After a modest start in 1997 work began on the restoration of the Wendover canal under the direction of the WCT with the support of more than 200 volunteers, contributing more than 100,000 hours to date.
Most recently, in the year to mid-2022, an average of 720 volunteer hours per month were worked by 58 volunteers. The canal, which is actually a rare chalk stream, starts in Wendover, runs for nearly seven miles (11 kilometres) through Weston Turville, Halton, Aston Clinton, Buckland Wharf, Drayton Beauchamp and Little Tring, joining the Grand Union Canal at Bulbourne Junction near Tring. Critically, the Grand Union Canal at the ‘Tring summit’ depends on the Wendover Canal to keep its locks supplied with water.
The canal, which is actually a rare chalk stream, starts in Wendover, runs for nearly seven miles (11 kilometres) through Weston Turville, Halton, Aston Clinton, Buckland Wharf, Drayton Beauchamp and Little Tring, joining the Grand Union Canal at Bulbourne Junction near Tring. Critically, the Grand Union Canal at the ‘Tring summit’ depends on the Wendover Canal to keep its locks supplied with water.
Apart from the fundamental goal of restoring the canal to a fully functioning waterway the WCT has two other aims;
- to create a major area for leisure, relaxation, health & well-being for all,
- and to improve the environment and increase biodiversity.
Said Clive Johnson, Chairman of the WCT:
“This is a story of passion, determination and dedication. It’s involved a whole range of skills and disciplines drawing on the support of volunteers who share the vision of creating an environmentally friendly leisure area close to rapidly expanding urban developments. There’s still much to be done and we hope we can sustain the support and funding to complete this marathon project.”
WCT Patron Sir David Suchet, CBE, commented:
“I am very much aware of all the hard work and time that has been given to this project by so many people”
“I wish the WCT every success for its future plans.”