Business and Development Plan
Contents
Description of the Stover Canal
Statement of Aims and Objectives
Illustrations of Features on the Canal
Introduction
The Stover Canal was built in c. 1790-2 and runs for 1.75 miles (2.5km) between Ventiford and Jetty Marsh, near Newton Abbot in Devon. It was in more or less continuous use until 1937 and finally became derelict in 1951 after it burst its banks. The canal was originally built to transport ball clay from the Bovey Basin to the estuary but between 1820 and about 1860 it was used in conjunction with the Haytor Granite Tramway to transport granite. Together with the tramway the canal forms a very important survival of a transport system of the Industrial Revolution and was central to the economy of the Newton Abbot area for well over 100 years. The canal, although now mainly dry and in a derelict, overgrown state, survives over its entire length, including three stone-built locks, and many of the original buildings associated with the canal are still standing.
The canal, if preserved, partially restored and accessible to the public, has the potential to be a major cultural, educational and amenity resource within the Teignbridge area, as well as an important ecological habitat, continuing to sustain a diverse wildlife community.
The Stover Canal Society (SCS), inaugurated in 1999, has been formed to promote the preservation and restoration of the canal, and to encourage research, education and awareness of the historical and environmental issues associated with the canal.
The following plan seeks to outline the Stover Canal Society’s intentions and objectives for the future of the canal and the society’s proposals for achieving them.
Summary History
The Stover Canal was built by James Templer of Stover Lodge between 1790 and 1792, the first barge traffic transporting clay between Teignbridge and Teignmouth on March 4th 1790.
The canal was born from the need to transport ball clay, which was a rapidly expanding industry in the Bovey Basin during the late 18th century, to markets in far away places such as The Potteries in Staffordshire. Clay was shipped out of the area via the Teign estuary but before 1790, it had to be transported overland on the poor roads of the time, to Hackney where it was transferred to waterborne vessels. Templer’s canal shortened the overland part of this journey considerably and by 1816 trade on the Teign had increased from 400 boatloads of clay per year before the canal was built, to 600 per year; this figure had increased to 1,000 per year by 1854.
From 1820 the canal was also used in conjunction with George Templer’s Granite tramway. Which transported granite from the family’s quarry complex on Haytor Down, to Ventiford at the head of the canal. However, the granite trade was somewhat sporadic with fluctuating production. No granite was produced or transported between 1841 and 1851 and the quarries and tramway had closed by 1858.
In 1829 the entire Stover estate, including the canal and the tramway, were sold to Edward Seymour Duke of Somerset. The Duke is reputed to have taken little interest in the canal which by 1840 had been leased to Whiteway and Mortimer, one of the clay companies operating in the area.
In the late 1850s, the proposal to construct the Moretonhampstead and South Devon Railway (MSDR) included utilising the course of both the granite tramway and the canal. By 1862 the railway company had purchased both and the new railway was built over the course of the tramway from Brimley to Ventiford then to run alongside the canal, down to Newton Abbot. The railway was completed in 1866 and although the MSDR had no obligation to maintain the canal, from 1867 it was leased to Messrs Watts, Blake, Bearne and Co. (WBB) who continued to use it to transport clay from Teignbridge clay cellars. The canal above Teignbridge was no longer used other than to give barges access to Graving Dock Lock, which had become the main barge maintenance and repair workshop; the original dry dock having been destroyed at Teigngrace when the railway was built over it. The canal above Graving Dock became derelict from this point onward.
The railway and the canal were purchased by the Great Western Railway Co. (GWR) in 1877 and by 1896 they had commissioned a survey as to the future of the canal. The Stover was the only canal owned by GWR at that time, where income exceeded expenditure so its future was temporarily assured. However, most of the expense was now falling on WBB, the lessees of the canal and although new lock gates were fitted in 1906, the decline of the canal was now inevitable with competition from railways and motor transport. Although the canal remained in use for another 30 years, by 1937 no clay companies were using barges to transport their clay, and when WBB’s lease expired in 1942, it was not renewed. The GWR then opted to close the canal to barge traffic and discontinue maintenance. Water remained in the canal until 1951 when it burst its banks, flooding part of a nearby clay works. Since then the channel and all the locks have fallen into a state of serious neglect.
The canal is currently owned by Railtrack, though Jetty Marsh Lock and Ventiford Basin are owned by Teignbridge District Council (TDC). The section of canal towpath between Teigngrace Lock and the canal bridge forms part of the Templer Way.
