Aberdulais Aqueduct, a Grade II* listed building and Scheduled Ancient Monument, is at risk from the effects of climate change.

Aberdulais Aqueduct, completed in 1824, joins the Neath and Tennant canals. It is an important link in the proposed Swansea Bay Inland Waterway, which would join up with the Swansea Canal to form a 30-mile route.

The Neath and Tennant Canals Trust is actively lobbying for the restoration of the aqueduct and lock. A feasibility report, carried out in 2012 by Neath Port Talbot Council, did not result in any further action.

In early 2020, Storm Dennis caused further damage to the aqueduct, overwhelming the low arches with floodwaters.  It caused a build up of debris and some masonry to be swept away. Flooding also affected local residents, some of whom see the aqueduct’s removal as the solution.

Climate change is likely to bring further damaging storms and further flooding issues. A heritage partnership agreement would bring together the owners of the aqueduct (Port Tennant Company), CADW (the historic environment service of the Welsh Government), the local authority (Neath Port Talbot Council) and Natural Resources Wales.  There needs to be a long-term management plan to agree a programme of works to stabilise the structure.  In addition, there needs to be a longer-term flood management strategy for the area.

Additionally, we commissioned a structural survey to assess the Aberdulais Aqueduct and prioritise recommendations for repair.