Follow us on Bluesky
  1. Bluesky Feeds /
  2. Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust /
  3. Canal Restoration
Canal Restoration

Canal Restoration

by Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust

Welcome to the canal restoration feed - posts by canal trusts and volunteers, about how we're restoring the great canals in the UK, and how you can help. Contact @lhcrt.org.uk to join (curated to stop spam) and use #WeDigCanals to appear in the feed. Remember to like and pin the feed.

Feed on Bluesky

Feeds Stats

  • 💙 Liked by 6 users
  • 📅 Updated 11 months ago
  • ⚙️ Provider skyfeed.me

Canal Restoration Likes over time

Like count prediction
The feed Canal Restoration has not gained any likes in the last month.

Feed Preview for Canal Restoration

Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust
@lhcrt.org.uk
about 18 hours ago
🍻 Test your trivia and raise a glass for the canal! Join the Brew City Quiz Night – this Thursday 9 Oct. 🕔 Doors 5pm 🧠 Quiz 7pm 👥 Teams up to 6 💷 £2 per player (cash) Cask ales, real ciders & plenty of laughs — all for a great cause! #WeDigCanals #Lichfield
0
0
0
Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust
@lhcrt.org.uk
1 day ago
Lovely visit from retired Chartered Institute of Building members last week, guided by Derek Lord, who brought our restoration story to life. They were amazed by the progress from Tamworth Road Narrows to Gallows Reach! (And no, that crane’s not ours — it’s next door! 😂) #WeDigCanals #Lichfield 💙
A group of people in jackets and hats stand talking beside a calm canal. across A towering yellow crane looms over the site, where excavators and machinery work among stacks of bricks and concrete blocks. The area is fenced off, and dense foliage frames the scene on the right.
0
2
10
Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust
@lhcrt.org.uk
3 days ago
Just a heron doing its thing—contemplative shoreline loitering one moment, then graceful takeoff the next. These quiet scenes remind us that restoration isn’t just about bricks and diggers—it’s about creating space for life to thrive. @everyheron.bsky.social 🪶🌿 #WeDigCanals #Lichfield #UKCanals
A heron stands poised on grassy terrain at the edge of a canal, surrounded by tall plants and dense foliage. The water is bordered by a concrete embankment. The peaceful setting highlights the bird’s quiet presence and the canal’s natural charm.
A large heron takes off into flight above a calm canal, wings curved as it leaves the ground. It is surrounded by greenery, with trees and reeds framing the tranquil scene. The heron’s motion adds a dynamic contrast to the stillness of the water.
A large heron glides just above a calm canal, wings fully outstretched in mid-flight. It is surrounded by greenery, with trees and reeds framing the tranquil scene. The heron’s motion adds a dynamic contrast to the stillness of the water.
1
2
17
Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust
@lhcrt.org.uk
3 days ago
It was fab to welcome four new DofE volunteers yesterday — seen here during their induction (with proud parents too!). 👏 Afterwards, they got to work and joined the team (plus Cllr Jacob Marshall) to help tidy up along the Gallows Reach Nature Trail. 👍 #WeDigCanals #Lichfield
A group of volunteers seated in a small wooden-paneled room, engaged in a meeting. One person in an orange high-visibility jacket labelled “VOLUNTEER” is leading the discussion. Several attendees hold printed documents, while maps and diagrams are pinned to the wall behind them, suggesting event or site planning. The room has papers and supplies, indicating an active coordination space.
Volunteers in high-visibility vests working along a green, tree-lined path. One person in the foreground trims dense ivy from a wall of vegetation, while others are spaced out behind, engaged in similar environmental maintenance. The scene reflects community care and conservation in a lush, natural setting.
Four volunteers in high-visibility vests spread out along a hedge in a grassy area, each trimming foliage with tools. Trees and dense greenery surround the group, highlighting a coordinated outdoor effort in environmental upkeep or restoration.
1
0
11
Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust
@lhcrt.org.uk
3 days ago
The latest Towpath Times is bursting with exclusives — including a first look at the Tamworth Road lift bridge in action and how to get your hands on our limited-edition Christmas narrowboat t-shirts. Sign up now and receive sneak peeks to your inbox! 👉 lhcrt.org.uk/membership/m... #WeDigCanals
Promotional graphic for Towpath Times, the enewsletter of Lichfield and Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust. The top features the title in bold white text on a green background, with a blue subtitle strip below. Two construction site photos show canal restoration in progress, with workers in high-vis gear and heavy machinery; each has a red play button icon indicating video content. In the foreground, a smiling child in a bright blue t-shirt with a Christmas tree graphic makes a playful hand gesture, adding warmth and charm to the scene.
0
0
5
Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust
@lhcrt.org.uk
4 days ago
It was lovely to welcome Cllr Jacob Marshall, leader of Lichfield City Council, for a tour of Borrowcop Locks Canal Park and Gallows Reach and show him our progess. As a bonus, he even rolled up his sleeves and joined our Green Team in action! #WeDigCanals
Two people stand in front of a metal fence enclosing a partially excavated area with exposed soil and brickwork. The person on the left wears a green and black jacket over a plaid shirt, with a beard and glasses. The person on the right wears a blue jacket and glasses, smiling at the camera. Behind them are trees and buildings.
A person wearing a high-visibility yellow vest, dark jacket, green trousers, and black gloves trims dense ivy using green-handled shears. They are focused on shaping the thick foliage, surrounded by lush greenery.
Four people wearing high-visibility vests work along a hedge, engaged in outdoor maintenance. One person uses a string trimmer on the grass, while the others trim foliage with hand tools. They are spaced out along the hedge, focused on shaping and clearing the greenery. The scene reflects teamwork and community care in maintaining public green space.
0
1
7
Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust
@lhcrt.org.uk
4 days ago
You've seen the photos, now we're thrilled to share the moment we officially named Bull Wood at Darnford Moors Ecology Park. Hear the story and join us in celebrating this special occasion with Chris Bull. 🎥👇 youtu.be/nu9mAZe1CWY?... #WeDigCanals #Lichfield 🌿
Naming Bull Wood at Darnford Moors Ecology Park

