Awesome, I love watching your videos I love the information and history the pictures of how it used to look I love all of it. I look forward to the next one
Exellent video watching from beginning of each season and im amazed each time by the history and your dedication to bring to folk the amazing network of abandoned canals off Birmingham and black country , Neil
Coming out of the heavily industries and city traffic to come back to almost navigable waters is just remarkable.. plenty of open spaces to get that part restored.. once again though the M6 toll has created a major problem for restoration of the canals. As you said box culvert may be the solution.. it's not impossible but probably the most expensive part of restoring the canal.. the massive amount of work on the Litchfield Canal project especially around the roundabout and rail line they called the "pinch point" proves it can be done.. it's exciting really..
What a wonderful video. I have been fascinated with canals since me & my mates hired a boat in 1984 & cruised the Cheshire & Four Counties rings. I remember seeing the entrance to this cut at Calf Heath, and being intrigued that another canal went off from there, but was no longer navigable. Thanks!
Regularly follow the updates on the Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust Twitter account and yes, as you say, excellent progress is being made. Looking forward to your updates on The Lichfield Canal. Glad I stumbled across this account. Keep up the good work!
A few years ago now, I used to be entertained at 9am on a Saturday morning by a certain Noel Edmonds... nowadays it’s Andy Tidy! Another great episode Andy, thank you. I have friends who live near the line in Calf Heath so walking this one is a must... so is there a footpath under the M6 after all?
Thank you for your efforts and another superb canal hunt; can I ask why does Google Maps show that this branch actually once crossed the A5 passing by Longford Farm House and what is now Cannock Motor Auctions, it then appears to follow Wellington Drive where it eventually stops? Was this to a colliery or other works?
I remember the "Lady Hatherton" the Staffs & Worcester directors' boat. Very elegant; it was owned by David Hutchings at the time he was in charge of restoring the Southern Stratford in the early 60s. I wonder where it is now.
Another fantastic video Andy, last year I got under Cross bridge and there were otter prints in the mud and a spraint on the edge, I haven’t seen one yet unfortunately but they’re definitely about, there’s an info board by the chemical works on the staffs & worcs saying they’re in that area. I’m amazed how the canals have been cleaned up over the last 30ish years and the wildlife that’s returned, I’ve just got back from cycling on the walsall canal and a kingfisher flew by!, I never would have believed that would happen one day!😂, very much looking forward to the rest of season 3, thanks for your work🙂👍🏻
Did Lord Hatherton build his locks to the standard Staffs and Worcs (and all others) 70 ft length? I ask because I think the coal boats on the Wyrley and Essington and branches in the Cannock coalfield area were longer - maybe 80 ft. We "borrowed" paddle gear from the abandoned W&E locks to re-purpose for the Stratford. I assume David had permission to do so - I just did what I was told. But he isn't here any longer to ask.
The oversize boats were called "hampton" boats - about 80ft by 8ft and were limited to the Wolverhampton Level. The Hatherton Branch locks were the usual 71st x 7ft
Great episode. I'd thought of fishing along that length but didn't realise it was sewage water so I think I'd pass. Good to see it through your lens though. Thanks.
