Welcome to the Basingstoke Canal Bulletin: May 2024
Welcome to the Basingstoke Canal Bulletin: May 2024
No. 66. May 2024.Welcome to our May bulletin Hopefully as you read this the sunshine has stayed and you’ve had the opportunity to visit the Basingstoke Canal in this finally arrived and glorious springtime.As Spring has sprung, the beauty of the Canal in the sunshine has become apparent to all especially for all the new wildlife, including many new duckling, goslings and cooties making the canal their home.  Ducklings at Great Bottom Flash, May 2024 On a less positive note, the Basingstoke Canal remains at significant risk due to the decline in funding from many riparian councils. These councils have historically allocated funds of various amounts to support the upkeep and maintain this SSSI site for their residents to enjoy but in these financially challenging times, funds are drastically decline which poses a very real risk for the future.The Basingstoke Canal is enjoyed by residents and brings visitors to the area, those who navigate on boats, join boat trips, paddleboard, canoe or simply use the towpath for cycling, running and walking. There are many people who use the canal, and we must not take this resource for granted!With declining funds to maintain the canal comes significant risks. It has become increasingly evident that there are serious financial pressures on the canal that only grow in the coming years. The Basingstoke Canal isn’t alone in its financial challenges but there are some very real risks of the canal falling into disrepair from it becoming unnavigable, overgrown with weeds and invasive species causing a risk to wildlife and the environment and of course towpaths become less usable for us all. Nobody wants an overgrown and poorly maintained eye-sore on their doorstep or worse running through your village or town!  Woodend Bridge, 1977 Pre-Restoration As a charity, the Basingstoke Canal Society remains committed to fundraising, campaigning and supporting the long term sustainable future of the Basingstoke Canal but we need your help.There are many ways you can help today, and it only takes a few moments to find out and do your part: Donate – Protect the canal through helping to fund essential projects Become a Member – Supporting our ongoing efforts and receive regular updates from us Get Involved & Volunteer– Help us to help the Basingstoke Canal Do your part and write to your local MP today – A handy guide is available on our website |
 About Basingstoke Canal SocietyAs the guardian of Basingstoke Canal, the Society promotes and campaigns for the sustainable future of the Canal as a navigation. Become a Member Volunteering Donations – current projects Donations – general The Society received the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service in 2018, equivalent to an MBE, in recognition of more than 50 years outstanding contribution to the local community. |