youtu.be

Naming Bull Wood at Darnford Moors Ecology Park

YouTube video by Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust
0
0
4
Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust
@lhcrt.org.uk
5 days ago
Big effort at Gallows Wharf 💪 Volunteers continued the last 5m of the concrete base by wheelbarrow after we spotted movement on the big pipe. Safety first, teamwork all the way 👏 #WeDigCanals #Lichfield #Staffordshire
Three volunteers in high-visibility jackets and hard hats stand near a deep trench lined with concrete walls and black plastic sheeting. Wooden planks span the trench as makeshift walkways. Wheelbarrows, pipes, and tools are scattered around the site, which is enclosed by brick walls and fencing.
Two volunteers in safety gear inspect a wooden framework beside a vertical concrete wall. One wears a white helmet and yellow vest, crouching near the structure; the other stands nearby in an orange jacket and red helmet. Yellow-capped metal rods protrude from the wall, which is partially covered in black plastic sheeting. The site is surrounded by dirt, tools, and fencing.
A construction site runs along a canal or waterway, with reddish-brown soil and scattered materials like wooden boards, pipes, and debris. On the left, black plastic sheeting and vertical rods show concrete preparation. A concrete pipe spans the centre. A bridge with vehicles and signage is visible in the background, while fencing and a brick wall enclose the site.
0
0
6
Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust
@lhcrt.org.uk
6 days ago
On Wednesday we welcomed 10 brilliant volunteers from Wells Fargo to Summerhill 🌿 One team cleared right through to the road, while another made progress towards the M6 Toll end. Huge thanks for the fantastic support! 👏 #WeDigCanals #Lichfield
Ten volunteers in high-visibility vests pose beneath a green metal bridge supported by concrete pillars. Some stand, others sit on a concrete ledge surrounded by grass and trees. A few wear red shirts and work boots.
A person in a helmet with face shield, gloves, and a high-vis vest uses a brush cutter to trim tall grass and ferns in a dense, overgrown field. The cloudy sky and protective gear highlight safety during vegetation control in natural surroundings.
A volunteer in high-visibility yellow vests clearing overgrown vegetation, he is surrounded by thick greenery and tall grass.
Two volunteers in high-visibility yellow vests clearing overgrown vegetation on a grassy, sloped area. One person in the foreground uses a long-handled tool to cut through tall grass, wearing gloves and blue jeans. Another volunteer works further uphill.
0
0
7
Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust
@lhcrt.org.uk
6 days ago
Curious what we’ve been up to lately? Narrowboat Nige has got the full scoop! #WeDigCanals #Lichfield youtu.be/oDvtph-IoGI?...
Lichfield Canal September 2025 update @LHCRT

