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.

Thanks to Brenda Stevenson of Strobridge u3a for arranging the trip and providing the photos, Brenda thanked LCT and t...
18/07/2026

Thanks to Brenda Stevenson of Strobridge u3a for arranging the trip and providing the photos, Brenda thanked LCT and the National Lottery Community Fund for supporting the trip and the crew of nb Fredrick. Brenda reports they had a wonderful time travelling along the beautiful canal to Selly Oak and return to Gas St Basin The U3A are a charity providing education for older people and those retired from full time work.

Could Birmingham learn from Utrecht?In the 1970s, part of Utrecht's historic canal was filled in and replaced by a major...
23/06/2026

Could Birmingham learn from Utrecht?

In the 1970s, part of Utrecht's historic canal was filled in and replaced by a major road. Decades later, the city reversed that decision, restored the canal and reconnected its historic canal ring.

The most interesting lesson? Local residents say the project wasn't really about restoring a canal. It was about creating a better city.

The project succeeded because it stopped asking:

"How do we restore a canal?"

and started asking:

"How can we create a better city?"

There are striking similarities with the Dudley No. 2 Canal restoration in Selly Oak.

This isn't simply about restoring a canal. It's about reconnecting a missing link in Birmingham's canal network, creating new green space, supporting wildlife, encouraging walking and cycling, celebrating our heritage and improving quality of life for future generations.

The restoration has already begun, with Whitehouse Wharf completed and plans in place to reconnect the canal to the Worcester & Birmingham Canal. This regeneration project will transform the local area and create a modern green City which Birmingham is aspiring to be.

What would a restored Dudley No. 2 Canal mean for you and your community?

Today, the Lapal Canal Trust was delighted to take part in the fantastic Lark in the Park event at Manor Farm Park.A hug...
13/06/2026

Today, the Lapal Canal Trust was delighted to take part in the fantastic Lark in the Park event at Manor Farm Park.

A huge thank you to the organisers Carol and the team of wonderful volunteers and everyone who came along to support local community groups. Events like these bring people together, celebrate our green spaces and build stronger communities.

We were particularly pleased to receive donations from members of the community, which will help support our ongoing work to restore the Dudley No. 2 Canal. Every contribution, no matter the size, helps us move one step closer to reconnecting this important piece of local heritage.

It was wonderful to see so many children visiting our stand and taking away canal-themed activities to learn more about the history, wildlife and future restoration of the canal. We hope we inspired a few future canal champions along the way!

The famous duck race was great fun and we must also give a special mention to the delicious homemade cakes, teas, coffees and refreshments. We can officially report that Justyna and Hugh treated themselves to a slice of lemon drizzle cake and it was absolutely heavenly! 🍋🍰

Thank you again to everyone who stopped to chat, shared memories of the canal, donated, or expressed an interest in supporting the project.

We'd love to hear from you:

💚 Do you have memories of the Dudley No. 2 Canal?

💚 Would you like to volunteer with the Trust?

💚 What would you most like to see when the canal is restored?

Leave a comment below.

Together, we can restore and create something special, our heritage for future generations.

Thanks to Jon of SENSE for arranging a trip for the disabled and their carers, Slightly smaller group as not all were ab...
29/05/2026

Thanks to Jon of SENSE for arranging a trip for the disabled and their carers, Slightly smaller group as not all were able to come.
Jon explained “ We had the residents from Hawthorn Rd join us. Both Abdi and Michael really loved every moment, and they were ably supported by Ilaria, Luwam & Cleopatra. The weather was perfect, and the city looked great and our trip into Centenary Square & Birmingham Library was a real treat for those who had never done that before.”
Thanks to Jon for the photos, and to the carers for the marvellous work they do , and also helping to steer the boat
It’s so rewarding to provide support and we look forward to our next trip. In June

28/05/2026

Beautiful views across Whitehouse Wharf in Selly Oak.

This turning area, constructed by Lapal Canal Trust, was designed as part of the efforts to restore the historic Dudley No.2 Canal.

