The Gloucester to Hereford canal in the UK. The canal was granted permission to be built in 1791 and work started in 1793. It reached Newent in just two years in 1795, but didn't reach Ledbury until 1832. It was finally completed to Hereford in 1845 and was closed after a mere 36 years in operation. This was mainly due to the railways proving such a strong competitor, being quicker cheaper in most cases and reliable. This was true of a great many canals of the period and in fact the railway companies bought a lot of the competing canals, filled them in and built their railways on top. This was the case for this canal and the canal suffered the indignity of being used for the transport of railway building materials in the early stages.
This video was shot at Oxenhall just outside of Newent, and has had some restoration work carried out. The lock keepers cottage has been rescued from dereliction, the lock has been repaired and the basin cleared out. In fact the day I was filming here there were a crew working to remove excess growth from the canal side.
This is a very good site to visit as it also boasts an aquaduct, an old rail crossing and a tunnel, although there is no official access to the latter which has suffered from the neglect of 100 years.
The plan for this canal is for a full restoration, and work has begun in various locations on small scale digging out, rebuilds and refurbishments although the task is immense. Somehow I don't think I shall be around with my trusty camera to record the grand reopening.
In the meantime I hope to try and film both the canal in its 'natural' state and restoration as it progresses.