youtu.be

Lichfield Canal September 2025 update @LHCRT

YouTube video by Narrowboat Nige!
0
1
10
Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust
@lhcrt.org.uk
7 days ago
Huge thanks to three brilliant Socotec volunteers who tackled the canal bed at Summerhill — the first time it’s been dry enough to access in ages! After lunch, they moved further along and strimmed the canal sides under blue skies. 🌿👏 Thanks #TeamSocotec #WeDigCanals #Lichfield #Staffordshire
Three volunteers wearing high-visibility vests and orange safety helmets kneel and sit in front of a wooden fence with a “LICHFIELD CANAL” sign. They smile after a day of canal restoration work, with grass and trees in the background.
Two volunteers in high-visibility vests work in dense greenery, clearing long leaves and undergrowth from the canal bed. One holds a bundle of cut plants while the other pulls vegetation from the soil, surrounded by foliage.
A volunteer in high-vis gear and a red helmet uses a motorized hedge trimmer to cut dense undergrowth on the sloped canal side. Surrounded by greenery, they focus on clearing vines and brush as part of canal restoration work.
Two volunteers in high-vis vests and orange helmets use strimmerls to clear vegetation along and empty canal channel. Ferns and greenery frame the scene, with blue skies and scattered clouds overhead.
0
1
18
Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust
@lhcrt.org.uk
8 days ago
Close to completing the lower wall on the offside at Tamworth Road Narrows – that’s as far as we can go until the new Cricket Lane bridge goes in next year. Next steps: brick up the upper wall, extend the gabions, switch to the towpath side before finishing the handrail. #WeDigCanals #Lichfield
Curved brick and concrete wall under construction beside a canal. The lower section is made of grey concrete blocks with metal reinforcement rods, while the upper section features red bricks topped with a decorative blue brick layer. Scaffolding, a yellow cement mixer, and buckets line the site, with a dirt embankment and water channel in the background.
Scaffolding set up along a brick wall labeled 'LICHFIELD' beside a canal channel. A wooden walkway and metal supports for construction access. A steep earthen bank rises on one side, and houses and trees are visible in the background.
0
1
13
Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust
@lhcrt.org.uk
9 days ago
At Gallows Reach, our amazing volunteers have dug out the area for two more bases and are ready for this week’s concrete pour. #WeDigCanals #Lichfield #Staffordshire
A volunteer in a high-vis jacket and green hard hat stands beside a steel rebar framework resting across wheelbarrows, with shuttering panels and bracing props in the background.
A volunteer in an orange high-vis jacket and white hard hat applies protective sheeting around exposed steel reinforcement bars along a concrete wall, with tools and timber boards nearby.
1
0
9
Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust
@lhcrt.org.uk
10 days ago
Chris Bull unveiled a plaque at Darnford Moors Ecology Park, honouring her years of leadership and biodiversity work along the Lichfield Canal. 🌿 She was applauded by past and present volunteers, and the current @dofe.org cohort who keep the ecology park shipshape. #WeDigCanals #Staffordshire
Chris unveils an informational sign titled “Bull Wood” in a wooded area, pulling down a blue cloth bearing the LHCRT logo. The sign describes the Chris's impact to the ecology of the area, with trees, a wooden fence, and stone remnants in the background.
Chris stands beside the “Bull Wood” sign in a woodland area, wearing a grey jacket and light sweatshirt with an LHCRT badge. Behind her are tall trees and a moss-covered brick lock structure. The sign features photos and text about Bull Wood’s history and conservation.
Fourteen people stand together in a wooded area, most wearing yellow high-visibility vests. Two older individuals in the centre use walking aids and are not in uniform, suggesting they are special guests. A display board and white chairs hint at an organized community or restoration event.
A group of people seated outdoors in a wooded area, attentively facing a small group of presenters near a yellow canopy tent. Fallen leaves cover the ground, suggesting autumn. The event is informal and community-focused.
1
1
19
Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust
@lhcrt.org.uk
10 days ago
Saturday night is always good for movie night - check out the latest video from @courtabovethecut.bsky.social with special guest Narrowboat Nige. #WeDigCanals #Lichfield #Staffordshire

