187. The £40million canal restoration in central England

A few weeks ago, I cruised past what remains of the Lichfield canal, now used by the Lichfield Cruising Club, and mentioned that the canal is under restoration. In this vlog I've been to meet the team who are heading up that restoration and see the scale of the works underway.

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

[gilbertfranklin]

David, this video is what separates you from the other narrowboat channels, and typifies the difference between those who are just "doing their own thing", and one who also contributes as a productive member of the floating citizenry. Well done! 👍

[YllaStar]

This is bloody incredible! The sheer human endeavour is as great this time around, as in the 1700's, with just wheelbarrows and shovels.
I am particularly interested in the original brickwork, it would have been made by hand. I did this job at Godlingston Swanage for 18yrs and personally made 3 million bricks with my bare hands, with a drop of sweat running from my brow, down the bridge of my nose, onto each freshly struck suface of each brick during the Summer and Autumn's, each year. I am immensely proud of these people's dream .

[carolesustak]

As an American, I watched this wonderfully educational vlog while thinking how this is so different from the USA. Firstly, the cost would be 40 billion with overage. Secondly, the volunteer status would be completely foreign; when some corporation could make lots of money gouging the government. I truly enjoy living vicariously through your eyes. Keep up the great work. 🥰

[samreagan]

Never in my life did I imagine they would be building more canals in England! This is going to be awesome

[joepalladino]

I admire this crowd - cheerfully tackling a seemingly impossible task - good luck to them.

[rayg]

To put history into perspective, this canal was hand dug and in use around the same time my country, Australia had just been discovered with small settlements at Port Jackson. Truly amazing.

[wannabeeboater]

David that was excellent your professionalism shines through.

[robharding]

These old canal waterways are real gems of our early transport system, well done guys.great job.

[JeghedderThomas]

Bloody hell! From a delightfully meandering vlog (and sometimes not-a-vlog) about life on the cut to suddenly ITV/BBC pro telly standard segment.
Your professionalism shows - bone dry, cucumber cool, down to earth TV professionalism! Impressed!

[MHTutorialsD]

Your BBC experience is showing :-) Well done

[stuartoneill]

How can people not like this, another section of canal to stroll along on summer days, picnics, dog walks, cycling, canoeing even, seems like the only good thing happening so far, keep up the good work

[BudFieldsPPTS]

You are a tremendous voice for the canals, and what they potentially mean to the future of Britain. You are an unbiased reporter of fact as a fundamental principle of your journalistic endeavor. You are a friend to the canals, the narrowboats, and the narrowboaters who represent such an important part of the British culture. I feel your attraction to being a central player to the success of this project; it desperately needs to be publicized. Do that. And enjoy the cut, for us all.

[paulywauly]

Wow. Your journalistic experience really comes to fore in the production of this one. It's TV worthy. Nice work 😁

[robertbuck]

You Brits are fantastic, I almost want to go live on a canal Boat. I actually have a choice for my retirement; Canal Boat, Sail Boat or go to southern Missouri to live in the country along a small stream. But I am going to visit England, Ireland and Scotland for my vacation.

[meanqueensuperscrimper]

I can see you going back to your old job. Your style is just perfect, interesting documentary. Thank you.

[annepegum]

Much as I enjoy your "regular" vlogs David, I have to say that this was probably one of the more fascinating ones. What a fantastic (and fascinating !) project - I really hope they manage to complete it.

[glennjames]

Being an American, I am absolutely fascinated with the English canal system and the idea of living on a narrow boat and "cruising the cut". Seems like a wonderful lifestyle. If anything is worth restoring it's things like these canals, it's is part of the English culture and contributes. much to the charm of the country. I, myself can't think of a better way to retire. Maybe one day ?

[CharlesMcManus]

I absolutely admire all the individuals volunteering to rebuild the canal immensely. It is quintessentially English to maintain the past or rebuild it. Absolutely marvellous!

[williamsmith]

How fantastic to think volunteers are doing all that works. Also your reporting skills are has expected fist rate.
Well done, I will donate £40. Xx

[jacquesmertens]

The quality of your documentaries is amazing. Eat your heart out, BBC.