Restoration
In 1988 a riverside meadow changed ownership. This meadow contained the derelict remains of the mouth of the Rolle Canal. Known as ‘Sea Lock’ it is actually a tidal lock entrance from the River Torridge.The new landowners became fascinated by this very much forgotten waterway. They quietly set about investigating the remains and were surprised to find a considerable amount of the lock structure and wharf basin still intact, hidden beneath the carpet of invasive vegetation and buried by silt.
In 2003 the Rolle Canal & Northern Devon Waterways Society (RC&NDWS) was inaugurated, stating the following aims:-
· To research the history of Lord Rolle’s Canal
· To raise public awareness of the canal and promote interest in its existence
· To protect its course and its man-made features
· To investigate and restore where possible its fabric
· To inform and educate the public of its purpose, function and impact on the local social and economic environment
Since the establishment of the RC&NDWS small parties of volunteers have been working on a number of sites along the length of the canal making it much more apparent and accessible to the general public. Although much of its original course is in private ownership the RC&NDWS regularly organises guided walks along the route where possible.
· To research the history of Lord Rolle’s Canal
· To raise public awareness of the canal and promote interest in its existence
· To protect its course and its man-made features
· To investigate and restore where possible its fabric
· To inform and educate the public of its purpose, function and impact on the local social and economic environment
Since the establishment of the RC&NDWS small parties of volunteers have been working on a number of sites along the length of the canal making it much more apparent and accessible to the general public. Although much of its original course is in private ownership the RC&NDWS regularly organises guided walks along the route where possible.
SEA LOCK
At Sea Lock invasive vegetation has been cleared, lock and wharf walls rebuilt and an inner pair of lock gates re-instated. It is hoped that the still missing outer gates will be replaced when funds allow. A considerable amount of re-landscaping has been undertaken and much silt has been dredged out of the basin.
A vast amount of work has been completed at Sea Lock but there is still much to do. Finances, time, tide and weather all have a limiting factor as to the rate of progress. To date about half a mile of the canal from its mouth is in water. Sections further inland are in several different ownerships and changes in land usage are likely to prevent them being restored.
At Sea Lock invasive vegetation has been cleared, lock and wharf walls rebuilt and an inner pair of lock gates re-instated. It is hoped that the still missing outer gates will be replaced when funds allow. A considerable amount of re-landscaping has been undertaken and much silt has been dredged out of the basin.
A vast amount of work has been completed at Sea Lock but there is still much to do. Finances, time, tide and weather all have a limiting factor as to the rate of progress. To date about half a mile of the canal from its mouth is in water. Sections further inland are in several different ownerships and changes in land usage are likely to prevent them being restored.
The Sea Lock before any restoration
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The first set of gates for well over 100 years
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Restoration at Sea Lock on the Upper Basin - 2023
ROSEMOOR
Within the grounds of R.H.S. Rosemoor, the canal basin is being restored by Rolle Canal Society volunteers with support from R.H.S. Rosemoor. In due course this area will incorporated into their new woodland walk. As well as the canal basin, the large adjacent lime kiln is being preserved.
Within the grounds of R.H.S. Rosemoor, the canal basin is being restored by Rolle Canal Society volunteers with support from R.H.S. Rosemoor. In due course this area will incorporated into their new woodland walk. As well as the canal basin, the large adjacent lime kiln is being preserved.
The site before restoration
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Looking more like a canal again
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Hardy volunteers rebuilding walls in February 2024