Version 11

Section two: The heritage In this section tell us about the heritage your project focuses on and why it is valued.

2a What is the heritage your project focuses upon? Our project focuses on two nationally significant cultural heritage assets and a regionally significant wildlife corridor.

The Stroudwater Navigation (SN) and the archives of the Company of Proprietors of the Stroudwater Navigation (CoPSN) are both critical to understanding our national industrial heritage and the cultural identity of the Valleys (ref: B.1.9, J.4 and J.5). SN is the western end of the Cotswold : from the end of the 18th century to the mid 20th century the two Cotswold Canals linked the Rivers Severn and Thames and so were strategically important to England's historic network. Our project is at the western end of Stroud's large and unusual Industrial Heritage Conservation Area, that has the two Cotswold Canals as its core. The 6 km of this project will join 10 km of canal recently restored with HLF funding (Phase 1A). Once complete our project will connect all 16 km to the national waterways network for the first time since the 1930s.

Construction of the SN started in the 1730s, early in the Industrial Revolution. Local businessmen, mostly in the wool trade, worked together to raise the necessary capital. The canal was built for Severn Trows - sailing barges with stepped masts, enabling passage under low bridges. Their long history of plying the Severn and its tributaries is reflected in the 's logo. The CoPSN's archives tell the story of the SN, from the 1730s to 1954. The CoPSN is the oldest continually surviving canal company in the world, whose successful canal business influenced investors in what became England's 'canal mania'. The archives essentially chart the Industrial Revolution and record how the canal brought coal and grain to the Stroud Valleys, fuelling industry and feeding local people.

Our project is pivotal for wildlife, as it runs close to the River Frome Key Wildlife Site and joins the Cotswold Canals to the Gloucester & Canal in the Severn Vale (ref. B.5). The Vale's many international wildlife designations range from Sites of Special Scientific Interest, Special Areas of Conservation, to a Ramsar Site and Special Protection Area. We aim to extend some of the wildlife-rich Vale habitats into the canal and river corridor, increase biodiversity and create habitats for nationally and locally rare and protected species such as water vole, otter, bats, great crested newts and hazel dormice. We will use an innovative biodiversity offsetting approach to enrich, care for and enhance the natural environment in perpetuity. This will be an exemplar project which will inform Government policy.

HG-17-05550 4 Version 11 2b Is your heritage considered to be at risk? Yes

Please provide information on why your heritage is considered to be at risk and in what way. Stroud's Industrial Heritage Conservation Area (IHCA) is on Historic England's Heritage at Risk register, because of its poor condition, vulnerability and ongoing deterioration. One of the key issues in such a large and varied area is the gradual, incremental change that erodes the qualities of the IHCA. Our project aims to show how change can reinforce, not weaken, the characteristic qualities of the area.

Derelict stretches of canal will ultimately cease to exist. Much of the unrestored sections of the SN are still identifiable as canal, but they continue to deteriorate. The section immediately east of Saul Junction is partly in water, but is much silted up. Its one is derelict. The central 'Missing Mile' section was completely filled in when the M5 was built. The section between Eastington and Stonehouse is in better condition, but locks and bridges need work, as do most of the pounds. Siltation will continue to worsen unless the canal is restored.

Phase 1A of the Cotswold Canals is already restored, but is landlocked. Without income from usage, its condition will deteriorate and recent investment will be wasted.

Stroud District Council and the Homes and Communities Agency are currently investing in improving the infrastructure at Brimscombe Port, prior to redevelopment, including the reinstatement of a . The Port is the obvious eastern destination for the reopened canal; if this Project does not go ahead, the success of the planned redevelopment at Brimscombe will be at risk.

The cultural heritage and sense of identity of the Stroud Valleys is closely connected to the canal and the historic wool industry, but these links will weaken unless the SN is restored. The re-opening of Phase 1A is an important step; but unless extended to Saul Junction and the Gloucester-Sharpness Canal this recent investment and associated heritage will be at risk.

The archives of the CoPSN survive and are securely housed at Gloucestershire Archives. But some documents require conservation work to halt further deterioration. This project aims to widen access to the archives in a number of ways, including digitising key elements, but further conservation work will be required. If we don't engage a wider audience, the archives will retain their narrow value but will have little value to the community as a whole.

