80. How long-unused parts of the North Oxford canal are being brought back to life

#narrowboat #narrowboats #canal #canals #liveaboard #cruisingthecut
There is a surprising amount of unused bits of canal across the UK, in varying states of decay. In this vlog I take a look at two separate (but geographically near) projects which are digging out and restoring parts of the original route of the North Oxford canal.

It has, quite literally, taken me months to film this one as the I had to shoot on several occasions at the second location so I do hope you like it!

With grateful thanks to:

Got a question? Read this!

Boat & Filming gear I use:

Theme music: "Vespers" by Topher Mohr and Alex Alena, from the YouTube music library

[rickmaggie]

I am an old retired cowboy here in Abilene Texas and for some reason, I too enjoy watching these adventures on the old British canal system. For me, it gives me an armchair adventure without having to fly over there to see for myself, thanks for sharing part of your life with us retired folks.

[tonybenneworth]

I think all canal users must sincerely thank all the volunteers for the time and effort it was storing these come out without them where would we be. Thanks again all the volunteers

[Engineer]

I find watching this the most relaxing thing on the internet currently. No agressive things like those yellow jackets and isis and what not, nothing that has to be accomplished, just watching nature and calm things being done.

[wadders]

I remember that arm in the early 1960s with the old boat rotting away, it only had sides completely rotted and filled with mud and water. We tried to reach it but were beaten back by mud and water. Obviously as boy adventurers we didn't know it was an ice breaker. Thanks for the vlog, O happy days, the locks and canal was our playground:)

[scottsturgeon]

It's wonderful to see a bit of British history being restored and made available to the public. Bravo for bringing this to the world through YouTube!

[kucingpowergile]

This is not a vlog. This is a documentary. Lovely content. Good job 👍

[mxh]

On a more serious note, I think that 'the world' will appreciate the fact that you did take the time to shoot this video. History in the making. Well done, that man.

[Vixduffield]

The effort put into this vlog is evident - fantastic!

[theodorenilson]

Enjoying all your Vlogs, but this was something special. I hope the Old Mortonians succeed in their efforts to preserve the history of the canals.

[matak]

This may may be the best Cruising the Cut vlog to date. Loved the story line and the history. Good editing too.

[deepakgogoi]

Fascinating story. So heartening to see a dead canal brought back to life again, that too through dedicated voluntary work.

[dmwi]

So interesting how bits of canal are being re-established after almost 200 years.
Seeing some of this canal system is definitely a bucket list item for my retirement.

[annepegum]

I sometimes think it's amazing we have any canals left in the UK given the historical fact of the "new" railway companies stealing all their commercial trade "back in the day", so it's especially enjoyable to read about these new (albeit small) restoration projects. And well done David for your persistence in filming this particular vlog !

[bethcross]

Brilliant vlog it's so interesting seeing parts of the canal network being bought back to life and being used! Your history of the North Oxford is fascinating and is worthy of a TV slot.

[andrewdolinskiatcarpathian]

A video worthy of broadcast on TV. Educational, informative and entertaining. Wonderful stuff. Thank you sir.

[mitchellmaytorena]

This is awesome. It just goes to show how connected us humans are to our history.

[samsharp]

This is great to see - I've moved into one of the moorings on the new arm and it's really impressive to think that only a few months ago it was a jungle!

[AdventuresOnBoatscom]

Well done. You did a good job of balancing the photography, voice over and history to create a very compelling video. Thank you.
-johnny

[for.tax.reasons]

It's incredible to think so much work was done before it all stagnated :( such a pity! But it really is wonderful that the canal was dug up and used no matter how briefly after nearly two hundred years

[gjmob]

Ian reminded me of Jessie from the Fast Show. "Today I will be mostly be clearing the canal".