Remember a Charity week 2024: The impact of gifts in Wills

Here are a few of our important projects made possible thanks to these generous contributions.

Maintaining Jubilee Wood on the Kennet & Avon Canal

At Jubilee Wood near Caen Hill Lock, we carefully maintain the area to provide homes for woodland wildlife, such as hedgehogs, frogs and, hopefully soon, barbastelle bats! Beyond wildlife spotting, visitors also enjoy relaxing walks and fresh air in this scenic wood.

Thanks to a local resident and canal enthusiast, Jubilee Wood will continue to grow and welcome future generations to the canalside for years.

Caring for our Ellesmere Port collections and archives

A passionate volunteer who contributed tremendously to Ellesmere Port left a lasting legacy. This gift was dedicated to help care for the collections and archives at Ellesmere Port National Waterways Museum. It supported the restoration of a trip boat, now renamed ‘Diana Margaret’ in her memory.

This thoughtful gift ensures that generations to come can discover our rich canal history.

Historical lamp repairs at Naburn Locks on the River Ouse

With the first lock built in 1757, and the larger one in 1988, the Naburn Locks represent an important piece of engineering history.

Thanks to a legacy dedicated to preserving structures in Yorkshire, we’re restoring historic lamps at these locks and safeguarding our canal heritage.

Aquatic weed cutting on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal

On the Leeds & Liverpool Canal, we removed floating pennywort. This invasive plant species obstructs boater navigation and blocks weirs and paddles.

To protect wildlife, we checked disposal sites for nesting birds and reptile or bat activity before weed boats collected and deposited the weed on our land to decompose.

Restoring a historic bridge in Braunston

A generous supporter’s local legacy is funding the repair of one of Braunston’s most beloved historic canal bridges. This project not only protects the historic Bridge 91A but also teaches our volunteers vital heritage skills, such as using traditional lime mortar.

The bridge will be renamed ‘91A, Peter’s Bridge’ in tribute to his generous gift left to his local canal.

Bridge improvements at West India Docks

With increased moorings at Millwall Basin, the two bridges on approach through the Millwall cut faced growing demand for passage. We upgraded the lift controls on these bridges, ensuring reliable access and improving navigation for the boating community.

Eel screening project on the Llangollen Canal

The Llantysilio Feeder channels water into the Llangollen Canal and contributes to the drinking water supply for the surrounding community. To protect the European eel, a critically endangered species, from becoming trapped in the feeder, we’re installing intake screening equipment.

This project helps sustain canal wildlife and ensures these eels can continue swimming safely.

Vital bridge repairs on the River Weaver

The Newbridge fixed and swing bridges needed crucial repairs, as they carry access tracks for vehicles and pedestrians over the River Weaver. A lovely gift meant we could repair the main structures and decks and paint the steelwork, prolonging its structural integrity and protective coatings well into the future.

We’re now working to place a dedicated bench in the donor’s favourite place to acknowledge this wonderful legacy gift. If you’re interested in dedicating a bench in memory or marking a space on our network in another way, find out more about the dedication options we have available.

By choosing to leave a gift in your Will, you can help protect the future of canals and rivers. Thank you to everyone who has kindly remembered us in their Will already, or is planning to do so.

Email Natasha if you’d like to learn more about leaving a gift in your Will or to let us know if you've already decided to leave a gift, so we can thank you personally and invite you to exclusive events.