Open Day at Pewsham Locks

The restoration of a former waterway on the edge of Chippenham will be celebrated at a special event this weekend. The Wilts & Berks Canal Trust is sharing the fascinating history of Pewsham Locks this Saturday 14th September.

The event includes a pop-up café and tours of the worksite and wildlife habitats, together with boat rides along the stretch which has already been rebuilt. The charity hopes it will encourage people to learn more about the restoration campaign and how they can get involved.

• The pop-up café at the wharf includes outside seating and will be serving teas, coffees and cakes from 10am, when volunteers will also start taking small groups around the site to explain their current work and future plans.
• Tours of the wildflower meadow and habitat management project will take place at Double Bridge at 11am and 2.30pm, while boat rides will depart from the locks approximately every 45 minutes from 12.30pm.
• Refreshments and boat rides are available by cash donation or by scanning a QR code.
  The open day is due to finish at around 3pm.

The event is being organised by the Melksham, Chippenham & Calne branch of the Trust. Spokesperson Brian Wright said:

“We hope people will make the most of this opportunity to take a closer look at the flight of locks which once lifted narrowboats on their journey between Melksham and Chippenham

Visitors will see the remains of the lock-keepers cottage and how we’re rebuilding the former dry dock and carpenter’s workshop, and creating new wildlife habitats alongside the canal. Depending on the water levels, they can also enjoy cruises to Double Bridge and back, with the chance to see kingfishers, herons, swans and even otters!

It’s a great way to encourage people to support our campaign to bring this wonderful waterway back to life.”

There is no visitor parking at the locks, but the site is just a short walk along a footpath from the edge of Pewsham. Directions are available at www.wbct.org.uk/mcc-events

Another open day is due to be held on Saturday 12th October.
For further information call 07510 326730 or email bright.wright@wbct.org.uk

The aim of the Wilts & Berks Canal Trust is to restore the waterway from the Kennet & Avon Canal near Melksham to the Thames & Severn Canal near Cricklade and the River Thames near Abingdon, connecting Chippenham, Calne, Royal Wootton Bassett and Swindon.

Visit www.wbct.org.uk