Canals are defined as a priority habitat under the UK and Gloucestershire Habitat Action Plans. This is because 67% of the total length of Gloucestershire’s 83 kilometre canal network has been abandoned. Canals are important for wildlife as they provide a wide variety of rare or threatened habitats including open water, fen, mire, wet woodland and reedbed. The habitats involved with this project provide refuge for some of our rarest species, amongst them many listed on the UK and Gloucestershire Biodiversity Action Plans, such as Otter, Water Vole, Pipistrelle and Lesser Horseshoe Bat, plus over 200 species of plants. It is vital to protect these habitats and species as they are declining across the UK. The 2016 State of Nature Report showed that between 1970 and 2013 56% of the 4,000 species assessed declined! Even more concerning of 8,000 UK species assessed 13% (more than 1 in 8) is at risk of extinction! Without investment in this project these species and habitats will become even rarer in Gloucestershire and a further 7.7% of Gloucestershire’s canal network will become unsuitable for wildlife.

Restoring the canal is currently a priority within Stroud District's Local Plan (Delivery Policy ES11), but if the project does not go ahead now, we risk losing that support. Consultation on the issues for the next Local Plan has already started: the possibility of increased urbanisation along the canal corridor, which will not necessarily respect the character of the canal corridor, has already been raised. Commitment to further restoration is essential in order to reduce this risk.

2c Does your project involve work to physical heritage, such as buildings, collections, landscapes or habitats? Yes

HG-17-05550 5 Version 11 Tell us the name of the building(s), collections, landscape or habitat area CoPSN Archives; Stroud Industrial Heritage Conservation Area; Grade II Listed structures:- Blunder Lock, Newtown Lock, Bonds Mill Gatehouse; other unlisted structures, such as Occupation Bridge; the River Frome Key Wildlife Site, Severn Vale Nature Improvement Area, Frome Valley Strategic Nature Area, Severn and Avon Vales National Character Area.

Does your organisation have the freehold of the building or land, or own outright the heritage items that your project focuses on? No

Does your organisation have a lease of the building or land that your project focuses on? Yes

How many years are left to run on the lease? 987

Are there any legal conditions, restrictions or covenants associated with the heritage asset which may affect your project? No

Has a condition survey been undertaken for the heritage asset in the last five years? Yes

Does your organisation have, or are you planning to take out, a mortgage or other loans secured on the building or land, or heritage items? No

Does a project partner have, or are planning to take out, a mortgage or other loans secured on the building or land, or heritage items? No

For landscape projects, please provide an Ordnance Survey grid reference for your landscape. SO 756093 - 797051 (this relates just to the canal: the project will influence a wider corridor)

2d Does your project involve the acquisition of a building, land or heritage items? Yes

HG-17-05550 6 Version 11 Please tick any of the following that apply to your heritage:

Accredited Museum, Gallery or Archive

Designated or Significant (Scotland) Collection

DCMS funded Museum, Library, Gallery or Archive

World Heritage Site

Grade I or Grade A listed building

Grade II* or Grade B listed building

Grade II, Grade C or Grade C(S) listed building

How many buildings of this type are included in your project? 3

Local list

Scheduled Ancient Monument

Registered historic ship

HG-17-05550 7 Version 11 Conservation Area

Registered Battlefield

Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) or National Scenic Area (NSA)

National Park

National Nature Reserve

Ramsar site

Regionally Important Geological and Geomorphological Site (RIGS)

Special Area of Conservation (SAC) or e-SAC

Special Protection Areas (SPA)

Registered Park or Garden

HG-17-05550 8 Version 11 Section three: Your project In this section, tell us about your project. Make sure you include all your planned activities, and capital works if applicable.

3a Describe what your project will do. Canal Restoration (ref. B.1.2 and following documents): We will restore and regenerate the industrial heritage of a nationally important early canal: volunteer involvement and community engagement are key to this. We will reopen 6 km of the Stroudwater Navigation (SN), including some derelict sections, reconstruct the 'Missing Mile' and re-connect to England's network of navigable waterways. Restored original locks, bridges and pounds will resemble the originals as far as possible. Innovative engineering solutions will be used where necessary: The 'Missing Mile' will be recreated, there will be a new channel under the M5, two new locks, three new road bridges and a new major railway bridge. Once restored, we will manage the canal as a sustainable business.

