Wyrley Branch Friends Group

Introduction

The Wyrley Branch of the Wyrley Essington Canal extends for almost 4 kilometres through South Staffordshire from Broad Lane, Essington, through Great Wyrley to Dundalk Lane, close to the centre of Cheslyn Hay.

This branch canal was once busy with boats carrying coal from the pits around Great Wyrley and Essington. With the decline of the pits the canal closed in the mid 1950’s and fell into disrepair. The towpaths became overgrown and the canal gradually silted up. The landscape around it was semi derelict disturbed by the affects of coal mining.

In 1980, after the purchase of the disused Canal, South Staffordshire Council commissioned Land Use Consultants to prepare a feasibility study which assessed the technical problems concerned with reclaiming the Sneyd Branch Canal and formed the basis of a reclamation strategy.

The canal was reclaimed in part by the Council using Derelict Land Grant and by the NCB (latterly British Coal) as a restoration condition of opencast coal permissions.

It has taken some years to fully implement the restoration strategy. The restored towpath and the new footpaths through open areas were raised above water level to ensure that the walk remains usable throughout the year. Timber footbridges have been installed to create interest and provide long views along the canal. Wherever possible, steps and changes of level have been eliminated. A car park was constructed at each end of the linear walk.

Parts of the canal have been dredged to remove silt, leaf litter and reed matting and create areas of open water for wildlife benefit. Information panels have been installed to show a plan of the walk, explain the history of the canal and illustrate its wildlife.

The result is a linear open space of contrasting

landscape character which is generally well used and appreciated by the local communities along its length.

Getting Involved

If you are interested in nature conservation or local history and want to become involved with the Wyrley Branch Friends Group, our Landscape Manager can offer advice and information to help you become part of the group.

Forms/Documents

Contact our Landscape Manager for more information