Cultural Heritage Restoration Natural

STROUDWATER NAVIGATION CONNECTED Regenerating cultural and natural heritage for everyone

2017 Bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund Supporting Document A - PROJECT SUMMARY

cultural business heritage opportunities restoration & development

natural community heritage engagement & conservation education

CONTENTS

Page

Foreword and Project Summary 1

Statements from SDC and CCT 2

Our Heritage Assets 5

Maps 6

A brief history 8

Lessons Learnt from Phase 1A 9

Key Themes 11

Stroudwater Navigation Connected Project Outcomes 11

Why this project, Why now? 17

Case Studies 18

2017 HLF Bid Structure and Financial Summary 29

All photographic images are taken along the Cotswold Canals corridor. All images are original for the Cotswold Canals restoration project.

Stroudwater Navigation Connected 1 FOREWORD & PROJECT SUMMARY

This report summarises the bid made by a Core Partnership of eight organisations in November 2017, for Heritage Lottery Fund support to complete the restoration of the Stroudwater Navigation, one of the two Cotswold Canals.

Stroudwater Navigation Connected is a nationally important canal restoration project. No other canal regeneration project in England has a higher profile or greater support than Stroudwater Navigation Connected. A key part of the lost canal link between the Rivers Severn and Thames and the only non-Canal & River Trust canal in the country to be funded by them, the project will re- connect canal communities to their local heritage and England’s navigable waterways.

Project Highlights • 16km of restored canal added to the national navigable waterways network, making Stroud and Stonehouse canal towns once again • Previous investment of £12.7 million by HLF is fully realised • 3 historic bridges, 6 locks and 6km of waterway restored • Key archive documents dating from 1730 conserved and digitised, charting the Industrial Revolution and ‘canal mania’ • Comprehensive inclusive community engagement strategy for people and communities along the whole of the navigation and Gloucester • Over 30 hectares of priority habitats created in one of UK’s largest biodiversity offsetting projects • 700,000 hours of volunteering opportunities developed and supported • 250,000 more walkers, boaters, cyclists on and along the waterways • Monetised health benefits of over £37 million per year • Total community investment of £8 million • £5 million of investment from 4 partners promised • 99% of the community are behind the project • 72,000 people with membership of core partner organisations immediately connected with project • C&RT’s ground breaking and award-winning approach1 to enhancing health and wellbeing is developed • More than £100 million worth of new private investment is attracted to the canal corridor within 5 years of the end of the project.

1 Canal & River Trust (2017) Waterways and Wellbeing: Building the evidence base. First Outcomes Report, September 2017,

2 Stroudwater Navigation Connected LETTER FROM DAVID HAGG, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF STROUD DISTRICT COUNCIL

Stroudwater Navigation Connected is the leading national waterway restoration project. In delivering tremendous benefits it meets all HLF outcomes. It also delivers a ‘double whammy’ in terms of unlocking the full potential of Phase 1A, which was completed this month. We have a window of opportunity to deliver the project which will rapidly close – so why now? We have momentum There is no question of having to start to build a project team, create a volunteer corps or garner partner commitment. All this is in place. Indeed, having just successfully completed Phase 1A, the danger of not making an application to HLF now is that we will lose momentum. Based on independent surveys, the level of community support and engagement is at an all time high. We cannot sustain such momentum indefinitely. We have a track record We have successfully completed Phase 1A.. The project has won 12 national and regional awards. It is the leading canal restoration in the country. We are a competent team that brings together 8 core partners across public bodies, voluntary organisations and charities. We deliver within budget and on time. We have the match funding We are asking HLF to make a 42% contribution (£9.8m) towards the £23.4m project. Funding from the public sector partners Stroud District Council and Gloucestershire County Council is available now. But, with the substantial pressures on local government finance, carrying this forward into future years is highly unlikely. Likewise, the demands on the Canal and River Trust, the national charity responsible for the 2,000 mile network across England and Wales, means its financial commitment is not open ended. We are prepared Advanced negotiations and written statements from all landowners mean we are confident that land acquisition will not need compulsory purchase. Planning policies are in place and planning applications prepared. The uncertainties of the Cotswold Canals Trust bid in 2015 have been resolved. The bid now features one of the UK’s largest biodiversity ‘offsetting’ projects and activity plans that ensure people across our community can participate, learn about and enjoy their heritage. Now is the time.