Description of the Stover Canal
The canal extends for 2.8km between the basin at Ventiford (Grid Ref. SX 8485 7470) and Jetty Marsh Lock (Grid Ref. SX 8614 7214), where it connects to the tidal Whitelake Channel, forming a link to the Teign navigation. The canal had a maximum width of 15m and is notably narrower along the section north of Graving Dock. There is a towpath running for the fill length of the canal on the eastern side: the western side of the canal abuts the edge of the railway and there is currently no public access there.
The canal originally had three water feeders:
Ventiford Brook Feeder
Ventiford Brook is a small stream which has its source within the Great Plantation at Liverton, and is also the supply for Stover Lake. After leaving the lake via the c.400m long canalized channel on the eastern end, the brook continues to the south, then to converge with Liverton Brook to meet the Stover Canal above Ventiford Basin via a sluice.
Jew’s Bridge Feeder
The Jew’s Bridge feeder diverted water from the River Bovey, from a point just to the south of Jew’s Bridge (SX 839 763), down to the head of the canal at Ventiford Basin, where it augmented the supply from the Ventiford Brook. The feeder, which takes the form of an arrow (a 1-2m) leat, has only survived south of Brocks Farm (SX 843 757) the northern section having been overwhelmed by clay spoil dumping. The surviving section is heavily silted, though some interesting features, including stone built culverts survive along it.
Fishwick feeder
The Fishwick feeder diverted water from the River Teign and is so called because the headweir was in close proximity with the farm of that name on the east side of the river. A stone weir (SX 8561 7401), now destroyed, diverted water across the fields to the south-west to meet the canal just below Graving Dock (SX 8549 7372), thus supplying the lower section of the canal. The feeder was augmented by a second channel which meets it at SX 8540 7389, and was probably intended to collect floodwaters from fields to the north. These channels are currently both heavily silted.
In addition to supply channels there are also several outlet channels used to regulate the levels in the canal. Two of these exit the canal on the south side. A third channel diverted surplus water from a kink in the Fishwick feeder, away down to the area below Teignbridge clay cellars. All surplus water was diverted back into the Teign via the Whitelake Channel.
The total rise in the canal is 5.88m, divided between five locks:
Jetty Marsh (Lower) Lock (1)
The largest and lowest of the locks, the chamber is 68m long by 14m wide, it is constructed from brick, timber and granite and has evidence of at least three alterations in the form of inscribed stones. The masonry and brick portions of the structure survive in good condition but timber components are now almost completely rotted. Grade II listed.
Jetty Marsh (Upper) Lock (2)
This lock was immediately above Lock 1 and was constructed entirely from timber. While likely to partially survive, it was replaced by a culvert beneath the railway during repairs to the railway bridge. The combined rise of Locks 1 and 2 is 1.98m. Dimensions of lock 2 are not currently known.
Teignbridge Lock (3)
Although now almost totally eroded, contemporary photographs show the lock sides to have been constructed from timber. It had a rise of approximately 0.15m. Dimensions of lock not currently known.
Graving Dock Lock (4)
Constructed entirely from large blocks of dressed granite. It is the shortest lock on the canal (19m by 11m), built to accommodate only one barge at a time, probably because of its large rise of 2.06m. In about 1862 the structure was altered to accommodate a dry dock on the east side, when the barge building and repair workshops were moved to this site. This alteration has rendered this structure probably unique in Britain. Beside the towpath, adjacent to the lock, a small, square brick structure which was a steam-producing installation, used for steaming planks before bending during the construction and repair of barges. The lock structure survives in good condition and is Grade II listed.
Teigngrace Lock (5)
Built from granite and some grey limestone, this lock measures 35m by 4.8m with a rise of 1.68m. This was the first lock to be abandoned sometime after 1862 when the canal above Graving Dock became disused. The structure remains in good condition and is Grade II listed.
Ventiford Basin
Ventiford Basin is the higher terminal of the canal and was also the loading point for granite which was transported to Ventiford from Haytor via the granite tramway, between 1820 and 1858. The canal is lined with granite on both sides at this point, forming wharves and the iron base of a crane survives in situ on the west wharf. A widening of the channel at the southern end of the basin was a turning point for barges. Clay cellars on the eastern wharf were still standing in the 1880s but no longer survive, although the foundations of the weighing house are still visible.
