Good news around Sussex-Surrey border

WHEN the Wey & Arun Canal was abandoned in the 19th century, its route was sold off to neighbouring owners.

To restore any section of the canal, the trust has first to gain ownership. The trust was delighted earlier this year to receive the Bonfire Hanger section in Surrey as a gift. We have now purchased the Gennets Farm section in West Sussex, towards Loxwood.

With the Gennets Bridge Lock section in between, already owned by the trust, it is now in control of a continuous 1.6km of canal route including the rebuilt Gennets Bridge Lock where the canal is crossed by the Sussex Border Path.

£2m project for the future

Of the restoration, the Wey & Arun Trust Canal News tells:

'Restoring the canal itself in this area will be a £2m project for the future. But we’re making improvements right now. The towpath, which is a bridleway, becomes a quagmire in wet weather. We’re planning to spend £62,000 to widen it and give it a stone surface.

Some of the investment comes from our own resources, but we’re actively seeking grant assistance. As a result there will be year-round access for walkers and riders through this beautiful wooded area, further improved by the removal of diseased ash trees. While we assemble funding, volunteer teams have put hard work into making a recognisable canal emerge from the Bonfire Hanger undergrowth.

At the north end of the Bonfire Hanger section In late November, we were delighted to hear that Alfold Parish Council had granted £5,000 towards the towpath upgrades. It is so encouraging when local councils recognise the canal’s value to their communities. More good news was a grant of £10,000 from Loxwood Parish Council to support our boat operation in Loxwood.

The summer of 2023 was difficult; malicious damage to pumping equipment in April 2023, plus a spell of extremely dry weather, made it hard to maintain water levels. Thanks to a generous response to our fundraising appeal, we are now ‘building back better’ so that in future we will use the precious water more efficiently'.