Archive conservation and digitisation (ref. B.1.9): Using volunteers, we will conserve and digitise key sections of the unique archives of the Company of Proprietors of the Stroudwater Navigation (CoPSN). We will use the archives as key sources of material in our lifelong learning and interpretation programmes.

Biodiversity enhancement (ref. B.5.2): We will create new natural heritage, through sympathetic habitat conservation and management, throughout the 6.4 km of canal and more than 30 hectares of adjacent land. Volunteers will be vital to our success. Our project will be one of the largest UK examples of Biodiversity Offsetting.

Community Engagement (ref. B.3.2): Community engagement and lifelong learning are fundamental to all aspects of the project. 488 full time equivalent volunteers are needed to ensure we meet our targets, but there will be opportunities for far more volunteers to be drawn into different parts of the project. We will engage new audiences, including hard to reach groups, in volunteering, education, creative and recreational activities.

Quality of life (ref. B.6.2): This project will release the full social, economic and environmental potential from recent investment in Cotswold Canals Phase 1A by the HLF and others. It will widen recreation opportunities for all, both on water and along a new multi-user . This will link to other rights of way, including the Cotswold Way and the national cycle path network. The health and wellbeing of people who use the canal on land and water will improve. For example the monetised health benefits of additional walking are estimated at £3.5 million per year. In general, an estimated additional £5 million per year will be spent in the local economy.

We will facilitate the implementation of Stroud District Council's Local Plan, adopted 19/11/15, through creating conditions that favour inward investment. (£115 million worth of development in the canal corridor has already occurred since canal restoration started).

The resilience of Stroud District Council (SDC) and Cotswold Canals Trust (CCT) will increase: This will be an exemplar partnership project, working collaboratively with core partners, other delivery partners and local communities.

Our project design and management skills will increase.

CCT's membership base will grow and local support for canal restoration will be reinforced.

Our project will be used by Canal & River Trust (C&RT) and Inland Waterways Association as a national example of best practice in canal restoration.

HG-17-05550 9 Version 11 3b Explain what need and opportunity your project will address Our project needs to:

Stop the continued deterioration of the derelict canal, addressing some of the risk factors affecting the deterioration of the Industrial Heritage Conservation Area.

Make the whole of the SN and the western section of the accessible from other navigable waterways, to protect recent investment.

Stop the further deterioration of archival material belonging to the CoPSN, and bring the whole archive to a wider audience.

Help to address the 56% decline in UK species highlighted in the State of Nature Report 2016 and the 67% abandonment of Canal habitat; highlighted as a priority in the Gloucestershire Habitat Action Plan.

Increase SDC's resilience by reinforcing local prosperity and quality of life.

Our project creates opportunities to:

Create a sustainable business based on the re-opened canal (ref. B.2.2)

Build on the skills and enthusiasm of local people and existing volunteers

Engage the whole community in conserving and recreating their cultural heritage

Deliver life-long learning programmes for people of all ages and abilities

Support regeneration and business growth throughout the Stroud Valleys

Create new habitats that will link and enhance the natural features and wildlife habitats of the Severn Vale

Demonstrate through Biodiversity Offsetting that developments can deliver a net benefit for people and wildlife in terms of habitat size and quality, species diversity and biomass

Enhance quality of life for people throughout the Stroud Valleys and beyond, recognising the importance of health and wellbeing and flood alleviation as ecosystem services

Improve physical access to both land and water for people of all ages and abilities

Combine innovative and traditional engineering solutions, building these into training schemes for volunteers

Create new links with educational and training bodies

Create new delivery partnerships with local communities, businesses and landowners

Build on existing policies and programmes that support the aims of the project (National Planning Policy Framework, UK Biodiversity Action Plan, Living Landscapes, SDC's Local Plan).

3c Why is it essential for the project to go ahead now? If the project does not proceed now -

Match funding promised by three major partners (SDC, C&RT and Gloucestershire County Council) risks being lost.

Investment in Phase 1A will be at risk: without regular boat traffic silt will build up rapidly. Without boating income, there will be no funds for infrastructure repair and replacement - eg lock gates. Also the moorings (on which 40% of the turnover in the sustainable business plan depends) cannot work unless the SN is connected to the Gloucester-Sharpness canal at Saul Junction.

