Recently I visited the Huddersfield Narrow Canal to see first hand the vital repair work being carried out by the Canal & River Trust between Locks 11 and 12 — a stretch that was severely damaged by the storms earlier this year.
The embankment, located between the canal and the River Tame, suffered major structural impacts during the extreme weather in January. The Trust’s teams have responded with impressive engineering and environmental efforts: removing fallen trees, installing a new retaining wall, and reinforcing the embankment to prevent future damage.
These repairs are now in their final phase, with towpath resurfacing and tree replanting underway to restore not just the infrastructure, but the natural environment as well.
This work is an example of how national policy on climate resilience and environmental improvement is being delivered locally. It also highlights the importance of investing in our inland waterways for flood management, biodiversity, heritage, and community access to green and blue spaces.
Huge thanks to the Canal & River Trust and their dedicated staff and volunteers for their ongoing work.