David Hagg Chief Executive Stroud District Council (Lead Partner and Accountable Body)

Stroudwater Navigation Connected 3 LETTER FROM JIM WHITE, CHAIR OF THE COTSWOLD CANALS TRUST

As Chair of The Cotswold Canals Trust (CCT), I am delighted to commend Stroudwater Navigation Connected to the Trustees of the Heritage Lottery Fund. CCT is the Co-lead partner of this innovative and exciting project, sharing the lead role with Stroud District Council, the Accountable Body.

CCT is proud to be part of this project’s Core Partnership. Four partners have committed £4,800,000 in cash to the project. Support in kind from all eight partners is worth more than £1,000,000. We are also proud of the outstanding contribution that volunteers will make: more than £3 million worth, in canal restoration, archive conservation, wildlife conservation and project management.

The need to secure funding from partners was the first topic in your letter explaining why our 2015 bid was not successful. The second was the need to reduce uncertainty: as a result, we are about to apply for Outline Planning Permission for the Missing Mile, we have taken our negotiations with landowners much further than last time, and have brought forward studies such as Flood Risk Assessment. We have also done significantly more work on community engagement and on making sure that our natural environment plans are integrated with the project as a whole.

It is vital that Stroudwater Navigation Connected starts in 2018. A prompt start will keep our trained and experienced volunteer workforce committed and busy; it will maintain community support; it will help control capital costs; it will ensure that we retain funds promised by partners; and it will ensure that the recently restored canal does not suffer from lack of use.

I am very grateful to the many people who have given their time, much of it voluntarily, to produce this bid. My thanks are also due to staff in HLF’s Exeter Office for their advice and support.

Jim White C. Eng. M.I.Mech.E. Chair of Trustees & Engineering Director Cotswold Canals Trust

4 Stroudwater Navigation Connected OUR HERITAGE ASSETS

Two nationally important cultural heritage assets – canal and archive - and a regionally significant wildlife corridor are the focus for the project

Cultural Heritage - Stroudwater Navigation The Stroudwater Navigation and the archives of the Company of Proprietors of the Stroudwater Navigation (CoPSN) are critical to understanding our national industrial heritage and the cultural identity of the Stroud Valleys. The Stroudwater Navigation opened in 1779. An early example of a canal funded and built by the wool trade, it was designed and built to enable the ‘Severn Trows’, sailing barges with stepped masts, to pass under very low bridges, reflected in the Canals Trust logo. Its immediate success inspired England’s ‘canal mania’.

Cultural Heritage - Archives From the late 18th century to the early 20th century, the Stroudwater Navigation and the Thames and Severn Canal were strategically important to the national canal network. Decline in traffic led to closure in 1954. In 1987 Stroud District Council once again recognised the importance of the canal corridor, designating it as Industrial Heritage Conservation Area. The CoPSN is the oldest surviving canal company in the world with Archives providing a complete record of the Stroudwater Navigation from 1730 to 1954. They tell how the canal was built, how it brought coal and grain, fuelling the wool industry and bringing the industrial revolution to the Stroud and Thames Valleys. They also record the slow decline of canals during the railway era of the 19th century and into the 20th century.

Natural Heritage - Wildlife The Corridor of the River Frome and Stroudwater Navigation runs from the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty into the Severn Vale, whose national and international wildlife designations range from Sites of Special Scientific Interest, Special Areas of Conservation, to a Ramsar Site2 and Special Protection Area. The River Frome itself has a series of Key Wildlife Sites, hosting nationally and locally rare and protected species, such as water vole, otter, bats, great crested newts and hazel dormice. Disused canal and low-lying habitats between river and canal are at risk from development and the impact of modern farm practices.

2 A wetland site designated for its international importance under the Ramsar Convention 1971

Stroudwater Navigation Connected 5 MAP 1

Manchester

Broad Canals

Narrow Canals

Non Tidal Rivers Stoke-on-Trent Derby Tidal Rivers

T&S Canal

Leicester Peterborough Wolverhampton

Birmingham

Coventry

Worcester Northampton

Milton Keynes

Gloucester

Cotswold Canals Oxford Sharpness

Bristol Reading

6 Stroudwater Navigation Connected MAP 2

CCT Visitor & Activity Centre

Occupation Bridge

Fromebridge Mill Activity Centre

William Morris College Activity Centre

KEY Westfield Bridge

Bonds Mill Gatehouse CCT Visitor & Activity Centre

Newtown Roving Bridge WW2 Pillbox locations A BRIEF HISTORY

Stroud District Council takes over as Lead Partner and Accountable Body, committing £3m in funding. Canal 2017 & River Trust and Gloucestershire County Council also commit funding. Phase 1A is completed in November.