In this short video you can see boats moored at the Whitehouse Wharf, birds flying across the canal and even the University of Birmingham’s iconic “Old Joe” clock tower in the distance. A reminder of how connected this waterway is to the wider story of Birmingham.

What was once an underused industrial space is becoming a place of nature, heritage, wellbeing and opportunity.

Step by step, the story of the Lapal Canal continues.

Another beautiful day in Selly Oak.Last week, Lapal Canal Trust met with the new local councillor for Bournbrook & Selly...
28/05/2026

Another beautiful day in Selly Oak.

Last week, Lapal Canal Trust met with the new local councillor for Bournbrook & Selly Park Cllr Jane Baston, for a walkabout through the Battery Park site (future Battery Wharf), where the next phase of our Dudley No.2 Canal restoration project is planned.

It was a positive and constructive discussion about the future of Selly Oak, regeneration, connectivity, heritage and the huge potential this historic canal holds for the community.

We are optimistic about working with the new leadership in Birmingham City Council and hopeful that renewed collaboration can help unlock long-term opportunities for the area.

The restoration of the Dudley No 2 Canal, commonly known as Lapal Canal is not just about waterway heritage. It is about creating connected greener spaces, improving biodiversity, supporting active travel, attracting investment and reconnecting communities across Birmingham and the Black Country.

Thank you to everyone continuing to support the vision. Step by step, the project moves forward.

Today the Lapal Canal Trust attended the Weoley Castle Earth Day Festival, joining local organisations and residents to ...
16/05/2026

Today the Lapal Canal Trust attended the Weoley Castle Earth Day Festival, joining local organisations and residents to celebrate community, nature, heritage and environmental action.

It was fantastic to speak with so many people about the restoration of the historic Dudley No. 2 Canal and the long-term vision to reconnect communities through green and blue infrastructure.

We were especially pleased to see children and families engaging with our activity sheets, maps and displays, learning more about local wildlife, canal heritage and the future potential of the Lapal Canal corridor (Dudley No, 2 Canal).

We were also delighted to meet with the local MP and newly elected councillor at the event. It is encouraging to see support and interest in the project from local representatives across different political views, recognising the wider environmental, heritage and community value the restoration could bring to the area.

Events like this are a reminder of how important accessible green spaces, active travel and community heritage are to local people.

A huge thank you to the organisers, volunteers and everyone who stopped by to support us and learn more about the project.

Find our more:
www.lapalcanal.co.uk
[email protected]

Join Lapal Canal Trust and other fantasic organisations at the Weoley Castle Earth Day Festival 🌍We’re excited to be par...
14/05/2026

Join Lapal Canal Trust and other fantasic organisations at the Weoley Castle Earth Day Festival 🌍

We’re excited to be part of this community celebration!

📍 Weoley Castle Square
📅 Saturday 16 May 2026
⏰ 11am - 2pm

Come and meet new peolple and learn more our local area and its heritage, green and blue spaces, canals, towpaths, community projects and the restoration of the historic Dudley No.2 Canal. We’re working together to improve green spaces, biodiversity, heritage and active travel links across our communities. 🚶‍♀️🌱💧

There will be:
✨ Nature activities
✨ Crafts and storytelling
✨ Music and circus skills
✨ Free family fun
✨ Community stalls and more

Perfect for families, children and anyone passionate about the environment and local heritage.

We look forward to seeing you there and sharing our vision for a greener and more connected future 💚

Today, despite the weather - sunshine and very heavy showers, we had a great trip with SENSE. Jon who arranges the trip...
13/05/2026

Today, despite the weather - sunshine and very heavy showers, we had a great trip with SENSE. Jon who arranges the trip and tea and biscuits explains.
“ Today we had the residents from Gough Rd: Rahan, Arfat, Richard & Matthew, supported by Genia, Ola, Bev & Rina.
Everybody really loved the whole experience, and our journey up to the sensory roof gardens at Birmingham Library was a first for some.
The attached photos convey how relaxed and engaged everybody was on board, and Rina appreciated the chance to steer the boat.”

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”

Address

Ariel Scout Hut, Gibbins Road, Selly Oak
Birmingham
B296QR

Telephone

+447970766554

Website

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