North Walsham and Dilham Canal information day encourages visitors to see the transformation of the waterway
North Walsham and Dilham Canal Trust's open weekend at Norfolk's only canal with locks at Ebridge Mill pond pictured is Chris Black vice chair of the trust.Picture: MARK BULLIMORE
It is one of Norfolk's forgotten gems, neglected for decades and overlooked even by many locals.
North Walsham and Dilham Canal Trust's open weekend at Norfolk's only canal with locks at Ebridge Mill pond pictured is Chris Black vice chair of the trust.Picture: MARK BULLIMORE
But enthusiasts hoping to breathe new life into the North Walsham and Dilham Canal used the weekend to bring attention to this derelict piece of the region's heritage.
The waterway - the county's only canal with locks - was celebrated at an annual event at Ebridge Mill Pond, at which those working to restore sections of the route met to discuss their work and allow the public to find out more.
The day was organised by the North Walsham and Dilham Canal Trust (NWDCT), which was set up seven years ago, to explore ways to work with local landowners to conserve and improve the route, to allow it to be enjoyed by greater numbers.
Opened in 1826, the canal remained in operation throughout the nineteenth century, but went into steep decline in the twentieth century. The last wherry to navigate its waters was in 1934.
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David Revill, trust member of the NWDCT, said: 'People get to know what it's all about. A lot of people have never heard of it and don't know where it is.'
David Ling, of North Walsham, started work at Ebridge Mill in 1954 and remained there for 42 years.
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'It's great, it's wonderful it's even better now than it was when I worked here. It was sad to see it deteriorate but now it's something to be admired,' said the 81-year-old.
Attempts to revive the waterway have not been without some controversy. In 2012, the Environment Agency intervened in a scheme to dredge along one stretch, amid fears wildlife could suffer.
Are you involved in a project to restore some of north Norfolk's heritage? Email sophie.biddle@archant.co.uk
