Canals Trust opened its gates to the public on August 19 and 21, offering a rare glimpse behind the scenes of the ambitious canal restoration project. The special tours, part of the National Lottery Heritage Fund Summer Campaign, proved to be a resounding success, drawing visitors from near and far.
For many, it was the first opportunity to see first-hand the dedication and skill of the volunteers who are breathing new life into the historic waterways.
“It’s not every day you get to walk through the heart of the restoration effort,” said one visitor. “Meeting the volunteers and seeing the locks being brought back to life was inspiring.”
During the tours, guests were guided through active restoration sites, including John Robinson Lock, Dock Lock, and Oldbury Brook, where work is underway to bring these vital parts of the canal network back into use. Along the way, they learned about the rich history of the Cotswold Canals, from their industrial heritage to their role today as a haven for wildlife and recreation.
Perhaps the highlight for many was meeting the volunteers themselves. From engineers and ecologists to heritage enthusiasts and boaters, the tours showcased the diverse range of people who contribute their time and skills to this ambitious project. Their passion shone through as they explained not only the technical challenges of restoration but also the environmental and community benefits that come with revitalising the waterways.
The success of the Western Depot tours reflects the growing public interest in canal restoration and the pride local communities feel in seeing these once-derelict waterways transformed.
For those who missed out, there’s good news: the Cotswold Canals Trust plans to run more tours in the future, giving even more people the chance to witness the restoration in action and learn how they can play a part.
Keep an eye on the Cotswold Canals Trust website and social media pages for future dates and volunteering opportunities.
