Lapal Canal Trust

Lapal Canal Trust The Lapal Canal Trust was formed in 1990 when a group of inland waterway enthusiasts realised the restoration potential for the Dudley No. 2 Lapal Canal.

The Lapal Canal Trust (LCT) was formed in 1990 when a group of inland waterway enthusiasts realised the restoration potential for the Dudley No. 2 Lapal Canal. Their initiating and persistent vision was that the use of modern engineering methods and materials would make it entirely feasible to reclaim the missing link between Hawne Basin and Selly Oak, via the long-disused but hugely-intriguing La

pal Tunnel. Restoration would bring with it a host of benefits for the local community living alongside the canal as well as being a new route for boaters. In 1997, following the restoration by Dudley Council of a section of the canal running through Leasowes Park, the Lapal Canal Trust commissioned Engineering and Design Consultants, Atkins, to produce a feasibility study. Atkins Study (2007) found that the cost of restoring the Lapal Tunnel were prohibitive and recommended an alternative route going ‘over the top’ through Woodgate Valley. Dreams of restoring the tunnel were put aside and the new plan was embraced. And so, The Lapal Canal Trust is determined to restore the derelict half of the Dudley No. 2 Canal from Selly Oak to Hawne Basin, incorporating a new ‘over the top’ route, which would provide even greater amenity benefits for the local community.

We were very pleased to be able to help Harborne Childcare in providing two boat trips for out of school children. Clair...
10/04/2026

We were very pleased to be able to help Harborne Childcare in providing two boat trips for out of school children.

Claire kindly provided the photos and wrote
“HUGE thanks to Central Boat Parties, Lapal Canal Trust & National Lottery Community Fund for making this possible!
A truly magical time partying, dancing, playing, snacking, chatting and waving to passersby.
A beautiful day to be on the canal”

Jon of SENSE reports “After the hail on our last trip the glorious sunshine made for a perfect trip that all the crew f...
09/04/2026

Jon of SENSE reports “After the hail on our last trip the glorious sunshine made for a perfect trip that all the crew from BaseCamp really enjoyed. I have attached here some photos capturing the day. Many birds on the canal with at least 3 geese nests

Today we had Emily, Geordie, Azhar, Danielle & Eddie supported by Bev, Jools, Mel, Yaz & Glenn.

After mooring up outside The ICC we made our way to the blossom trees in Oozells Square & The Ikon Gallery, before taking in Black Sabbath Bridge, Centenary Square and the top floor of Birmingham Library.
The sunshine brightened everyone’s spirits and the sensory gardens high up on the library made for a perfect resting spot.
We all enjoyed our packed lunch on the return journey to TouchBase in Selly Oak. Thanks to the Lapal Canal Trust for arranging

Jon Fearn reports “Today was quite an adventure, with literally four seasons of weather within a few hours! We experienc...
31/03/2026

Jon Fearn reports “Today was quite an adventure, with literally four seasons of weather within a few hours! We experienced the biting wind of a freezing hailstorm, to beautiful spring sunshine illuminating the blossom trees in Oozells Square. Nice to return to the lovely and warm boat thanks to the coal stove.

Today we the pleasure of having Sense College, based at TouchBase, on board with us. For students were supported by staff member, Adam, Louanne, Linzie, Laura & Mona. Despite some trepidation from some students on getting on board, they settled down well and enjoyed a relaxing journey to the centre of Birmingham.

After mooring outside The ICC, we ventured into Oozells Square where the Japanese blossom trees were in full bloom.
Then on to Centenary Square, via the Black Sabbath bridge, and visited Birmingham Library, where we relaxed in the sensory garden on the 3rd floor.
Everybody enjoyed their packed lunch on the journey home, Two students even had a go at steering the boat steering the boat! and the whole trip was another exciting adventure for all onboard.”

Since January, we’ve had the pleasure of welcoming four University of Birmingham students to the Lapal Canal Trust, work...
30/03/2026

Since January, we’ve had the pleasure of welcoming four University of Birmingham students to the Lapal Canal Trust, working alongside us to support the restoration of the Dudley No. 2 Canal.

A huge thank you to Niamh, Molly, Freya and Alice, who joined us as part of their Environmental Science and Geography placements and will be with us until May 2026. From day one, they have brought energy, curiosity and real commitment to the project.

Their work is already contributing to key areas including fundraising, climate resilience and improving accessibility and wellbeing for those who will use and enjoy the canal in Selly Oak. What’s been particularly valuable is seeing fresh perspectives come into the project, helping us think differently about how this space can serve the community in the long term.

