Whitchurch canal breach sparks call to protect historic waterways
Restoration trust warns fragile canals need urgent investment to safeguard communities, wildlife, and heritage
The breach of a canal near Whitchurch has sparked fresh calls from a charity to take better care of the UK’s waterways.
According to the Montgomery Waterway Restoration Trust, the event has underlined the vulnerability of the nations waterways, and the need to invest in the upkeep of canals across the country.
Chairman, Michael Limbrey said:
“Many of our canal structures are over 200 years old,” he explains. “They’ve survived for generations, but they are part of our heritage and need proper maintenance.”
Limbrey stresses that canals are about more than just infrastructure, they play a vital role in community well-being, wildlife habitats and preserving history:
“People don’t always realise how important waterways are, not just for their heritage and story, but for the tangible experiences they provide along the way."
Shropshire: The heart of the canal network
Shropshire sits at the heart of the Shropshire Union Canal network, which stretches from Ellesmere Port down to Wolverhampton and across into Mid Wales.
It is one of the most extensive parts of the national canal system, supporting both recreational boaters and those who live on the waterways.
Funding challenges:
While the Canal and River Trust, which manages canals across England and Wales, receives government funding, Limbrey says it is not enough.
The trust relies on a combination of boat licenses, property, and other investments, but these income streams cannot cover all maintenance costs.
“With thousands of miles of canal freely accessible to the public, we need proper funding to ensure these structures, wildlife, and recreational opportunities are preserved,” he adds.
Beyond structure: well-being and community value:
Canals are more than just historical relics—they offer spaces for walking, cycling, relaxation, and social connection.
“If we lose the canals, we lose the ability to maintain the structures, protect wildlife, and support the well-being of communities,” Limbrey warns.
He hopes the Whitchurch breach will raise national awareness of the value of canals and the urgent need for investment.