What to expect
The ‘virtual open day', filmed at Lock number 3 at Ryders Green, is one of six chosen nationwide this winter and aims to highlight the work the charity does to care for the historic canal network in the Midlands and beyond.
The Walsall Canal virtual open day, available to view on the our website and promoted to over a million canal supporters nationwide, shows the process of how skilled teams look after the listed canal lock by replacing a worn-out lock gate with a new one made from solid oak. Weighing several tonnes, the hand-crafted lock gate, made at Bradley in the West Midlands, was skilfully manoeuvred into place using a boat and a pully system.
Our experts also talk about the heritage and wildlife along this canal and viewers get to learn what happens to the fish when the canal is drained of water as part of the heritage works.
Taking care of our canals
Adnan Saif, our director of West Midlands, said: “The Walsall Canal has a rich history and has become an important green artery bringing nature and wildlife. It's great to be able to show how we lovingly look after it. A lot of work goes into making sure our canals are open year-round for boaters, walkers, cyclists, and anyone else who may need to escape to a green space during their day.
“By sharing the Walsall Canal open day online, it's available for people in the Midlands and beyond to get an insight into the canals of the Midlands which were the arteries of the Industrial Revolution. We have a great team of staff and volunteers at the Trust who are skilled in maintaining and caring for all the historical locks, bridges, tunnels, aqueducts and the wildlife that lives along the canal and they all do a fantastic job. Log onto our website to learn more about the canals and why they are just as important today as they were when they were first built.”
Open Days
The virtual open day showcasing the Walsall Canal is one of six being hosted by us. There are also six face-to-face open days taking place around the country this winter where members of the public will be able to see first-hand the works to looks after the canal network.