As part of their placement, the students also stepped beyond Selly Oak to experience how urban design and infrastructure are delivered across the UK. In March, we travelled to Manchester and London, where Isaac Timpson from WW+P Architects hosted two workshops, giving students first-hand insight into how major regeneration projects are shaped in practice.

This opportunity came through a connection made at our Harborne Wharf Volunteer Task Day, thanks to Pete Marcos from Marcos Design Workshop https://www.markosdesignworkshop.com/
It’s a great example of how community action can open doors and create meaningful opportunities.

We also want to take a moment to recognise a huge milestone. Congratulations to all the students who have now submitted their dissertations. We know how much hard work, dedication and sacrifice goes into reaching that point and it’s an achievement to be truly proud of.

A special mention goes to Alice, who has already secured her next step, successfully landing a new role, sharing her journey with the Trust during her interview. A fantastic achievement and very well deserved.

This placement is about more than experience. It is about building the next generation of professionals, strengthening the evidence behind our work and shaping a project that is both community-led and future-focused.

Together, we are not just restoring a canal. We are creating a greener, safer and better connected Selly Oak.

Looking forward to this months scrub bash work party on the 7th March. You can see from these photos that we are so clos...
02/03/2026

Looking forward to this months scrub bash work party on the 7th March. You can see from these photos that we are so close to finishing clearing the sapling's/coppice from between Hamilton Avenue access (and parking) B62 8UB and where the canal still retains its bowl section shape.
Meeting at ///snow.sadly.formed Starting 10am. Until about 1pm. Wrap up warm. Bring hand tools you expect to use (Saws, loppers, secateurs, etc).
Let us know you are coming with the event https://www.facebook.com/share/1GSjYJUFKz/

Tomorrow at 12:00 we are at University of Birmingham📅 Friday 27 February🕛 12:00 PM📍 Muirhead Tower, Room 118 (UoB Campus...
26/02/2026

Tomorrow at 12:00 we are at University of Birmingham

📅 Friday 27 February
🕛 12:00 PM
📍 Muirhead Tower, Room 118 (UoB Campus), B15 2TT
🎟 FREE Open to ALL

Tomorrow we’ll be exploring how canal restoration can drive:
✅ Green and blue infrastructure
✅ Biodiversity gains
✅ Active travel connections
✅ Regeneration in Selly Oak and the wider region

You’ll hear directly from Hugh our CEO and the students Alice, Freya, Molly and Niamh who have been involved in shaping the project and developing ideas that connect heritage with modern sustainability.

The Dudley No. 2 Canal has the potential to transform spaces, reconnect communities and support long-term growth and modern urban design.

If you’re studying planning, engineering, sustainability, geography, business, architecture or simply care about place-making come along.

Ask questions and see how you can get involved.






We were very pleased to provide a boat trip arranged by Jon Fearn for SENSE residents from Gough Road, Edgbaston.Jon rep...
26/02/2026

We were very pleased to provide a boat trip arranged by Jon Fearn for SENSE residents from Gough Road, Edgbaston.

Jon reports Richard, Rahan, Matthew, and Arfat were supported by Enoch, Rejoice, Charmaine and Tonya. The boat was cosy and warm when we arrived, thanks to the coal stove, and the journey into town was calm & relaxing for all. We enjoyed tea & biscuits and everyone remarked how silent the boat was as it glided along at a steady speed thanks to the electric engine.

From mooring outside The ICC we made our way through Centenary & Victoria Squares all the way to the Cathedral in “pigeon park”. Birmingham Cathedral offered a calm respite in contrast to the busy streets outside, and everybody visibly relaxed in the tranquil atmosphere.

Our return journey back to Selly Oak was when we ate our packed lunches, and Richard, Rahan & Matthew were full of smiles & laughter as we all sang and clapped along to “For He’s A Jolly Good Skipper” in thanks to Hugh and the Lapal Canal Trust.

On Saturday another successful bit of clearing at the Leasowes, removing bramble and saplings along the route. Particula...
08/02/2026

On Saturday another successful bit of clearing at the Leasowes, removing bramble and saplings along the route. Particular thanks to Peter for arranging and Dave who travelled from Bristol with his strimmer. Also thanks to Neil, Hugh and John. John focused on litter picking along the route- 5 bags collected. We were lucky with our timing to avoid most of Saturday’s rain. Next scrub bashing will be 10 to 1 on Saturday 7th of March, everyone welcome

Thanks to SENSE and Jon for arranging another trip on nb Ivy, Tea, coffee & biscuits and excellent photos Jon comments “...
05/02/2026

Thanks to SENSE and Jon for arranging another trip on nb Ivy, Tea, coffee & biscuits and excellent photos
Jon comments “ Today we had Alex B & Alex S from Oakfield Rd supported by Molly & Daniel, as well as Geordie, Danielle & Eddie supported by Jackie, Glenn & Larissa, all from Basecamp, our day service here at TouchBase.