Unsuccessful bid submitted by 2015 Cotswold Canals Trust as Lead Partner and Accountable Body.

Cotswold Canals Trust creates a 2013 working group to plan Phase 1B.

British Waterways withdraws; Stroud District Council takes its place as 2008 Lead Partner and Accountable Body.

2006 HLF grant awarded for Phase 1A.

Cotswold Canals Partnership formed. Planning for Phase 1, led by British 2001 Waterways, begins.

Stroud District Council designates 1987 Industrial Heritage Conservation Area.

Stroudwater Canal Society formed; 1972 now the Cotswold Canals Trust.

8 Stroudwater Navigation Connected LESSONS LEARNT FROM PHASE 1A

In 2015 Stroud District Council (SDC) and Cotswold Canals Trust (CCT) commissioned an interim evaluation of Phase 1A, updated in 20173.

Highlights Monitoring and Evaluation At the start of Phase 1A, the HLF did not ask for project baseline data, so this evaluation relied on back-casting. The 2017 HLF bid contains a firm commitment to full baseline data collection in the Development Stage, to be followed by regular monitoring and final evaluation.4

Project Planning and Management Phase 1A experienced problems in timetabling and cost control, critical path analysis and contract specification and management. Stroudwater Navigation Connected (Phase 1B), is supported by a Core Partnership of 8 organisations, all committed to a robust and transparent project planning approach from the outset. 5 A strong relationship with core stakeholders has evolved and the new bid contains clear proposals for effective project management. Great attention has been paid to ensure effective working teams of paid staff and volunteers. 6

Public perceptions of project management Overall, Phase 1A has received a lot of public support. Surveys picked up some negative comments about project management, saying that work had been undertaken in a ‘disorganised’ or ‘disjointed’ way. Clearly the team needed to explain more effectively why things were done as they were. Core Partners continue to work closely together on publicity and communications with a strategic approach to community engagement, including a commitment to strengthen and broaden the role of the community- based Western Canals Consultative Group. 7

Sustainable long-term management A Business Plan for Phase 1A was inherited from British Waterways, but it was not reviewed and updated for some time. Since 2012, the Stroud Valleys Canal Company (SVCC) has had a detailed business and organisational sustainability plan which will be regularly reviewed and updated. 8

3 2017 Bid Supporting Document J.3 Barton, F (2017) Cotswold Canals Phase 1A: Evaluation Report. Consultancy report for SDC and CCT. 4 2017 Bid Supporting Document D.3, Development Stage Plan 5 2017 Bid Supporting Document F.2 and F.3, Partnership Agreement and Letters of Support 6 2017 Bid Supporting Document G.4, Organisation Management 7 2017 Bid Supporting Document C.2 and C.3, Public Consultation 2015 and 2017 8 2017 Bid Supporting Document B.2.2, Cotswold Canals Phase 1 Business Plan

Stroudwater Navigation Connected 9 Community Engagement The potential for engagement across the whole community was not fully realised and the wider benefits for people and communities not fully understood from the outset. The new Community Engagement Team will support partners to take an inclusive approach to all aspects of the project, engaging people and communities with a rich and diverse range of creative responses to their heritage and developing opportunities for deeper involvement in restoration and conservation. 9

Volunteering Opportunities The significant and potential contribution of volunteers was not fully appreciated in the early years of Phase 1A and the opportunities for volunteering in different areas of the project were not developed for the wider community. Since 2013, volunteers have contributed 138,000 hours with a hugely developed skill base. Under Stroudwater Navigation Connected, volunteers will be supported with training, work placements and mentoring programmes at all levels including professional and managerial, archivists, skilled artisans, wildlife managers, labouring and site staff, and in a wide range of opportunities for the whole community. 10 Canal & River Trust (C&RT) has amended its national guidance to include social and the economic value of involving significant volunteer effort in canal restoration.

Wildlife benefits The importance of achieving net benefits for wildlife in Phase 1A were not fully appreciated or realised until a late stage. The 2017 HLF bid includes a commitment to deliver a net gain for biodiversity, through sensitive working along the canal and in adjacent land, and by working in partnership with landowners across the corridor of the canal and the River Frome. 11

9 2017 Bid Supporting Document B.3.2, Community Engagement Plan 10 2017 Bid Supporting Document B.4.2, Volunteering. 11 2017 Bid Supporting Document B.5.2, Natural Environment

10 Stroudwater Navigation Connected KEY THEMES

OUTCOMES 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 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.

