Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust

@lhcrt

We are a volunteer-led charity, restoring two canals in Staffordshire, and reconnecting them to the BCN and national canal network. Follow our feeds: #WeDigCanals #UKCanals #FloatingTraders #Lichfield Find out more:

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Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust@lhcrt· 22d

Yesterday @joshnewburymp.bsky.social joined volunteers Sarah Wiltshire, Christine Howles and Colin Booker for a tour of Borrowcop Locks Canal Park and a look at the exciting progress at Tamworth Road Narrows and Gallows Reach. Thanks for coming Josh! #WeDigCanals #UKCanals #Lichfield #Cannock

Four people stand beside a fenced canal at Gallows Wharf, posing for a group photo with brick buildings and greenery behind them.

Four people stand on a paved walkway in front of a white metal liftbridge structure, with trees and a building behind them

Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust@lhcrt· 23d

What's on the agenda for today at Gallows Reach? Concrete! #WeDigCanals #Lichfield #UKCanals

A canal channel with section ready for concrete - a black plastic membrane and a grid of steel rebar held up by yellow spacers. Stacks of large black pipes, bags of materials, wooden planks, metal fencing and orange safety netting surround the area, with trees visible beyond the site.

Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust@lhcrt· 24d

The Waterway Recovery Group (part of @iwa-uk.bsky.social) canal camp volunteers have made an excellent start on constructing the new canal bed at Darnford Moors Ecology Park. Fantastic progress in just a couple of days! lhcrt.org.uk/closures/ #WeDigCanals #Lichfield #UKCanals

A group of construction workers in high‑visibility vests and hard hats stand inside a deep excavation, assembling a rectangular steel reinforcement frame. Some workers stand on the structure while others handle tools and materials around the pit, with exposed soil walls and dry vegetation surrounding the site.

Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust@lhcrt· 24d

Brownhills Canal Festival is coming soon! We can’t wait to welcome you to another brilliant community day of boats, traders, charities and fun. We're putting the final touches to the site plan, so we'll have more news for you very soon. lhcrt.org.uk/brownhills-c... #UKCanals #BuyItOffABoat

Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust@lhcrt· 24d

If you love #UKCanals, you'll love @lovecanals.bsky.social. Please give them a follow.

Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust@lhcrt· 25d

Saturday's Green & Grounds team, with five @dofe.org volunteers, finished Canal Walk, widened the path over Lock 23, and began cleaning the ornamental wall opposite Gallows Wharf. Keeping our towpaths tidy and safe. #UKCanals #Lichfield #WeDigCanals

A group of volunteers in yellow safety vests gather cut branches and leaves into a large white bag beside a grassy path, with tools lying nearby.

A volunteer in a yellow vest and orange safety helmet uses a grass trimmer to clear overgrown vegetation along a narrow dirt path.

Two volunteers in yellow LHCRT vests prune ivy and overgrown plants beside a tree and brick embankment.

Two volunteers in yellow vests remove weeds and moss from a sloped brick embankment using hand tools.

Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust@lhcrt· 26d

The finishing touches have been made to the new reed bed at Tamworth Road Narrows. The openings just below the waterline allow fresh water to flow through as boats pass, helping to keep the reed bed healthy. #UKCanals #Lichfield #WeDigCanals

Completed reed bed at Tamworth Road Narrows, showing newly built brick retaining walls with dark coping bricks and low openings at the base that will allow water to flow through. The surrounding area is bare soil, with the restored canal structure visible in the background under bright sunshine.

Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust@lhcrt· 26d

🚧 Darnford Moors Ecology Park is now closed until Sunday 2 Aug. 🚧 This is due to construction work taking place. Sorry if this interrupts your plans for a walk, but we'll be reopening as soon as the work is complete. Thank you for your understanding. lhcrt.org.uk/closures/ #UKCanals #Lichfield

A metal fence blocks a dirt path at an ecology park, with signs reading “Closure: Darnford Moors Ecology Park… Friday 17 July to Sunday 2 August” and “Footpath Closed.” Behind the barrier are stacked construction materials, and trees and vegetation surround the area under a clear sky.

Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust@lhcrt· 27d

While we were working at Darnford Moors Ecology Park, we were visited by a women's walking group. It's lovely to see the canal used by so many people. REMINDER: Darnford Moors Ecology Park will be closed for two weeks, while construction takes place: lhcrt.org.uk/closures/ #UKCanals #Lichfield

A group of people walk along a gravel towpath beside a canal, surrounded by tall grasses and wildflowers in yellow and purple. The scene is rural and peaceful, with open fields, scattered trees, and an overcast sky.

Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust@lhcrt· 28d

At Gallows Wharf, the plastic pipe has done its job and so our volunteer team are removing it. We are holding around 20cm of water from the underground stream before it flows back into the concrete pipe. It definitely is a waterway now. 🥳 #Lichfield #UKCanals #WeDigCanals

A muddy, partially flooded canal under restoration, with brick and concrete walls, a large circular drainage pipe on the left, and construction tools and wheelbarrows on the right. A worker in a high‑visibility vest and helmet stands beside the fenced edge in the distance, with trees and buildings visible in the background.

Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust@lhcrt· 28d

A double treat - a generous donation from Braunston Marina and we got to meet Sam West too 🤩 lhcrt.org.uk/2026/07/15/b... #UKCanals #WeDigCanals

A group of four people, including TV's Sam West, stand inside an event tent, smiling as they hold a large ceremonial cheque. The cheque is made out to Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust for £200 from Braunston Marina. Behind them are display boards showing canal restoration information and images.

Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust@lhcrt· 29d

Special shout‑out to Damola, supported by John Clark, for completing the de‑gorsing along the front of the Fosseway Queen and opening up the full roadside view.

A volunteer in a high‑visibility vest using pruning shears to cut back vegetation. Behind him is a bridge and it's a sunny day.

A volunteer in a high‑visibility jacket working on a steep sandbag embankment with vegetation growing between the bags under a partly cloudy sky.

Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust@lhcrt· 29d

Day two of the JLR Asset Management Team Build - mowing new paths on Falkland Road, clearing the towpath and canal bed at Fosseway, and tidying the site entrance. A huge amount achieved by the whole team. They ended with an early dinner and a six‑mile hike to finish the day! #Lichfield #UKCanals

A group of nine volunteers in high‑visibility vests standing on a dirt path in front of a wooden gate and grassy embankment on a sunny day.

A volunteer in a red helmet and high‑visibility vest operating a brush cutter along a brick‑lined canal surrounded by dry grass and shrubs.

A volunteer in a helmet, ear protection, gloves, and a high‑visibility vest using a grass trimmer beside a brick canal wall in an outdoor work area.

A volunteer in a high‑visibility vest walking in grassy terrain holding gardening equipment, with another volunteer partially visible and dense bushes behind.

Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust@lhcrt· 29d

Day one of our JLR Asset Management team build! Nine volunteers finished widening the access into Darnford Moors Ecology Park before tackling some serious "gardening" on Falkland Road, around the Fosseway Queen, the Heritage Trail and the towpath. #Lichfield #UKCanals #WeDigCanals

Three volunteers in high‑visibility vests dig and level the edge of a towpath next to a wooden rail fence.

Volunteers in high‑visibility vests spread white gravel along a rural towpath bordered by bushes and a wooden fence.

A brick narrowboat replics with a plaque reading “Fosseway Queen” holds two gardening tools, set beside a landscaped path with trees and houses in the background

A volunteer in full safety gear uses a brush cutter to trim vegetation along a grassy embankment beside a dirt path. He is looking at the camera and has his thumb up.

Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust@lhcrt· Jul 13

Over at Tamworth Road Narrows, the reed bed is complete. Can't wait to see this fully established, but we need to be patient. #Lichfield #UKCanals #WeDigCanals

A retaining wall sits against a steep soil bank, with grey concrete blocks forming the lower section and red-and‑white bricks creating the second (higher) wall. A drainage pipe emerges from the base of the blockwork. Two upright wooden poles stand in front of the wall, one topped with a blue hard hat. Behind the construction area, the slope rises to a line of trees and vegetation.

Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust@lhcrt· Jul 12

Four Green & Grounds plus seven DofE volunteers tackled Canal Walk on Saturday, trimming bushes, clearing nettles and gathering wildflower seeds. Hot day, early start, early finish - great work all round. #Lichfield #UKCanals #WeDigCanals

A volunteer in a bright yellow vest trims a dense garden shrub beside a wooden fence. Cut branches and leaves lie on the ground, and the area is surrounded by green vegetation on a sunny day.

