LAUNCH OF BLACK COUNTRY CANALS STRATEGY AIMS TO BREATHE NEW LIFE INTO HISTORIC WATERWAYS

The Canal & River Trust charity and Active Black Country have unveiled the Black Country Canals Strategy 2024-2029 setting out ambitions to maximise the potential of the region’s iconic and world-famous navigable canal network.

Developed in collaboration with local authorities, canal stakeholders and with community input, the 64-page strategy was launched to an audience of around 100 guests at the Canal & River Trust’s Annual Stakeholder Reception held at the Black Country Living Museum on Wednesday evening.

Central to the strategy are the opportunities for the Black Country’s 250-year-old canal network to help improve the health and wellbeing of local communities by ensuring increased access to quality green space by water, with the canals a vital hub for walking, cycling, leisure, and cultural activities.

Environmental sustainability is a key priority in the strategy, with proposals which would ensure the region’s canals are rich wildlife corridors. And, with climate change having an ever-greater impact, the role of Black Country canals in helping to alleviate flooding and in generating sustainable energy is included.

Henriette Breukelaar, regional director, Canal & River Trust, said: "Eighty per cent of people in the Black Country live within a mile of a canal, with these amazing legacies from our industrial past able to serve us in so many ways today.

“Usage of the canal towpaths in the Black Country first rocketed back in the pandemic when more people than ever before discovered these amazing green spaces on their doorstep. And just recently, the community showed their love of canals when they came together to raise much needed funds for our charity to help respond to the recent wildlife-damaging canal pollution event in Walsall.

“With the right investment to upgrade towpaths, improve accessibility and to support wildlife, we can improve the lives of millions of local people, create new business and leisure opportunities and help mitigate against the effects of climate change.

“Canals are old, however. They are an amazing connection with our past but need investment to ensure they remain alive for this and future generations to benefit from. So with the support of our volunteers, funders and partners, the strategy reflects a shared vision to enhance the 110 miles of waterways that weave through the Black Country.”

Active Black Country CEO Ian Carey said: “Improving canal infrastructure and accessibility can attract new businesses, enhance the visitor experience and support community regeneration and economic growth.

“We are committed to making these navigable canals accessible to all and maximising opportunities for local people to find it easier to be physically active.

"By creating spaces where people can connect with nature and engage in cultural, social and sporting activities on the canal network, we can encourage more Black Country residents to enjoy healthier lifestyles and a better quality of life.”

To rejuvenate the canal network and ensure the plan remains adaptable and aligned with local and national priorities, the strategy’s implementation will be overseen by a steering group including representatives from Canal & River Trust, Active Black Country, each local authority, Black Country Transport, Integrated Care Board, West Midlands Combined Authority, Transport for West Midlands, and Sustrans.

To read or download the Black Country Canals Strategy, click here