Although most of the Wey & Arun Canal Trust's recent work has concentrated on the operational section at Loxwood, WACT is mindful of the need to link the former Wey & Arun Junction Canal to the rest of the navigable waterways system. This was identified as a priority in the study produced by Atkins plc, and commissioned by local authorities along the line of the canal.

WACT's particular desire for the area at the northern end of the canal, near the A281 road over the navigable River Wey, is to provide a 'green corridor'. This will provide a public amenity and a route for walkers, cyclists, riders, etc - and later for boaters - based where possible on the original canal route,. The Trust's proposals for this area in Shalford, near Guildford, were the subject of a public consultation in Shalford last year, and received very strong support from the local residents.

The 'green corridor' is now taking a significant step nearer to reality. WACT has received a substantial legacy from the Ed and Doris Hunt Memorial Fund. This will enable the Trust to begin landscaping work at Shalford and to this end, WACT is working with local landscape consultants Community Realm CIC to produce plans for improvements to the area for the public benefit. The scheme will include areas for walking and seating for picnics, and open spaces to enjoy the countryside and views. The project will also include tree management so that the work can also include rejuvenating some of the planting that is in need of attention.

This generous bequest will make it possible for the Trust to start preparatory work shortly and to carry out the various surveys needed for the area.

Luke Taylor from Hart Brown, the solicitors who acted for the Hunts and who administered their legacy, commented "The Hunts lived in Loxwood near the Wey & Arun Canal. They wanted their legacy to be used for the conservation of the countryside and, in particular, wildlife. The Trustees of the Ed and Doris Hunt Memorial Fund were delighted to use the legacy for the benefit of the Canal Trust. Having seen its work at Loxwood and having studied the plans for the Shalford landscaping scheme, they concluded that this was exactly the sort of project that the Hunts would have wanted to support."

Further information about the Wey & Arun Canal Trust is available from the Trust's office, on 01403 752403.News Index

Notes for Editors

The Wey & Arun Canal Trust

The Wey & Arun Canal, "London's lost route to the sea" was originally opened in 1816 between the River Wey at Shalford, near Guildford, and Pallingham, near Pulborough, the head of navigation of the River Arun. It closed in 1871, due to railway competition. Since the 1970s the 23-mile waterway has been the subject of a campaign by volunteers led by the Wey & Arun Canal Trust to restore the route to navigation. Work has been undertaken in a number of locations, most notably the stretch near the Sussex/Surrey border at Loxwood. Over two miles in length, this includes four working locks, two public road crossings, an aqueduct, two farm bridges, and numerous minor works, all built or rebuilt through voluntary effort. Boat trips are available on this stretch, onboard several craft, including the new 50-seater electrically-powered Wiggonholt. See www.weyandarun.co.uk