Stroudwater Navigation Connected 11 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, plus 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 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 activity centres, - Saul Junction, Fromebridge Mill, William Morris College and Bonds Mill Gatehouse, and along the new towpath and on the water, that are 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 AND 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. 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 leading to a rich and varied record of the natural heritage along the Stroudwater Navigation.

12 Stroudwater Navigation Connected Outcomes 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’s 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 behaviour 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 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

Stroudwater Navigation Connected 13 developing new interests and skills and celebrating their achievements, leading to greater mental and 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.

Outcomes 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 environments for communities living adjacent to them.

More people and a wider range of people will have engaged with local canal’s 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.

14 Stroudwater Navigation Connected 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 & 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.

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 Stroud District Council’s resilience increases because the council leads 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.

Stroudwater Navigation Connected 15 Management Structure

Our Core Partners, led by Stroud District Council, supported by the Project Management Team and a Wider Partnership OVERSIGHT Panel, will deliver Stroudwater Navigation WIDER PARTNERSHIP PANEL Connected by the summer of 2023. Western Canals Consultative Group Stroud District Council Cotswold Canals Trust Canal & River Trust GOVERNANCE Gloucestershire County Council CORE PARTNERS Inland Waterways Association Stroud District Council - co-lead Stroudwater Navigation Archive Cotswold Canals Trust Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust Canal & River Trust Community Engagement Team Gloucestershire County Council Stroud Valleys Canal Company

DELIVERY project management team Project Director

Project Delivery Team

Heritage Restoration Natural Community Engagement Sustainability Quality & Conservation Environment + Volunteering of Life Business Canal Archive

DELIVERY PARTNERS

Museum in the Park, Stroud Valleys Project, Stroud Nature CIC, William Morrris College, Creative Sustainability CIC, Environment Agency, Stonehouse History Group, Gloucestershire Society for Industrial Archaeology.

16 Stroudwater Navigation Connected WHY THIS PROJECT, WHY NOW?

Heritage assets are at risk • The derelict Stroudwater Navigation continues to deteriorate. The longer we wait for full restoration, work already done by volunteers in lock restoration and other repairs will lose value • The archives of the Company of Proprietors of the Stroudwater Navigation are physically well cared for, but their cultural value is diminished while they remain inaccessible to the public • Disused canal and low-lying habitats between the River Frome and the canal are at risk from development and the impacts of modern farming practices • The Core Partnership has developed a complex cultural and natural heritage enhancement project around a community engagement strategy. If the project is delayed, this powerful combination and commitment is at risk.

Match funding is at risk • Three Core Partners, Stroud District Council, Canal & River Trust and Gloucestershire County Council have committed £4,325,000 in funding and considerable in-kind value, in addition to £500,000 committed by CCT. If the project is delayed, this funding is at risk altogether • The real value of match funding will decrease over time.

Phase 1A potential is at risk • Phase 1A (8.8 km) - was completed in November 2017 at a cost of £20.2 million, of which £12.7 million was an HLF grant. Without the completion of Stroudwater Navigation Connected, this significant investment cannot achieve its potential • Phase 1A cannot operate as a sustainable business without a connection to the national waterways network, bringing in boats and business opportunities. The restored canal and associated wildlife benefits will deteriorate and heritage will be lost – for example, lock gates would not be renewed and dredging would not take place.

Volunteer support is at risk • Existing Phase 1A Volunteers contributed work valued at £1.7 million over the past three years. The skills, experience and commitment of existing volunteers need rapid deployment, or the planned £3 million worth of volunteer effort built into this project’s business plan is at risk..

Support from the public, partners and stakeholders is at risk • Core partners have worked hard to win the support of the community and organisations such as GFirst, the Local Enterprise Partnership. Not proceeding now will put that support at risk • Cotswold Canals Trust members are currently completely supportive of further canal restoration and many are committed to giving additional financial support. Not proceeding now will risk reducing members’ and public willingness to give • Not proceeding now will risk losing support from other long-standing Core & new Delivery Partners • Stroud District Council and Gloucestershire County Council capital programmes are currently in favour of canal restoration: delaying the project will risk this support, especially given the difficult financial climate for local authorities • Riparian landowners are currently very supportive: their continued support is essential if the physical restoration, wildlife ambitions and business opportunities are to be realised. Their support will be at risk if the project is delayed.