A volunteer in a yellow safety vest and red hard hat uses a strimmer along a towpath bordered by a metal fence and tall vegetation. It’s a sunny outdoor maintenance session.

A volunteer in a high‑visibility vest and cap works beside a large green bush, with cut branches on the ground. Another volunteer is visible further along the hedge in a sunny residential area.

A volunteer wearing an LHCRT high‑vis vest stands in tall grasses and wildflowers, holding a small paper bag while collecting seeds in a sunny, overgrown natural area.

Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust@lhcrt· Jul 11

We’ve done it - 85m of canal now at practical completion at Gallows Wharf/Reach. The section’s bunded to hold water, and work is already shifting toward the liftbridge. Huge thanks to everyone involved. Onwards… #Lichfield #WeDigCanals #UKCanals

Excavated canal channel under construction with water pooled along the base. Reddish soil mounds covered in black sheeting sit in the foreground, and concrete and steel retaining walls line both sides. Pipes, tools and ventilation equipment are scattered around the site. A brick tunnel entrance with a metal staircase and railings rises at the far end, with fencing and vegetation above the retaining walls.

Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust@lhcrt· Jul 9

... The next day, they completed the final part of the shelf wall reinforcement. That's this section complete. 🥳

Large black corrugated drainage pipe fitted into a circular opening in a brick culvert wall. Wooden shuttering sits directly behind the pipe, with concrete inside, forming a new support surface. Mud, water and construction materials surround the active work area.

A close-upvimagecof a large black corrugated drainage pipe set into a circular opening in a brick culvert wall. A smooth concrete shelf sits directly behind the pipe, forming a new support surface. Mud, water and construction materials surround the active work area.

Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust@lhcrt· Jul 9

At Gallows Wharf, with the big pipe gone, our volunteers managed to dig out and concrete under the final section of plastic pipe while it was still in situ. They erected a scaffolding support frame to gingerly and slowly hoist it up. #UKCanals #Lichfield #WeDigCanals

Large black corrugated drainage pipe connected to a culvert, supported on metal scaffolding and straps. Freshly poured concrete sits beneath the pipe, forming a smooth new base within the muddy work area. Tools, gloves, a bucket and temporary metal barriers surround the active construction zone.

Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust@lhcrt· Jul 8

Rick the-brick Walters - the man, the legend - is featured in the next edition of our magazine Cut Both Ways. Sign up today and don't miss out on this exclusive feature. lhcrt.org.uk/membership/m... #UKCanals #Lichfield #WeDigCanals

Collage featuring Rick the-brick Walters at work on canal brick restoration, wearing a white hard hat and high‑vis vest while holding a trowel. Smaller images show his green “Happy 80th Birthday” cake, Rick standing next to David Suchet, and Rick beside newly built brick arches at the canal site. The main text reads “Read Rick’s story.”

Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust@lhcrt· Jul 7

We welcomed two Heart of England in Bloom judges to Darnford Moors Ecology Park as part of the Whittington entry by Whittington & Fisherwick Environment Group. They were impressed by how our volunteers care for the site and its wildlife. Thanks to WFEG for involving us! #UKCanals #Lichfield

A group of four adults standing on a gravel path beside safety barriers at Darnford Moors Ecology Park - two judges and two members of WFEG. There are trees, grass and a blue sky in the background.

Three adults standing together in a grassy area surrounded by trees and shrubs. One person holds a walking stick, another holds a folder, and they appear to be discussing the site during a sunny visit.

Three adults walking along a gravel path through Darnford Moors Ecology Park. The person in front carries a purple walking stick and wears a long dress. The group is moving through a green, sunny landscape.

Two adults walking along a grassy path lined with interpretation boards. They are looking at the displays while moving through a wooded area in bright sunlight.

Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust@lhcrt· Jul 6

Huge thanks to Bill and the two Peters - they've been busy collecting donated bricks Every donated brick saves us money, helping us put more funds towards restoring the Lichfield Canal. A big thank you to everyone who has donated! #WeDigCanals #UKCanals

A neat stack of old, weathered bricks arranged beside a vehicle, showing mixed colours, worn textures and signs of past use, with bins and grass nearby.

A trailer filled with reclaimed bricks in mixed colours and conditions, with a volunteer in high‑visibility clothing standing beside the load, showing active clearance and reuse work.

