Pocklington Canal Wellbeing Project

In the late 1950's canals were seen as unimportant; their use had declined and were viewed as relics of a Victorian age. The Pocklington Canal in East Yorkshire was targeted for infilling with 'inoffensive sludge' (a classic oxymoron). Local landowners and lovers of wildlife, walking and history were rightly horrified. Parliament was successfully petitioned and the Pocklington Canal Amenity Society was born. From that moment work began, to repair, restore and generally care for the nine mile waterway. The aims of the Society were, and still are, complete restoration of the canal  to ensure superb water quality is maintained for the plentiful wildlife and to encourage use of the waterway and towpath.

Seven miles of the canal have already been restored. The next step is to completed rebuild Sandhill Lock, currently the most derelict of the three locks left to be tackled. We'll use volunteers to rebuild the lock walls. Any money we raise will be spent on tools & materials which will include bricks & mortar. We will reinstate the lock gates. We will clear the intervening canal. We are so close..

Thousands of visitors come to enjoy the peace of the canal. 

It's completely rural.

It's clean (we have otters & 15 species of damselfly and dragonfly)

It's quiet...you can bring a book.

Sandhill Lock - This is the task ahead..