Grantham Canal

The Grantham Canal Society, founded 60 years ago, works in partnership with CRT, restoring the derelict canal using only volunteers. In the recent past it received a substantial grant from NLHF and subsequently rebuilt two of the four remaining derelict locks in the Woolsthorpe flight. Work has now commenced on a further lock. Other major projects have been completed including the rebuilding of an ancient barge slipway, repairing culverts and raising an overflow weir along the canal to support CRT objectives. During the year ending March 2023, the value of volunteer labour input was calculated to be just under £800,000. In addition, volunteers also maintain the navigation on the summit pound and through the five now-restored locks where the GCS trip-boat, The Three Shires, offers charter and turn-up cruises. 

Volunteers have regular ongoing works programmes and have also made significant enhancements to the society’s base at Woolsthorpe depot. Local volunteers have assisted and improved the appearance of the non-navigable lengths at Grantham and in West Bridgford. In addition the society has submitted a plan to the local authorities to reconnect the canal to the River Trent. The historic canal warehouse at Hickling is now a thriving and independently run tea room and also offers a cycle-hire base. On most days there is volunteer activity at some place along the 32 miles of the canal, so please consider joining in the fun and contributing to the restoration progress. You can sign up for a copy of the free newsletter at granthamcanal.org. Please consider joining over 800 others by becoming a society member or, better still, an active volunteer.

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