Stroudwater Navigation Connected 17 CASE STUDIES

This is a large and complex project that puts the community at the heart of activities across all themes. Here we demonstrate the experience, skills, knowledge and creativity of the team now committed to project delivery. The following case studies describe a number of community based activities that have taken place through the Phase 1A canal development. Stroudwater Navigation Connected includes greater community engagement, resource and commitment from all partners. We plan to be better and wiser over the project’s life and beyond, as we bring the project to life for local communities.

CASE STUDY 1

CAPEL’S MILL COMMUNITY PLANTING PROJECT A bare soil site transformed by volunteers into a biodiversity showcase

Creating a wildlife haven beside the Stroudwater Navigation and River Frome Following the redirection of the canal through Capel’s Mill, a volunteer led programme transformed this bare soil site into a thriving wildlife haven. Volunteers engaged in the planting of over 500 native trees, maintaining a wildflower meadow and canal banks, constructing a pond and installing bat and bird boxes.

Wildlife moved in rapidly to the diverse habitats that were created and the area has become a showcase for increasing biodiversity. Volunteers have recorded more than 80 botanical species there, which in turn have attracted numerous pollinators. In addition to the birds, bats, reptiles, small mammals and amphibians, there is also thriving community of freshwater and terrestrial invertebrates.

Over 100 volunteers from the community have played a part in the transformation of the site. Conservation sessions were run mainly during working hours, so they particularly appealed to people with time on their hands during the day. Other groups that have contributed include Rotary Clubs, staff on corporate days out and school students. Volunteers have said that their involvement in the project has played an important part in improving their sense of wellbeing and physical health. A loyal group of volunteers who feel a connection with the site have continued to work there since 2014.

This wildlife corridor is very accessible via the network of footpaths and towpaths 18 thatStroudwater run through Navigation this Connected site. Interpretation boards welcome and inform visitors about the wildlife and history of the area. Benches and picnic tables allow the numerous people passing through to stop on their route into town to enjoy the surroundings. The picnic tables were made by Cotswold Canals Trust volunteers, who also built and maintain the towpaths. Wildlife workshops and events take place at Capel’s Mill throughout the year. These include scything workshops, willow work, bug hunting, pond dipping and bat walks.

CASE STUDY 1

CAPEL’S MILL COMMUNITY PLANTING PROJECT A bare soil site transformed by volunteers into a biodiversity showcase

Over 100 volunteers from the community have played a part in the transformation of the site. Conservation sessions were run mainly during working hours, so they particularly appealed to people with time on their hands during the day. Other groups that have contributed include Rotary Clubs, staff on corporate days out and school students. Volunteers have said that their involvement in theCASE project STUDY has 1 played an important part in improving their sense of wellbeing and physical health. A loyal group of volunteers who feel a connection with the site have continued to work there since 2014.

This wildlife corridor is very accessible via the network of footpaths and towpaths that run through this site. Interpretation boards welcome and inform visitors about the wildlife and history of the area. Benches and picnic tables allow the numerous people passing through to stop on their route into town to enjoy the surroundings. The picnic tables were made by Cotswold Canals Trust volunteers, who also built and maintain the towpaths. Wildlife workshops and events take place at Capel’s Mill throughout the year. These include scything workshops, willow work, bug hunting, pond dipping and bat walks.

A maintenance contract between Stroud District Council and Stroud Valleys Project allows the site to continue to be managed by the community for the community. Quotes from volunteers: “I've found volunteering at Capel’s Mill inspiring. It’s been fantastic to see the results of the conservation work and to spend time with such a positive group. I’ve learnt so much too, which has helped me to get back into employment.”

“It’s great to hear comments from people walking by about how much they appreciate what we’ve done. The meadow is beautiful – so many wild flowers, pollinators and creatures to be found here.”

Photo: Pond dipping at Capel’s Mill Open Day, one of a number of events and workshops held at the site throughout the year.

Stroud Valleys Project: January 2014 to date. Funded by Gloucestershire Environmental Trust, Grundon Waste Management and Stroud District Council in partnership with the Cotswold Canals Trust.

Report and images by Deborah Roberts

Stroudwater Navigation Connected 19

CASE STUDY 2

Stratford Park Stratford Road Stroud GL5 4AF

CASE STUDY 2 Connections – A Creative Music Education Project Inspired by the Canal Heritage of Stroud and Gloucester Image SNAC Image © Museum in the Park Image SNAC

Children from four schools: Chalford Hill, Eastington, Stroud Valley and Tredworth took part in a special project delivered by local organisation ARCH (Arts and Creativity through Heritage) in association with Cotswold Canals Knowledge, the educational programme created as part of Phase 1A.

