Breathing life back into our canal network

Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal

Making the best commercial and recreational use of the UK’s canals has long been a keen topic of discussion for those with an interest in the canal network and the communities they connect. To support a cost-benefit analysis of reinstating sections of the canal that would allow full navigation, our team assisted Torfaen County Borough Council (TCBC) with a sustainability impact assessment of the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal.

We performed a high-level ecological constraints review of the canal corridor and associated habitats to inform project design and feasibility. We identified significant enhancement opportunities that would provide greater connectivity for wildlife and increase the value of ecological resources associated with the canal corridor—while also contributing toward relevant local and national nature conservation policy and targets.

Identifying ecological receptors considered to be key in the decision making gave TCBC a clear and early understanding of ecological issues to be addressed as design for the restoration of the canal develops. This will support more detailed studies to refine the design, mitigation, and enhancement options at the next stage in the project.