HG-17-05550 10 Version 11

Existing volunteers need further substantial projects to work on. We can't afford to lose their skills and experience as the project relies on £3 million worth of volunteer effort, with over 120 people per week at all skill levels working on Phase 1A.

Priority habitats including orchards, mire, ponds and reedbeds will remain isolated and priority species living in them will face increased risk of extinction due to genetic drift and climate change

Community support, currently at well over 90%, will be at risk

Support from CCT members, many of whom are already committed to additional financial support, will be at risk

We risk losing support from delivery partners

Stroud District and Gloucestershire County Council policies that currently favour canal restoration risk changing.

Riparian landowners' current high levels of support will be at risk.

Capital costs will increase

3d Why do you need Lottery funding? HLF is the most appropriate funder: our project is all about restoring industrial, cultural and natural heritage and making these accessible to a wide audience, which is the HLF's mission.

The HLF Heritage Grants programme provides the level of support that we need to complete the restoration of the SN in a few years. The risks of not so doing, especially the continued loss of heritage, are listed above.

HLF funding will allow the project to be delivered as quickly as possible, minimising cost inflation and keeping overall costs as low as possible.

HLF funding will enable a seamless transition for SDC and CCT volunteers from Phase 1A to this project.

3e What work and/or consultation have you undertaken to prepare for this project and why? Stroud District Council and the Cotswold Canals Trust have been members of Cotswold Canals Partnership (CCP) since its inception in 2001 and five of the other six Core Partners are also members of CCP.

SDC has led the restoration of Phase 1A of the Cotswold Canals since 2009, gaining invaluable experience in managing and delivering canal restoration.

CCT has managed volunteer led activities across the length of the Cotswold Canals since the 1970s, and has been involved in Phase 1A since 2009.

The Stroud Valleys Canal Company (SVCC) has created an asset register for the whole of Phase 1, prepared a business plan and a management plan and begun to implement both.

SDC runs the Western Canals Consultative Group which regularly brings together representatives of local towns/parishes and other stakeholder groups to discuss canal restoration.

CCT created a Phase 1B Working Group in June 2013, initially involving CCT, SVCC and the CoPSN. The group worked co-operatively on researching what had already been done by and others to plan Stroudwater Navigation Connected. Over the next 18 months the other Core Partners joined by invitation.

This group of partners, plus a largely volunteer team, worked co-operatively and in consultation with other bodies such as the to produce the 2015 bid. CCT was the lead partner and Accountable Body. The partners explored different ways of delivering the major sub-projects (Walk Bridge, A38 bridges, M5 underpass, the Missing Mile, Ocean Railway Bridge, utilities).

HG-17-05550 11 Version 11

When the HLF rejected the 2015 bid, the team and partners reconvened, discussed how to address the HLF's comments and started planning this bid. Early in 2017 SDC took over as lead partner and Accountable Body, having agreed to provide £3 million match funding.

The Stroudwater Navigation Archives Charity (SNAC) was established in 2011 to conserve and promote the use of the CoPSN's Archives. SNAC has been part of the project planning for this project since 2013.

In 2015 Phase 1 habitat surveys were completed by Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust (GWT) and relevant ecological records were received from the Gloucestershire Centre for Environmental Records and analysed by GWT. Additional ecological surveys were undertaken by Land Use Consultants in 2017 as part of the preparation for the outline planning application for the 'Missing Mile'.

During 2017 a number of reports and an outline planning application were prepared to increase our understanding of our heritage assets and other issues related to the project.

An interim evaluation of Phase 1A was prepared in 2015 and completed in 2017. The lessons learnt have been incorporated into this bid (Supporting Document xxx).

CCT commissioned Holland Heritage to produce an independent, professional assessment of the heritage significance of the canal and the archives. The report 'Stroudwater Navigation: Statement of Significance, Canal and Archives' is attached as Supporting Document vvv.

SDC commissioned Peter Brett Associates to assess the potential of this project to increase local prosperity and quality of life. The resultant report 'Cotswold Canal Restoration - HLF Bid Theme 6 Support' is attached as Supporting Document bbb.

A Flood Risk Assessment of the canal corridor was commissioned from Katherine Teakle. The prime motivation was to provide analysis for the Missing Mile Planning Application. A summary of the assessment is attached as Supporting Document nnn.

CCT and SDC commissioned Land Use Consultants to prepare an outline planning application for the Missing Mile. At the time of writing this was ready for submission as soon as the results of the Flood Risk Assessment are available.