Teachers from the four schools met with the Museum Learning Officer and the lead musician, Dave Ayre, to discuss themes for the project. Inspired by images from the Museum’s collection, the Canals became the chosen theme – and the teachers found themselves creating the ‘chorus’, the linking song, ‘Working Hard Together’ for what was to be a concert to interpret the Canals.

All teachers and pupils taking part, (year 4s and some specially selected pupils with special needs) came together in an Inspiration Day, held at the Stroud Subscription Rooms in the summer term. There was a mixture of drama, singing together, performances by musicians, and history from the Museum. The children thought about the canals, the docks, and what it was like for the people who worked on them.

There then followed a series of workshops in each school, where the children composed songs with the help of the team of professional musicians, along the theme of The Canal. The children were all taken by their teachers to walk the waterway near their school.

‘The theme was interesting. I learn loads about things that are local and on the very first day! We were learning and having fun’ (pupil)

‘The inspiration day was key to the introduction of the project and the children came away ‘buzzing’ by what they heard and saw.’ (headteacher)

20 Stroudwater Navigation Connected CASE STUDY 2

Image SNAC

However, this was a creative project, and the children’s imaginations then ran wild with some curious interpretations of the theme in the words of their songs. Tredworth, in Gloucester, had dolphins swimming in the docks and Chalford Hill’s ‘Phosphorescence’ with dancing mermaids, rainbow jellyfish and tap-dancing crabs are good examples of how far the children were prepared to push the boundaries of creativity! The workshops encouraged the children to be creative and confident, and gave them the necessary tools to deliver a professional performance. After four weeks, all of the schools came together for a day of rehearsals, followed by a concert performance at the Stroud Subscription Rooms.

This project was a fabulous opportunity for children to work alongside professional musicians and produce an original piece of music based on their locality. A very novel and enriching opportunity for children to learn about where they live. The Connections Project has since been requested by a number of Stroud school ‘cluster groups’.

Ann Taylor Learning Programmes Officer The Museum in the Park Stroud.

Rehearsals and the performance at Stroud Subscription Rooms.

Stroudwater Navigation Connected 21 CASE STUDY 3

CASE STUDY 3: HAM MILL LOCK A restoration project led by local volunteers from Cotswold Canals Trust Western Depot

A diverse group of Western Depot volunteers took on the restoration of the derelict Ham Mill Lock, gaining new skills and engaging the local community with their canal heritage.

In 2015 Western Depot Manager Ron Kerby was approached by Stroud District Council Canal Team to ask if Western Depot volunteers would be interested in taking on the year-long restoration of the derelict Ham Mill Lock, a Grade 2 Listed structure. The proposal was put to the volunteers themselves, who, excited by the idea, were quick to find out when they could get started.

A diverse team of volunteers was then put together. As well as the Western Depot volunteers, retirees soon began work alongside sixth form students, volunteers from The Nelson Trust (an organisation enabling people to live independently without a need for mood-altering substances) and those seeking employment. Alongside these were also several CCT volunteers with experience working along the canal, who were able to share their knowledge and teach skills such as bricklaying and project organisation to others.

The benefits of working with others from a diverse range of backgrounds was evident in the skills and knowledge that were shared between volunteers throughout the entirety of the project. New friendships were formed, confidences were boosted, and local community links were forged as the work progressed.

‘We are very grateful to all the volunteers. This is a massive project and we have all enjoyed sharing experiences with others from all walks of life.’ – Ron Kerby

Project summary 20171122_1

22 Stroudwater Navigation Connected CASE STUDY 3

Because of the short timescale involved, the lock was fully scaffolded, with a roof and lighting set up to enable work to continue in all conditions. An ‘Aqua- dam’, was purchased to hold back the water, and an ‘Arbortech’ mortar saw, kindly provided free of charge by the manufacturer, was used to help remove defective brickwork.

Due to the lock being a Listed structure, the team worked closely with Stroud District Council’s Conservation Officer to ensure that all aspects of the restoration were to heritage standards in line with its status.

Outstanding volunteers worked tirelessly together with local businesses and members of the local community to pull together the huge task of restoring the lock. With the towpath kept open for public use, volunteers were able to engage with the many walkers, dog-walkers, and cyclists who passed by. Many of these found themselves inspired by the ongoing work and went on to become volunteers on the project themselves.

‘The local residents have given us a very warm welcome and let us park and store materials on their property and even provided us with chocolate cakes!’ – Les Morris

As the project continued more and more local businesses became involved, and their logos began to cover the fencing around the ongoing work. As well as supporting the project with donations and reduced prices, many companies also provided volunteers under corporate volunteering schemes.

