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Waterways > Grand Union Canal – Buckingham Arm
Grand Union Canal – Buckingham Arm
Restoring the Old Stratford Arm and its extension, the Buckingham Arm, from Cosgrove through to the town of Buckingham.
Grand Union Canal Map – Buckingham Arm
Facts & Stats
0.2 miles
The length of the Old Stratford and Buckingham Arm that is navigable
10.7 miles
or 17km. The length of the Buckingham Arm that is no longer navigable.
1992
The year the Buckingham Canal Society was formed
Restoring the Old Stratford Arm
Leaving the Grand Union Canal at Cosgrove, a short stretch of the Old Stratford Arm is used for moorings. The aim is to restore the Old Stratford Arm and its extension, the Buckingham Arm, through to the town of Buckingham.
A Halcrow engineering study has found the project to be feasible, though with significant issues to address such as crossing the A5 dual carriageway. Possible solutions have been identified. Four sites are currently being worked by Buckingham Canal Society volunteers. So far a traditional stone bridge has been restored, a lock is under restoration and progress is being made towards re-watering a site near Buckingham. The Society has developed partnerships with local authorities and there is increasing local public awareness.
Waterway notes
Branches
IWA Milton Keynes Branch (derelict section)
IWA Northampton Branch (navigable section)
Waterway restoration
Restoring the UK’s blue infrastructure – our inherited network of navigable canals and rivers – is good for people and places.
New waterways add value
The advantages of the proposed waterways far exceed leisure boating alone. They incorporate a nature reserve, footpaths and cycle ways, the potential to improve flora and fauna and will contribute to the health and wellbeing of locals and visitors.
Waterway underfunding
Hundreds of miles of waterways – along with their unique heritage and habitats – are currently starved of funding and rely on constant lobbying by us to safeguard their future.
Love your waterways
Together we can protect and restore our waterways; the UK’s 6,500 miles of canals and rivers need your help.