From May to July 2015 a specially designed exhibition visited 6 communities close to or affected by the SN: Gloucester, Frampton on Severn, Whitminster, Eastington, Stonehouse and Stroud. More than 300 people saw the exhibition, 252 filled in a paper questionnaire and 194 filled it in online. 99% of respondents were very much in favour of the Project.

Opinion surveys of towpath users in 2015 (468 replies) and 2017 (more than 1000) recorded more than 90% support of continued canal restoration.

SDC included questions about canal restoration in its annual survey of businesses and residents across the District in 2017. 70% of residents supported the continued restoration of the canal. In September 2017 there was an exhibition in Whitminster. The 2015 exhibition was updated and had 2 additional panels, about the proposed outline planning application for the Missing Mile. 72 people viewed the exhibition and 70 filled in a questionnaire. More than 90% of respondents either supported or strongly supported both the project as a whole and the recreation of the Missing Mile.

3f How are you planning to promote and acknowledge National Lottery players' contribution to your project through HLF funding? We will use both HLF and National Lottery logos together in our promotional and marketing material, press releases, leaflets, websites, social media, interpretation panels, project letter and email footers etc.

Permanent markers, such as engraved bricks and concrete, will incorporate the National Lottery logo. Permanent cast metal plaques will be erected along the route, as used on Phase 1A. . Both logos will be used on temporary banners used wherever site works are happening.

HG-17-05550 12 Version 11

We will implement our own rewards scheme for local Lottery players, and will publicise this using social media and the local press.

Details of the project, HLF's funding & the link with the National Lottery will be distributed to the members of all Core Partners (CCT has 7500 members, C&RT has 23,000 Friends, IWA has more than 13,000 and GWT has 28,000 members).

HG-17-05550 13 Version 11 Section four: Project outcomes In this section, tell us about the difference that your project will make for heritage, people and communities.

4a What difference will your project make for heritage? Canal, Archive and Natural Heritage will be better managed HLF Outcome 1

Through engagement of communities with their canal, archive and natural heritage, giving them a stronger sense of ownership and interest, leading to a sense of personal responsibility towards volunteering and community based action.

Through implementation of a strategic business plan for the whole of Phase 1 of the Cotswolds Canals (Stroudwater Navigation and the western section of the Thames & Severn Canal -16 km) led by the Stroud Valleys Canal Company (SVCC), leading to a successful, sustainable business plan ongoing.

Through long-term investment by a significant Core Partner group and the commitment of dedicated community based Delivery Partners, leading to best practice across all development areas that can continue after the HLF project.

Through adoption of all recreation and cultural facilities by expert project partners, leading to sensitively and well managed resources for future posterity.

Canal, Archive and Natural Heritage will be in better condition HLF Outcome 2

Through restoration and regeneration of the lost western 6 km of the Stroudwater Navigation using traditional methods and materials as far as possible, leading to sensitive conservation inside Stroud’s Industrial Heritage Conservation Area.

Through conservation of exceptional archive materials from the Company of Proprietors of the Stroudwater Navigation (CoPSN) dating back to 1730, by Stroudwater Navigation Archives Charity (SNAC) and Gloucestershire Archives, leading to professionally conserved archives that are accessible to all for posterity.

Through a partnership approach to the creation of new wildlife rich areas that offset the impacts of the canal, ongoing native natural heritage management, leading to net biodiversity gain.

Through comprehensive engagement, training and support programmes for hundreds of existing and new volunteers, leading to 488 full time equivalent volunteers skilled and able to restore and maintain the canal heritage.

Canal, Archive and Natural Heritage will be in better interpreted and explained HLF Outcome 3

Through involving people and communities, including specialist local community groups, in activities that support active roles in conserving original archives, designing and making public interpretation, curating and sharing archive, leading to a sense of ownership of heritage deeper understanding of ways to conserve it, and how to take responsibility for it.

Through creating facilities at four new activities centers, Saul Junction, Fromebridge Mill, William Morris College and Bonds Mill Gatehouse, and along the new towpath and on the water, that is innovative and exciting, leading to more people finding out about their heritage, sharing it and enjoying it with others.

Canal, Archive and Natural Heritage will be Identified & recorded HLF Outcome 4

Through cataloguing a great number of document bundles of the CoPSN’s Minute and Tonnage Books, leading to much more accessible archives that can be used by everyone.

