The Somersetshire Coal Canal Society has set out impressive plans to restore water to a stretch of the canal between Paulton and Radford that could see boats get underway once more.

Currently utilised by walkers and nature lovers alike, many are aware of the splendour of this hidden gem. Once an industrial hot spot of the Somerset coalfield, the basin was slowly taken back by Mother Nature after the closure of the local pits.

Since then, the two basins have been painstakingly restored to their current condition, and feature the largest inland waterways dry dock in England. All this has been achieved with the help of the Somersetshire Coal Canal Society, many volunteers and grants.

Sunday, 3rd August saw the return of the popular working parties, which were attended by local volunteers and B&NES Councillors for Paulton, Grant Johnson and Liz Hardman. Keeping things afloat is the Work Party Manager, Mark Sherrey, who leads in an ongoing overgrowth battle to keep the area accessible for everyone. Mark said: “Our long-term aim is to restore the canal along its entire length to its junction with the Kennet and Avon Canal at Limpley Stoke.

“To do this, we need the help and support of the communities that the canal goes through. We are currently working towards improving the section that includes the two basins, so it can once again hold water.”

The goal of extending the canal further towards Radford isn’t going to be a walk in the . . . well, basin, but with enough support from local volunteers, there is a great opportunity for the project to gain pace. Cllr Hardman said: “What a lot of fun it was to get down and dirty in the canal, using power tools that I’d never have imagined using in all my life. It was such a terrific challenge, and I went home feeling satisfied by my achievements.”

Cllr Johnson added: “This is such an important part of Paulton’s industrial past. We have to do everything possible to restore as much of it as we can. I’ve been talking to a lot of residents recently, discussing and learning about our collective social heritage. Every Friday I look forward to hearing some new morsel of information with friends at Paulton Rovers Social Club. If anyone has images or information then please pop in and have a chat.”

Not only would the project create opportunites to have boats once again in Paulton, but it would create a wildlife corridor, with the potential to bring economic benefit to the local area. Cllr Johnson added: “Every penny and spare pair of hands really does go a long way, and it is going to be a real community effort.”

If you would like to help, volunteers gather on the first Sunday of the month, at Paulton Basin, by the dry dock, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. If you would like to donate, please contact Mark Sherrey at: [email protected]