As always there’s absolutely amazing progress on the @lhcrt.org.uk tonight I meet Narrowboat Nige to see the incredible work done by the volunteers. It’s looking great! youtu.be/tKVfOCu-Evo

youtu.be
0
1
9
Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust
@lhcrt.org.uk
11 days ago
Friday saw three amazing Capita volunteers join our Green Team at Summerhill – clearing the canal bed and tackling invasive gorse. 🌿💪 Big thanks for swapping desks for power tools! #WeDigCanals #Lichfield #Staffordshire
Three smiling individuals stand in front of a wooden fence with a painted “LICHFIELD CANAL” sign, featuring a canal tunnel and towpath. It has a grassy outdoor setting with trees.
Volunteers in high-visibility gear carry out vegetation management in a grassy, overgrown area.
Volunteers in high-visibility gear carry out vegetation management in a grassy, overgrown area. One older individual rakes ferns and undergrowth while others operate brush cutters near dense shrubs.
0
1
10
Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust
@lhcrt.org.uk
12 days ago
On Thursday, five brilliant volunteers from Tara Group joined our Green Team at Summerhill 🌿 Together they helped clear the canal bed and trim back hedgerows – a big boost for the restoration in just one afternoon. Thanks #TeamTara! 💪 #WeDigCanals #Lichfield
Four volunteers in high-visibility vests stand proudly in front of a wooden fence with a “LICHFIELD CANAL” sign, featuring a canal boat motif. The foreground is grass and there is a tree-lined background.
A volunteer in a colourful jacket, blue jeans, gloves, and high-vis vest trims a hedge with shears along a grassy towpath. A field, fence, and trees stretch into the background, capturing a moment of quiet dedication in canal-side conservation.
Two volunteers in high-vis vests take a cheerful selfie beside a red and black DR All-Terrain Mower on a freshly cut grassy towpath. One holds a camera, while others in the background continue maintenance work. A wooden fence and dense greenery frame the scene.
Two volunteers in full safety gear—helmets, ear protection, gloves, and high-vis vests—clear overgrown vegetation with a brush cutter and walk-behind mower. The grassy site is dense and wild, highlighting the effort and teamwork behind canal restoration.
0
1
13
Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust
@lhcrt.org.uk
13 days ago
At Gallows Wharf, in true civil engineering style, our volunteers have built some reinforcing walls and then buried them! It's only temporary though - just so they can cross the Big Pipe with the large machine and complete the concrete reinforcing and the base slab. #WeDigCanals #Lichfield
Two volunteers in orange high-visibility gear stand on a freshly compacted dirt path with visible tire tracks, leading under a bridge. On the left, a concrete retaining wall with yellow safety caps on protruding rebar is partially covered in black plastic sheeting. A large pipe runs parallel to the path on the right, with a brick wall and construction materials nearby. Metal fencing lines the left side for safety. Trees and a partly cloudy sky frame the scene.
An orange excavator rests on reddish soil in front of a tunnel entrance. The ground shows tire tracks and scattered construction debris. A brick and concrete retaining wall runs alongside the site, draped in black plastic sheeting with yellow-tipped rods protruding. Safety fencing tops the wall, and tools and materials are visible throughout the area.
Three volunteers in high-visibility clothing and hard hats are on site, with one operating a small excavator on a dirt surface beside a newly built brick and concrete wall. Behind the wall, a metal fence separates the site from a wooded area. A section of the wall is covered with black plastic sheeting.
0
1
14
Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust
@lhcrt.org.uk
13 days ago
We had a visit from two YouTube legends yesterday! Keep your eyes peeled—new videos will be no doubt be on the way from @courtabovethecut.bsky.social and Narrowboat Nige. Thanks for dropping by and shining a spotlight on us. #Lichfield #WeDigCanals
Two individuals stand on a dirt path surrounded by greenery, wearing safety gear. The person on the left wears a blue hard hat, yellow safety vest, and a black graphic t-shirt. The person on the right wears a white helmet and an orange high-visibility shirt. Both are smiling.
Two people pose on a leafy dirt path under a partly cloudy sky, dressed in safety gear. The person on the left wears a bright orange and white outfit with knee-high boots and holds a helmet. The person on the right wears a yellow vest over a black shirt and jeans, smiling and pointing at the camera. The scene conveys camaraderie and outdoor project involvement.
