THE 30th year of the Bridgwater and Taunton Canal will be marked with a flotilla of boats and a celebration at the Somerset Boat Centre on June 8-9.

Connecting the towns of Bridgwater and Taunton, the 14-and-a-half mile waterway, cared for by Canal & River Trust, boasts nearly two centuries of history.

Like many canals, it was once an important trade route that transported coal and iron from South Wales and agricultural produce out of the area until its commercial importance ended. 

It discovered a new role as a water supply for the population of Bridgwater, a function it still provides today, but fell into decline before being painstakingly restored by Somerset County Council and British Waterways – now known as Canal & River Trust.

Cutting through the Somerset countryside, it is now a popular spot for people to come and enjoy spending time by water and is a valuable home for wildlife.

A flotilla of up to 12 boats, organised by the Somerset Navigators Boat Club, will travel along the canal on the weekend of June 8-9. Travelling from Bathpool to Maunsel Lock, the boats will moor at the Somerset Boat Centre for a party to celebrate the anniversary, which will include a competition to judge the boats that have been best decorated for the occasion.

The celebration will also be raising money for the Motor Neurone Disease Association.

Mark Evans, regional director at the Canal & River Trust, said: "This year marks a special milestone for the Bridgwater & Taunton Canal as it reaches the 30th anniversary of its reopening.

“Throughout history the canal has brought trade and prosperity to Somerset and today continues to play an important role for people and wildlife.

"It's fantastic that the Somerset Navigators Boat Club are going to be celebrating the anniversary with this event. It'll be a fantastic sight to see the flotilla cruising along the canal. 

"The canal is the most southern on our 2,000-mile network across England and Wales. As a charity, our work today is focused on maintaining it for future generations, so they too can enjoy the benefits it brings, and we are committed to keeping canals such as the Bridgwater and Taunton alive."

The Canal & River Trust works all year round to maintain the canal for navigation, repairing lock gates, managing vegetation, and assisting the Environment Agency by using the canal to help manage flood water on the Somerset levels.

The canal was originally opened in 1827. It features seven locks and the unique Somerset Space Walk featuring a scale model of the sun at Maunsel Lock, with planets set along the towpath for six miles in both directions, demonstrating the scale of the solar system.

The Canal & River Trust cares for and brings to life 2,000 miles of canals and rivers across England and Wales. The trust believes waterways have the power to make a difference to bringing communities together to make a difference to their local waterway. It is also creating places and spaces that can be used and enjoyed by everyone www.canalrivertrust.org.uk.