Event Details

A collaborative event with the Canal and River Trust to mark the bicentenary of Lancaster Canal.

The initial impetus for the creation of the Lancaster Canal came from a group of Lancaster merchants who wanted a link to the coal deposits around West Houghton and the markets of Manchester to the south and to Kendal in the north. Known as the ‘black and white’ canal, reflecting the transport of both Lancashire coal and Cumbrian limestone, the Lancaster Canal was built over a 27-year period and originally connected Kendal to Preston. Although parts of the canal have fallen out of use and it is no longer an artery for transporting goods, its importance persists both as a haven for wildlife and a beautiful place for people to access. The potential for positive health impacts from time spent around and on canals are increasingly being recognised and our speakers will reflect on the changing and developing roles of this canal as it enters its third century.

• 9.30am Assemble Biology Lecture Theatre (tea/coffee is not served at beginning of the day – but is available to purchase on campus*)

• 10.00 – 11.00 The context of the Lancaster Canal: turnpikes, canals, railways and urban growth– Dr Paul Hindle, Manchester, Bolton and Bury Canal Society

• 11.00 – 11.30 Coffee/tea & biscuits

• 11.30 – 12.30 Constructing and maintaining the Lancaster Canal – William Froggatt, North West Heritage Adviser, Canal & River Trust

• 12.30 – 1.30 Lunch*

• 1.30 – 2.15 To Be Confirmed – Speaker from Lancaster Canal Trust

• 2.15 – 2.45 Tea/coffee & biscuits

• 2.45 – 4.00 Waterways, Volunteering & Wellbeing - Anna Barlow, Volunteering Team Leader, Canal & River Trust (Lancaster); The impact and benefits of volunteering on health and wellbeing…and the wider community – Yak Patel, Mark Waddington and Kevin Goodall, Lancaster District Community & Voluntary Solutions

• 4.00 p.m. Close of Study Day

*Lunch: Sandwiches/coffee/tea can be bought on the University campus (either at SPAR supermarket, Juicafe, Gregg's or Costa Coffee). Hot and cold meals, snacks and drinks are also available at Café Republic, Subway and a range of other outlets- or you are welcome to bring your own lunch.Parking: On Saturdays free parking is available on campus. Nearest parking to the lecture theatre is Library Avenue.