Everyone really appreciated how warm and snug the boat was, in contrast to the cold & murky weather early on.
However, on arrival into town, once we had toured the city centre and visited the Ikon Gallery, the sun came out and it felt like spring had started. Thanks to the Lapal Canal Trust for arranging.

Looking forward to this months scrub bash work party on the 7th February, hopefully with less snow on the ground. You ca...
04/02/2026

Looking forward to this months scrub bash work party on the 7th February, hopefully with less snow on the ground. You can see from these photos that we are so close to finishing clearing the sapling's/coppice from between Hamilton Avenue access (and parking) B62 8UB and where the canal still retains its bowl section shape.
Meeting at ///snow.sadly.formed Starting 10am. Until about 1pm. Wrap up warm. Bring hand tools you expect to use (Saws, loppers, secateurs, etc).
Let us know you are coming with the event here: https://www.facebook.com/share/184uqn8TYZ/

Lapal Canal Trust Volunteering Task Day - 1st February - What a TransformationWhat an incredible day on the Dudley No.2 ...
03/02/2026

Lapal Canal Trust Volunteering Task Day - 1st February - What a Transformation

What an incredible day on the Dudley No.2 Canal corridor. From a litter-filled, overgrown stretch in the morning to a cleaner, more open and welcoming space by noon, the progress was inspiring to see. In just three hours, 20 volunteers took matters into their own hands.

Our amazing volunteers:

University of Birmingham Conservation Society
Led by Samuel with a fantastic team – Shaan, Katie H, Sai, Will, Luke and Katie A. You brought energy, teamwork and real commitment to the day. Big thank you to all who are not mentioned but were present.

University of Birmingham Environmental Science and Geography Students on Placement
Thank you to Niamh, Molly, Freya and Alice, who are working with the Trust for 11 weeks, until May 2026. They will help to shape the restoration plans and inform the future safeguarding of the canal route. Their shared passion for the environment and their local area is truly uplifting.

Moreover, the Trust is very grateful to Peter from Markos Design Workshop
https://www.markosdesignworkshop.com/ who joined us with his friends Rebecca, Isaac and Rachel - your support made a massive difference. Pete has also generously offered his time and architectural skills to help the Trust visualise and showcase the future of the canal corridor through professional drawings and creative design support. Conversations are ongoing, and it is inspiring to see the next generation stepping forward with passion for Active Travel, environmental and sustainability projects. It is an exciting time for Lapal Canal Trust, Birmingham and Selly Oak.

Spontaneous heroes like Kev and his colleague from National Infrastructure Group offered to help while out walking the dog, and minutes later returned with a very handy chainsaw. Their contribution was enormous.

Lapal Canal Trust Trustees were on site too, thank you to Andrew, John, Hugh, Justyna and Peter for your contributions, organising and assisting with the operation planning and oversight.

Together we collected 37 bags of litter, cleared vegetation from pathways and towpaths, and took another important step forward. Lapal Canal Trust has submitted a Pride in Place Impact Fund bid to be able to Open the Harborne Lane tunnel and turn it into a safer, shorter, friendly walking and cycling route making active travel easier and more pleasant for everyone. It is clear that local residents, young and old care deeply about the history of our area, and restoring this historic waterway would be a powerful way to bring back Pride in Place.

This is what partnership looks like, students, residents, businesses and volunteers working side by side towards a shared vision.

The before and after images show the full progress from the day. If you would like to join our next task day, please message the page or email us at [email protected]

Together we are bringing the Dudley No 2 Canal back to life.

Keeping the Leasowes clear.Peter has agreed with Perry Adams the Leasowes Warden for us the clear the scrub on the 1st S...
04/01/2026

Keeping the Leasowes clear.
Peter has agreed with Perry Adams the Leasowes Warden for us the clear the scrub on the 1st Saturday each month. First was on the 3rd of January, next two are on the 7th of February and 7th of March. Everyone welcome
Yesterday proved rather daunting with roads very slippery, but Peter managed on his Bike. We managed to clear much of last year’s regrowth so will be ready to make further progress in February. Thanks to Peter for arranging and being busy with his saw.

Address

Ariel Scout Hut, Gibbins Road, Selly Oak
Birmingham
B296QR

Telephone

+447970766554

Website

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