This weekend budding heritage buffs and canal enthusiasts will be able to get up close to the nation’s waterway heritage and find out more about the history of the Black Country’s canals.
The event, part of the Heritage Open Days, is being organised by the Canal & River Trust, the charity that cares for 2,000 miles of canals and rivers in England & Wales, and the Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal Society. Local people will have the chance to find out more about the history of the Grade II listed Bratch Locks on the Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal in Wombourne, Staffordshire.The two-day event starts at 11am on Saturday 12 September and visitors will be able to take part in a guided tour of the locks and find out about the animals and insects living along the waterways.
Elizabeth Thomson, from the Canal & River Trust, said: “This open weekend is a great way for local people to see for themselves just how diverse the canals are. The waterways in the Black Country have been a busy hub of activity from the Industrial Revolution until well into the 20th century and the start of the new ‘leisure revolution’.
“Everywhere you look on a canal there is heritage to discover, use or touch. Much of the waterway network was built 200 years ago and the fact that it is still moving boats and water around today is testament to the skill and workmanship of the canal engineers of the time.”
The address is Bratch Locks, Bratch Lane, Wombourne, Staffordshire WV5 8DW. Parking is available on Bratch Lane.
For more information on the work of the Canal & River Trust visit www.canalrivertrust.org.uk
