Major canal towpath improvements provide better access at Smestow Valley

Major improvements have been made to the canal towpath at Wolverhampton’s Smestow Valley Local Nature Reserve, offering better access for all visitors.

The improvements, commissioned by City of Wolverhampton Council, have been made to the main section of the path which runs from Tettenhall Old Bridge to Compton Bridge.

The project forms part of wider improvement and enhancement works planned at Smestow Valley and has been funded by £200,000 from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

A team from Canal & River Trust, along with corporate volunteers from the Environment Agency, Storey, Midland Metro Alliance and Kier, removed overgrowing vegetation from the path, scraped away excess mud and leaves, levelled uneven surfaces and installed drainage.

The Trust has worked to improve the stability of the canal banks by installing coir rolls. This aims to encourage the growth of aquatic plants and vegetation, encouraging a variety of wildlife including water voles which are a rare and protected species.

Finally, the towpath has been resurfaced to match other paths throughout the nature reserve and is now open for visitors to enjoy.

Other work funded by the Shared Prosperity Fund has included the creation of a wildflower meadow which was delivered by the Birmingham and Black Country Wildlife Trust with support from the Friends of Smestow Valley Local Nature Reserve.

Over the coming months the project will fund the restoration and creation of hedges in the northern part of the reserve, the re-establishment of an ancient pond and the creation of a community orchard. These will be delivered in partnership with Birmingham and Black Country Wildlife Trust, Wildside Activity Centre and The Friends of Smestow Valley.

There will also be opportunities for local people to get involved, learn new skills and help protect the city’s largest nature reserve for the future. Please look out for upcoming details and dates at Nature reserves | City Of Wolverhampton Council 

The improvements to the towpath will prepare the way for a wider project to improve, promote and protect the wildlife, heritage and natural beauty of Smestow Valley, following the council’s successful bid for development phase funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Councillor Bhupinder Gakhal, cabinet member for resident services at City of Wolverhampton Council, said: “It’s wonderful to see the significant improvements that have been carried out along the canal towpath at Smestow Valley Local Nature Reserve.

“This particular section had often been muddy and impassable during wet weather and over the winter, making it difficult for all residents to be able to enjoy time along the canal.

“Thanks to the partnership work carried out with the Canal & River Trust and a group of committed volunteers, we have been able to begin opening up this beautiful hidden gem for people to explore and I would encourage residents to consider getting involved in future projects at the Valley.”

Ian Lane, Head of Operational Partnerships and Fundraising at Canal & River Trust, said:“We’re delighted to see the improvements along Smestow Valley’s canal towpath, which make this beautiful area more accessible for everyone to enjoy. This project is an important part of our commitment to ensuring people have the opportunity to experience and benefit from green spaces.

“With the support of our partners and dedicated volunteers, we’re not only enhancing this pathway but helping protect the natural environment and biodiversity along the canal for future generations.”

Smestow Valley and rail network is a 4.5km long site, which forms part of the Black Country UNESCO Global Geopark and has a rich history dating back to Anglo-Saxon times. It provides visitors with opportunities for healthy activities including walking, cycling and boating.