Wey & Arun Canal Camp – Week 2

Where is it? 

The 23-mile Wey & Arun Canal – comprising the combined Arun Navigation and the Wey & Arun Junction Canal – was once the national inland waterway network’s only connection to the English Channel. The canal route runs from the Godalming Navigation of the River Wey at Shalford, near Guildford in Surrey, to the River Arun at Pallingham, near Pulborough in West Sussex.

What will I be doing?  

Over the three weeks planned this year, volunteers will begin the construction of the second new lift bridge over the canal creating the foundations and starting to build the bridge. Both projects will provide construction opportunities for volunteers.

Why is it important? 

Now known as ‘London’s lost route to the sea’ because in the 19th century it was a safe route from the capital to ports such as Portsmouth at times when shipping along the south coast was at risk from attack by the French navy. Restoration of the waterway started in 1971 and since then, more than half the route has been worked on, with 12 locks, 24 bridges and two aqueducts restored or rebuilt. The aim is to make the whole route navigable once more!