In August 2016 the restoration work reached completion, thanks to the hard work of over 80 volunteers, 21 of whom gave over 100 hours each. In total, 10,000 hours of volunteer time made this project into the success it is now. Since the opening of the restored lock the local wildlife has flourished, with many species such as Grey Wagtails, Robins, Kingfishers, Herons, and Water Rail being spotted by nature enthusiasts and passers-by. ‘It’s great to see this integral part of Stroud being brought back to life.’

But it’s not just nature that’s flourishing along the newly refurbished canal side. A range of local groups and guided tours have also taken an interest, and the lock has seen groups visit from the Inland Waterways Association, Heritage Lottery Fund, local Industrial and Historical groups, and volunteers from local Visitor Centres who can pass on heritage information to those visiting the area.

In 2017, the Ham Mill project was proud to receive an award from the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE). It has been a huge community effort, and its completion is proof not only that when people work together they can achieve great things, but that the community itself is passionate about this hugely important piece of their local heritage, the canal.

Stroudwater Navigation Connected 23 CASE STUDY 4

Les Morris for CCT. Tel: 01453 765900 Mobile: 07717 367364 CASE STUDY 4: PAINTING NATURE – AN EXPLORATION OF THE BUILT AND NATURAL ENVIRONMENT

Engaging hard to reach community groups in new outdoor nature based activities. A local community group gets out on to the canal for the first time, exploring built and natural heritage together through painting.

Last June we met with a group of people who support each other to live life to the full, with the effects of stroke. They were looking for local places where they could spend time together in nature without entrance fees or tariffs, but with several wheelchair and walking frame users this was proving a to be a challenge. We proposed a gentle walk along the canal from Stroud to Capels Mill, part of the Phase 1A development, a bit of sketching and painting under the viaduct, and a canal side picnic.

We set up tables and art materials under the viaduct and local nature expert Steve showed the group his natural world illustrations and photographs. He led the group along the canal, pointing out plant and animal life on the banks and in the water - everyone was delighted to hear about otters, kingfishers and to see carp in the canal, all flourishing since the canal restoration. The built heritage at the site was of great interest to the group, some of whom remembered family

24 Stroudwater Navigation Connected CASE STUDY 4

stories of working in the Mills along the canal but had never been there. Back at the arches the group got sketching and painting, many for the first time in many years and there was something to inspire everyone: ‘’Fred loved it – I’ve not seen him so engaged for a long time. The history, the wildlife, it’s all there,’’ said Jackie, who cares for her husband full time after his stroke last year.

Being able to access such a rich and diverse place for free, full of nature and history, and very importantly with toilets nearby at the local supermarket, was something the group didn’t think they could do together. “It’s so brilliant being here – its wild, beautiful, so much to see, and we can get the wheelchairs along the tow path! I didn’t know this place existed” another family member carer told us, “I’ve really had such a nice day with you all, it’s been a rare treat.” The group then independently organised a day on the canal with the Willow Boat Trust on their accessible canal boat. We caught up with them afterwards and they told us it was ‘’A totally new and fascinating experience, experiencing a famous canal and the history of the use of canals for transport in the late 18th century.’’ Another said it was ‘’A lovely restful day watching the sky and ducks. I was surprised at how many people live on boats along the canal.’’ They felt it was important to remember that people want different things from a day out, and the canal offers so much variety. The group subsequently organised for themselves another visit to Capel’s Mill and a visit to nearby Slimbridge Wildfowl and Wetlands centre that they heard about for the first time from Steve. The effect that these experiences have had on the physical and mental health and wellbeing of this group is profound. The canal and the inherent accessibility has entirely transformed this group’s way of spending time together and they have a new sense of belonging through shared enthusiasm and a sense of ownership of the canal. Improving the canal means that more people now feel safe to spend time there and can access most of the existing route without any additional support. They can enjoy being outside with their family and friends, safely and easily, taking up new interests in history, art and nature, contributing to rebuilding active and enjoyable lives together.

Anna Bonallack Managing Director E: [email protected] T: 01452 770177 M: 07734 086879 www.cscic.org

Stroudwater Navigation Connected 25 CASE STUDY 5

CASE STUDY 5: Local Enterprises, Stroud Brewery, Access Bike and Upper Lock Café

Private Sector Investment £115 million. Jobs created 772. New Business Start-ups 59.12

Stroud Brewery The new canal side location has been given planning permission for a state of the art brewery and bar, with conditions to improve biodiversity at the site.

