Bridgwater & Taunton Canal
- Somerset Waterways People
- Bridgwater Docks Arts Project - Breaking the Surface
- Bridgwater & Taunton Canal Space Walk
- Bridgwater & Taunton Wardens Service and Volunteers
- Somerset Waterways Trust
Somerset Waterways People
There is a wealth of historic waterways in Somerset and the West Country, ranging from land drainage schemes to canals and rivers. Waterways are a part of the West Country's landscape; social, industrial and agricultural history; and they link into wider corridors and the communities that surround them.
West Country waterways such as the Bridgwater & Taunton Canal, the River Parrett, the Grand Western Canal and the Somerset Levels all contain icons of regional and national importance, including assets such as:
- Brunel's Telescopic and Bascule Bridges which still provide access over the River Parrett and docks in Bridgwater
- Remains of the Nynehead Lift at Wellington.
- Bridgwater Docks and riverside Quay
- Tiverton Wharf and Lime Kilns
- Taunton 's Railway Water Tower (a structure built on a 19th Century lime kiln)
These waterways provide a focus for local people and visitors to learn and appreciate more. In partnership with the local government offices in the area we operate and manage the Bridgwater & Taunton Canal between the Docks in Bridgwater and French Weir on the River Tone in Taunton. Along this 15-mile diverse and attractive waterway there are many partnership projects.
Bridgwater & Taunton Canal Space Walk
Along the towpath of the waterway you will find a linear representation of the universe with interpretation of the planets represented. Using the distance between Taunton and Bridgwater the planets relative location is marked with a 'milestone' and scale model of the planet. Produced and financed locally this novel addition to the walk down the towpath is appreciated by many.
Bridgwater & Taunton Wardens Service and Volunteers
The Bridgwater & Taunton Wardens service began some years ago as a partnership project between British Waterways, the local communities and police to deal with concerns of vandalism and anti-social behaviour along and around the canal. The service has over 40 members who are the 'eyes and ears' of the waterway, reporting incidents and problems either to the police or to us.
The organisation is full of unsung heroes. Many are unofficial tour guides, litter pickers and canal clear up contactors. Last winter there was a series of waterway clear-ups that produced a mound of debris including the odd motorbike or two!
Somerset Waterways Development Trust
Every waterway has a range of requirements and development proposals that British Waterways and the local authorities will have difficulties in providing either because of cost or other priorities. The Bridgwater & Taunton Canal is no exception.
Local people have, therefore, joined together with our help to form the Somerset Waterways Development Trust. This Trust is an independent, formally registered and incorporated organisation providing support for the future of Somerset waterways.
The Trust proposes to:
- Promote Somerset Waterways
- Educate people about Somerset Waterways
- Interpret the history and landscape of Somerset Waterways
- Protect and conserve the environment, landscape, heritage and recreational resource of Somerset Waterways
- Improve and enhance Somerset Waterways