HG-17-05550 14 Version 11

Through creating new archive of the many aspects that make up Stroudwater Navigation Connected, including restored historic structures, leading to a significant and complete archive of the Stroudwater Navigation from 1730 to present day.

Through a process of community engagement that reveals oral and local history linked to the canal, archives and wildlife, leading to enriched and community owned local archives.

Through volunteer training programmes to identify and record canal, archive and wildlife heritage, leading to more people confident and able to manage the archive and support others to access it going forward.

Through a programme of wildlife surveys, community engagement activities and record making during the project development and delivery phases, ensuring understanding and knowledge of habitats and wildlife and lead to a rich and varied record of the natural heritage along the Stroudwater Navigation.

4b What difference will your project make for people? People will develop skills across a range of domains HLF Outcome 5

Through connecting with planned, appropriate and supported training and work placements, in areas of canal restoration, business development, archive and wildlife enhancement and conservation, leading to increased knowledge, confidence and raised expectations for work, and better life chances.

Through planned opportunities to volunteer in a range of supported and mentored volunteer placements including those listed above and in addition project management, fund raising, communications and promotion, monitoring and evaluation, leading to a significantly upskilled volunteer workforce.

More people will learn about their canal heritage, related textiles heritage and natural heritage HLF Outcome 6

Through hands-on, location based activities that support historical enquiry through arts, STEM and literacy, schemes of work developed with schools and colleges, engaging with experts on walks, talks and at events, leading to better knowledge and understanding of their heritage towards work, study, developing new interests and skills

Through volunteering in restoring the canal and its traditional structures and archiving the long history of Stroudwater Navigation, leading to hands-on learning and life-long interests.

Through participating in action based projects in the local natural canal environment, including volunteering, training and work placements, leading to more people having deep knowledge and understanding of their local ecosystems, including canal and river waterways, orchards and flood plains.

More people will change their attitude and behavior towards their local place and wildlife there HLF Outcome 7

Through taking part in hands-on wildlife conservation and enhancement activities near where they live and work along the canal, championing wildlife in their communities and developing maps, walks and surveys, leading to a greater sense of ownership of natural environment and taking responsibility for it.

Through taking part in hands-on canal built historical assets restoration and conservation projects, alongside experts and enthusiasts, that engender new interests in their local heritage, a sense of ownership and belonging, leading to more people becoming advocates and stewards for local historical places.

People will have an enjoyable experience in many different ways HLF Outcome 8

Through participating in the project with friends, family and their community, making new connections across age groups and backgrounds, spending time together learning about the canals and textiles heritage; making and creating new archive, interpretation and art; spending time in nature and creating new habitats; finding and developing new interests and skills and celebrating their achievements, leading to greater mental and

HG-17-05550 15 Version 11

physical health and wellbeing and more cohesive communities.

More people will volunteer time across a range of levels of engagement HLF Outcome 9

Through being connected with well planned, supported and meaningful new volunteering opportunities in canal restoration, business development, archive and wildlife enhancement and conservation, leading to personal achievement and confidence to participate in training and volunteering placements.

Through planned opportunities to volunteer in a range of supported and mentored volunteer placements including those listed above, leading to 488 full time equivalent volunteers committed to voluntary activities either linked to the canal or elsewhere in the community, after the project finishes.

4c What difference will your project make for communities? Negative environmental impacts will be reduced HLF Outcome 10

Through environmental impact audits and regular monitoring, planned construction and services access, leading to reduction of energy use and conservation of materials, noise, visual and air quality impacts and road disruption for local communities.

Through the improvement of biodiversity and general canal environment, improving tow path, supporting local safe cycling and walking to work schemes, supporting community walking and cycling clubs and promoting the canal route, leading to fewer people using their cars to get about for work and leisure.

Through restoration and regeneration of the canal corridor, leading to redevelopment of brownfield sites allocated in the Local Plan and healthier, more attractive

More people and a wider range of people will have engaged with local canals heritage HLF Outcome 11

Through planning and participating in inclusive activities that engender personal responses to built and natural environment, such as storytelling, art and photography, putting on exhibitions and showcases in their communities, leading to more people engaging with the project and getting involved in different ways.

Through active participation in an annual programme of new and existing festivals, leading to canal heritage becoming embedded in community celebrations calendar.