Two individuals in safety gear stand outdoors in front of dense greenery and exposed soil, engaged in discussion. The person on the left wears an orange high-visibility shirt and white helmet, holding a device that resembles a drone controller. The person on the right wears a blue helmet, yellow vest, and black graphic t-shirt, holding a black camera.
Two people stand on a wooden platform supported by metal scaffolding in front of a partially restored brick wall. One wears an orange vest and white helmet, the other a yellow vest and blue helmet. A ladder leans against the scaffolding, and a black tarp covers part of the area above.
0
1
13
Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust
@lhcrt.org.uk
14 days ago
Our brilliant volunteers are finishing the offside wall at Tamworth Road Narrows, just before the canal widens and dips under Cricket Lane. This is as far as we can go until the culvert goes in. So the team will shift to Gallows Reach to continue on the other side. #WeDigCanals #Lichfield
A curved wall along a canal at Tamworth Road Narrows. The wall follows a newly poured concrete base, with red soil and excavation exposing the earth behind. Tools and equipment, including a wheelbarrow and concrete mixer, are scattered around the site.
0
1
12
Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust
@lhcrt.org.uk
16 days ago
Big thanks to the brilliant Bristan trio who joined us at Darnford Park last week! With spades, forks, and unstoppable energy, they cleared self-set birch from the canal bed and worked flat out to protect the corridor. We’re so grateful for their graft and community spirit! #WeDigCanals #Lichfield
Three volunteers from Bristan Group wearing high-visibility vests and gloves pose together in a wooded canal area.
Three volunteers from Bristan Group wearing high-visibility vests and gloves work together in a wooded park area to clear vegetation from the canal bed.
Three volunteers from Bristan Group wearing high-visibility vests and gloves work together in a wooded park area to clear vegetation from the canal bed.
0
0
5
Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust
@lhcrt.org.uk
20 days ago
Our volunteers have been busy at Gallows Wharf. They poured 6.5 cubic metres of concrete into one upright and two bases To complete the final 10-metre section, they’ll need to temporarily backfill up to pipe level: do something impressive… then hide it! 😄 #WeDigCanals #Lichfield
0
1
9
Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust
@lhcrt.org.uk
21 days ago
The scaffolding’s down on the north wall at Tamworth Road Narrows – and doesn’t it look fantastic? 👏 Just a little left to finish off at the far end, but it’s looking brilliant. Huge thanks to our amazing volunteers for making it happen! 🙌 #WeDigCanals #Lichfield
Freshly built brick canal wall with stepped design and reinforced bands along the canal, marking recent restoration progress.
1
2
23
Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust
@lhcrt.org.uk
22 days ago
Last week’s dry spell gave our Gallows Wharf volunteers a chance to crack on—concreting a section of base behind the big pipe and installing around 10 metres of rebar cages along the towpath side. Getting concrete into that spot will be tricky… likely a wheelbarrow job. #Lichfield #WeDigCanals
Construction site under a bridge at Gallows Wharf. A freshly poured concrete slab sits behind a large pipe, bordered by bricks and wooden planks. Nearby, volunteers in orange high-vis jackets work beside a trench lined with black sheeting and vertical rebar cages capped with yellow safety covers. Tools, wheelbarrow, and fencing suggest ongoing infrastructure work.
Construction site at Gallows Wharf showing a large concrete pipe running along the left side, partially buried. On the right, a trench with vertical steel rebar capped with yellow safety covers is being prepared for concrete pouring. A black plastic sheet lines the trench wall, and several workers in orange high-vis jackets and hard hats are actively working. Traffic cones and a ladder are visible in the background.
Construction site at Gallows Wharf showing a grid of steel rebar arranged for a concrete pour, with yellow safety caps on vertical bars. A black plastic sheet lines the earthen wall behind, and a large concrete pipe runs parallel to the rebar. Wooden formwork panels and reddish soil surround the area, with an overpass structure visible in the background.
0
0
8
Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust
@lhcrt.org.uk
24 days ago
On Saturday, nine @dofe.org volunteers joined three Green team volunteers. It was fab to welcome some new Gold and Bronze DofEs. They weeded the shrub nursery at Darnford Moors and gave some shrubs extra space to grow by carefully replanting them. A huge thank you! #WeDigCanals #Lichfield
Volunteers in high viz vests weeding by the side of a canal.
Volunteer in high viz vest weeding by the side of a canal.
Volunteers in high viz vests weeding by the side of a canal.
Volunteers in high viz vests weeding by the side of a canal.
0
1
8