A trailer bed piled with assorted old bricks, some perforated and some solid, with work gloves resting on top, indicating ongoing volunteer collection and transport of reclaimed materials.

Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust@lhcrt· Jul 5

On Saturday, 8 DofE volunteers (exams have finished) joined 3 Green and Grounds volunteers at Darnford Moors Ecology Park. They continued the fab work started by Friday's corporate group, backfilling the new lane edging, plus carrying out maintenance work around Bull Wood. #Lichfield #WeDigCanals

Four volunteers in hi‑vis vests stand on a woodland path holding tools including loppers, a rake and shears, taking a short pause while carrying out vegetation‑clearing work.

A volunteer in a hi‑vis vest, helmet, ear protection and face shield uses a brush cutter to trim overgrown vegetation along a woodland path.

A volunteer wearing a hi‑vis vest marked “LHCRT VOLUNTEER,” helmet, ear protection and face shield uses a strimmer to clear growth around a tree in a wooded area.

Two volunteers in hi‑vis vests work on a soil excavation, one digging with a shovel beside a wheelbarrow while the other stands on the slope with a tool near a tunnel structure.

Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust@lhcrt· Jul 4

A big thank you to three volunteers from Capita Recovery, who joined us on Friday to widen the access road at Darnford Moors Ecology Park. With Nigel removing a tree stump (using his qualified chainsaw skills), the team put in a huge effort in the heat. #WeDigCanals #Lichfield #UKCanals

Three volunteers in high‑vis vests stand on a towpath holding tools, ready for vegetation‑clearing work.

Three volunteers in high‑vis vests use long‑handled tools to clear weeds and vegetation along a rural path.

A volunteer in a high‑vis vest kneels to hammer a wooden stake into the ground while another stands nearby with a shovel.

A volunteer in full protective gear uses a chainsaw to cut through thick branches in an overgrown area.

Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust@lhcrt· Jul 1

... Meanwhile, Simon is getting on with the piling tags and Gary is setting out and laying the blue brick wall.

Construction volunteer in safety gear standing on a ladder beside a tall metal retaining wall in a flooded canal work area.

Volunteer in helmet and high‑visibility vest laying a brick wall next to a flooded canal, with construction materials and fencing nearby.

Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust@lhcrt· Jul 1

... They are going to try the old 'bottle trick' to see if they can stem the main leak coming under the gravel bed. Fingers crossed...

Canal restoration work around a brick bridge with tools, sandbags, pumps, and safety fencing.

Muddy ground with pooled water beside a concrete edge, showing a partially buried plastic bottle and loose stones.

Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust@lhcrt· Jul 1

At Gallows Wharf, we nearly have 100m of 'canal' but it's taking longer and longer to pump out before we can start work, in order to finish it. Once they'd finished pumping out the water, the team started setting up to concrete the first section... #UKCanals #Lichfield #WeDigCanals

Partially completed canal with concrete and metal retaining walls, standing water, sandbags, fencing, and construction materials, with a worker visible near a bridge in the background.

Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust@lhcrt· Jun 30

Prep is underway for the Waterway Recovery Group ( @iwa-uk.bsky.social ) summer camp at Darnford Moors Ecology Park. From 18 July to 1 August, the park will be closed while volunteers build the new canal walls. Exciting! More updates soon. #WeDigCanals #Lichfield #UKCanals

A small orange excavator digging into a soil embankment beside a wooden fence, with dense greenery and a concrete bridge section, with a blue car in the background.

An orange excavator working along a narrow trench in a rural area, surrounded by trees and vegetation, with a concrete culvert and a blue car visible above it.

A small orange excavator operated by a volunteer in a hi‑vis vest, moving earth inside a deep excavation pit bordered by grass, bushes, and a wooden fence.

Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust@lhcrt· Jun 29

Enjoy our posts? You’ll love our members’ magazine - packed with milestones, behind‑the‑scenes stories and volunteer highlights. Membership is £15 a year, supporting the canal restoration. The magazine is our thank you. lhcrt.org.uk/membership/m... #Lichfield #UKCanals #WeDigCanals

Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust@lhcrt· Jun 28

Early start for our Green Team to beat the heat. With many DofE volunteers away on expedition, Evie, Daniel and four adults kept the tidy‑up and habitat work going at Borrowcop Locks Canal Park. Great effort. #lichfield #WeDigCanals #UKCanals