The historic Stroudwater Canal is set for a major revival after receiving a generous £6.46 million grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. This funding will help restore critical sections of the canal, focusing on the much-anticipated reinstatement of the ‘missing mile’—a key stretch that will run under the M5 motorway. Once completed, this will reconnect the currently isolated Stroudwater Navigation with the national inland waterways network, revitalizing the canal’s role in regional transport and heritage.
Led by Stroud District Council in partnership with the Cotswold Canals Trust, the project aims to deliver a fully accessible towpath linking Stroud to Gloucester and Sharpness, forging an important wildlife corridor that stretches east to west. This ecological connection promises enhanced biodiversity and habitat restoration, fostering a thriving natural environment along the waterway.
Community engagement is central to the restoration, with new canal-side spaces planned for public use and a range of activities to encourage greater involvement and physical access. Bringing canal heritage directly into community settings will deepen local connections to the waterway, while the Stroudwater Navigation Archive—believed to be the oldest canal archive in the world—will serve as a rich resource for telling the canal’s story in innovative and inspiring ways.
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Young people are set to play a pivotal role in the project through volunteering, educational programs, and active participation in shaping the canal’s future. Such involvement cements the project’s commitment to fostering a sense of ownership and pride among the next generation.
The restoration is expected to bring broad benefits, reconnecting communities across the Stroud Valleys, Stonehouse, Gloucester, and Severn Vale, and stimulating tourism, economic growth, and conservation. Previous improvements across the canal’s surroundings, spearheaded by Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust’s Environment Programme, include creating a wildlife corridor with new wetlands, restoring a traditional orchard, and planting over four kilometres of hedgerows.
Over 750 volunteers have already contributed a remarkable 93,600 hours to support habitat restoration and community events. This effort underscores the canal’s role not only as a historical asset but also as a vital connector supporting nature and enhancing wellbeing.
Taryn Nixon OBE, Trustee and Chair of the Heritage Fund’s England, London & South Committee, highlighted the project’s transformative impact: “Thanks to National Lottery players, this ambitious restoration will revive industrial heritage, create lasting ecological benefits, and boost local economies and health for generations to come.”
Chloe Turner, Leader of Stroud District Council, expressed gratitude for the ongoing National Lottery support, emphasizing the canal’s importance for heritage, nature, and the local economy.
The canal will celebrate its 250th anniversary in 2029, with total funding for the Cotswold Canals Connected project now exceeding £16 million. This initiative is driven by a consortium including Stroud District Council, Cotswold Canals Trust, Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust, Gloucestershire County Council, and the Stroud Valleys Canal Company, promising a vibrant future for one of England’s most cherished waterways.