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The charity making life better by water

A plant with small white flowers grows on the towpath in front of a moored narrowboat.

Cannock Extension Canal

The Cannock Extension Canal is a rural delight and forms part of the Birmingham Canal Navigations.

This 1.8-mile (2.9 km) long extension runs from Pelsall Junction on the Wyrley & Essington Canal, north to Norton Canes Docks. It forms part of the Birmingham Canal Navigations.

You might not believe that the Birmingham Canal Navigations can offer rural cruising - but the Cannock Extension Canal is proof that it can. At the very north of the Birmingham system, the little-used Cannock Extension offers an intriguing short diversion off the 'Curley Wyrley'.

One of the country's largest populations of the protected Floating Water Plantain can be found in the canal, which has been designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

Boating the Cannock Extension

All you need to know about boating the Cannock Extension Canal

Things to do on the Cannock Extension Canal

Look for wildlife

You may be treated to a variety of wildlife species on this rural stretch of canal

Discover the surrounding flora

There are plenty of beautiful flowers and plants along our canals and rivers - what will you spot?

Fishing on the Cannock Extension

Find out about fishing on and near the Cannock Extension

Places to visit near the Cannock Extension Canal

Chasewater Country Park

The park centres on Chasewater Reservoir and is now a SSSI, with plenty of water sports, walking and cycling trails

Chasewater Country Park

The park centres on Chasewater Reservoir and is now a SSSI, with plenty of water sports, walking and cycling trails

Wyrley & Essington Canal

This rural canal runs past a number of nature reserves and wildlife hotspots, including Pelsall Common and Rough Wood Nature Reserve

Wyrley & Essington Canal

This rural canal runs past a number of nature reserves and wildlife hotspots, including Pelsall Common and Rough Wood Nature Reserve

Birmingham

Boasting more canals than Venice, Birmingham is a 30-minute drive away and full of things to do

Birmingham

Boasting more canals than Venice, Birmingham is a 30-minute drive away and full of things to do

History of the Cannock Extension Canal

The canal opened in 1863 and ran to Hednesford, serving a number of collieries which provided the main boat traffic.

The northern section closed in 1963 as a result of mining subsidence.

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