Stroud Brewery has picked the canal side in Thrupp for its new sustainable building, designed with 30 metres of canal front for the bar - a beautiful setting for customers to enjoy. The Brewery expects to see growth double both in manufacturing and sales over the next five years as a direct result. Being on the towpath is a bonus, giving customers a direct route to get there on foot or by bike. When the Stroudwater Navigation is connected boat owners will be able to moor up for a drink and a bite of food before heading on their way.

Greg Pilley, managing director of the Brewery, is also delighted to be part of the biodiversity development along the canal and will be helping to support this important wildlife corridor by putting up bat boxes all around the new location and creating new habitats. ‘Being on the canal is a huge bonus, not only is it good because it means we’ll be more accessible to the public, it’s also a beautiful location that will make us even more appealing place to spend time.’

Access Bike Award winning Access Bike is a youth community cycle workshop at Fromehall Mill, a small social enterprise part funded by charitable grants, with sales making up 30% of their income. They are planning to capitalise on their canal setting, and running cycle hire with a station at the Brewery and, if the canal is connected, Bond’s Mill and beyond.

26 Stroudwater Navigation Connected CASE STUDY 5

The team loves their location at the Mill, once one of the largest textiles mills in the region Peer mentors take their mentees cycling along the canal each day. 20 bikes get out to the community each month. Access Bike found their canal side location last year, giving young people safe and quick access from Stroud and Stonehouse. Developing rapidly from a small bike reconditioning facility to a busy open workshop for all young people, with a full peer mentor programme and 25+ young people dropping in daily, is in no small way attributable to the location. Alfie, workshop manager, says ‘Access Bike is an important part of local youth sector provision and we look for ways to fund the project that make us self- sufficient. A bike hire enterprise would be amazing and we’ll definitely go for it if the canal gets connected up to the rest of the network!’

Upper Lock Cafe The Upper Lock Café opened in 2014 next to the Cotswold Canals Trust offices and Canal Visitor Centre. Locals and visitors drop in from their walks and cycle rides on the tow path and the café welcomes disabled groups visiting and volunteering on the canal.

Importantly the café has a close and mutually beneficial relationship with the Cotswold Canals Trust. Café customers become the Trust’s and vice versa. The café is in a great position to be able to support regular canal-side events, Stroud Raft Race & the Stroud Fringe Festival, and is starting to build a canal enterprise network with the Stroud Brewery and the Access Bike Project. The café is perfectly situated to serve boaters in the future and plans to improve the waterside garden area, with seating an outside catering facility to capitalise on the economic boost this will have on all canal side enterprises. Janette Brain, café proprietor, loves the canal location, ‘We are hugely excited by the prospect of Stroudwater Navigation Connected. It is particularly gratifying when new customers become regulars, discovering a ‘hidden gem’ down by the canal on the edge of Stroud town centre.’

Stroudwater Navigation Connected 27

2017 bid supporting documents

A project summary

B THEME DOCUMENTS Photographs B.1 Heritage Restoration/Conservation B.2 Sustainability B.3 Community Engagement B.4 Volunteering B.5 Environment B.6 Quality of Life

C PUBLIC CONSULTATION 2015 & 2017

D DEVELOPMENT STAGE Includes Development Stage Plan, and briefs for Detailed Development Stage work

E FINANCE & RISK

F CORE PARTNER DOCUMENTS

G TEAM OVERVIEW Bid team and Project Team

H LETTERS OF SUPPORT J OTHER DOCUMENTS Bid online form, Phase 1A evaluation, Heritage Significance report, Conservation Statement, etc

28 Stroudwater Navigation Connected FINANCIAL SUMMARY

TOTAL VALUE OF PROJECT £ 23,400,000

FUNDING SOURCES

Committed cash 5,065,000 (Stroud District Council, Canal & River Trust, Gloucestershire County Council, Cotswold Canals Trust) ‘In kind’ assistance 1,460,000 Heritage Lottery Fund 9,800,000 Environmental Grants and Offset Credits 500,000 Individual Donations/Trusts/Foundations/Charities 1,000,000 Additional CCT plus Commercial/ Businesses 1,000,000 Fundraising 1,375,000 Volunteer effort (cash equivalent) 3,200,000

TOTAL VALUE £ 23,400,000

Stroudwater Navigation Connected 29 Cotswold Canals Trust • Canal and River Trust • Gloucestershire County Council Stroud District Council • Stroud Valleys Canal Company • Inland Waterways Association Stroudwater Navigation Archives Charity • Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust

November 2017