Through a strengthened community engagement strategy and channels, which includes a community panel, the Western Canals Consultative Group, leading to local communities having a reliable, regular, effective way of engaging with the project.

Through an inclusive community engagement strategy that ensures that people from a wide range of ages, ethnicities and social backgrounds, disabled people, people who have never engaged with the canal heritage before, schools and colleges, are included in all aspects of the project development and delivery, leading to more cohesive and inclusive communities that share common interests and come together more often.

The areas around the canal development are better places to live, work and visit HLF Outcome 12

Through improving the currently derelict and inaccessible canal corridor, making it safer, more attractive and accessible, leading to more people using the canal for travel and recreation.

Through making the canal an enjoyable place to visit, with improved facilities for tow path and water users, more reasons to visit including interpretation, wildlife, exhibitions and events, leading to more visitors to the canal.

Through supporting a wide range of people and communities to participate in many different ways, leading to a greater sense of belonging, local identity and ownership of the place they live.

HG-17-05550 16 Version 11

The local economy will be boosted and business will benefit HLF Outcome 13

Through facilitating and mentoring people and communities to develop new and existing businesses in both private and social sector areas, leading to resilient canal based economic activity and more local work and employment.

Through more than £100 million worth of private investment in the canal corridor within 5 years of the end of the project, leading to the growth and sustainability of canal based economy.

The Stroudwater Navigation partners will be more resilient HLF Outcome 14.

Through participating in an exemplary partnership project that engages the whole community and brings a range of benefits to cultural and wildlife heritage, partners will have increased their community connections, improved best practice in their strategic expertise and shared it with others across all domains, leading to a strong and resilient partnership going forward to sustainably manage the canal, archive and wildlife heritage.

HG-17-05550 17 Version 11 4d What are the main groups of people that will benefit from your project? Our Community Engagement Team will work with people from a wide range of ages, ethnicities and social backgrounds, including disabled, disadvantaged and vulnerable adults and young people, with long term illness, cared for, isolated, excluded, homeless and ex-offenders living in the stretch from Stroud to Gloucester; people who have never engaged with the canal heritage before and communities living and working around the canal.

Local and visiting walkers, runners and cyclists will use the towpath, gaining access from the existing towpath east of Ocean Railway Bridge, from the path along the Gloucester-Sharpness canal to the west, from other linked Public Rights of Way and from the national cycleway network.

People with a wide range of disabilities will use the towpath, because of our policy of level, stile free access.

Visiting boat owners and hirers will have access to 16 km (10 miles) of canal from Saul Junction. Local boaters will have access to national waterways.

Canoeists will access the canal using the many canoe-friendly landing stages that will be constructed.

People with disabilities will use Cotswold Boatmobility's Katakanus and Wheelyboat.

Visitors to Saul Junction, Fromebridge Mill, Bonds Mill Gatehouse and Stroud's Museum in the Park will engage in new activities based around the heritage themes of this project.

Cotswold Canals Knowledge will widen its scope to bring more school students to the canal. As the digitisation of the CoPSN's archives comes online, students will have access to new learning materials based on the archives,at their schools, at our Activity Centres and at the Museum in the Park.

Older students will benefit from a programme of placements, internships and other activities negotiated with local further education and tertiary institutions.

We want to work with Gloucester based HLF funded projects to bring the canal restoration in to the heart of the City.

Volunteers from a wide range of backgrounds, experience and ability will be trained and accredited in a wide range of practical skills. Volunteers will include existing CCT and SDC volunteers, who will extend their experience and gain new skills; new CCT and SDC volunteers who will have novel experiences, and gain new skills; the Inland Waterways Association's Waterway Recovery Group will be involved in construction and vegetation management; volunteers from Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust, Stroud Valleys Project, Eastington Orchard Group and other community groups will be essential to the creation and management of wildlife habitats along the canal and river corridor.

4e Does your project involve heritage that attracts visitors? Yes

How many visitors did you receive in the last financial year? 50000

How many visitors a year do you expect on completion of your project? 250000

HG-17-05550 18 Version 11 4f How many people will be trained as part of your project, if applicable? 245

4g How many volunteers do you expect will contribute personally to your project? 488

4h How many full-time equivalent posts will you create to deliver your project? 8.

HG-17-05550 19