The Canal Bridge
Constructed in 1798 to convey the old Exeter road across the canal, it is a single span masonry arch structure of brick and stone. The arch is segmental in shape with a span of 4.87m. Both keystones have embossed carvings: that on the south depicts a bearded man, thought to be Neptune, and that to the north is a goat, The bridge is reinforced by two horizontal iron braces with circular bosses. An inscribed stone is set into the north parapet, visible only from the canal. The parapet and the stone plaque were both badly damaged by a road accident in the 1970s.
In addition to the canal and its primary features described, there are also several buildings associated with canal. These include the twelve clay cellars and stables at Teignbridge and the barge repair building at Teigngrace. Of these the clay cellars and stables are currently occupied by small businesses, and the barge repair building is used as a store.
The Stover Canal Society
Some seven years ago the chairman of the Stover Canal Society (SCS), Roger Harding, started to investigate the canal after a number of people had enquired as to why it was neglected and unused; often expressing concern as to its future. After consulting many other local people, it became apparent that there was a potentially large number of residents in the locality who were concerned that this canal, which was once central to the economy of the Teignbridge area and a monument to the hard work of earlier generations, should not be lost to future generations but cherished, restored and used by all sections of the community.
On Friday 5th Feb 1999 Mr. Harding called a public meeting which over 150 people attended. From among those persons present a working party was formed and the first committee meeting was held at Newton Abbot Town council offices on 11th March 1999. Approaches were then made through Teignbridge District Council and by the local Member of Parliament, to Railtrack, the current owners of the majority of the canal, to ascertain their position with regard to the property and their future plans for it.
After an encouraging response from the public, the Stover Canal Society was formed on 3rd September 1999. A constitution was agreed by the membership with officers and committee elected to move the society forward to a position were it could gain charitable trust status and begin to actively pursue and begin implementing the society’s aims (see below).
Two work camps, in collaboration with the Waterways Recovery Group (WRG), have so far taken place with the permission of Railtrack. The work carried out in which Graving Dock Lock was cleared of scrub and some paths and fences were reinstated, has helped raise awareness of the society’s aims.
The society produces a twice-yearly newsletter, keeping members abreast of progress and containing informative articles.
The society’s exhibition stand at the Newton Abbot Transport 2000 festival was well attended with over 2500 visitors coming to the SCS stand, many expressing their interest in the project, including living relatives of the Templer's as well as county, district, town and parish councillors. All were concerned to see how an important local historical landmark had fallen into such decay and many expressed support for a programme of conservation and restoration.
The committee is currently preparing the way for the society to become a company limited by guarantee and to achieve charitable status.
To date Railtrack have stated their willingness to pass the property over to the people of Teignbridge with a cash dowry off £30,000 to help with the restoration.
Statement of Aims and Objectives
Preservation
The most pressing issue for the SCS is to ensure that the future survival of the canal and its associated structures and artifacts is secured. The canal, now being on the town’s peripheries, is under serious threat from urban expansion in Newton Abbot. It could potentially be threatened by the activities of extractive industries and, more immediately, by neglect. Although the canal itself has survived remarkably unscathed by these threats in recent years, certain associated features such as the wharves at Jetty Marsh and the last coal store at Teignbridge have been destroyed without record and with quite remarkable speed. It is essential that this gradual erosion of the canal is stopped. The canal itself does not enjoy any statutory protection as a monument and developers would have no obligation to preserve or record it in any way if it stood in the way of future planning permissions. Although the locks and clay cellars have Grade II listed status, this gives them practically no protection at all within the planning process, as the tragedy of the Hackney Clay Cellars has demonstrated. Industrial archaeology is generally an undervalued cultural resource and the importance of its survival is often completely overlooked by planners and developers.
The cultural significance of the Stover Canal, and that of its associated structures cannot be overstated and the need for its preservation is vital in an area of Devon which has all too few tangible links with the past surviving in the landscape.
The SCS will campaign to ensure that the future of the surviving elements of the canal is secure. This will initially be achieved through raising awareness among local people, and in particular local authorities, as to the importance of this monument to the community in the past; and to its potential as an amenity in the future.
Ownership
The SCS will also investigate the possibilities of placing the ownership of the canal (currently owned by Railtrack) in more appropriate hands, with a view to the longer term. This could be either a local authority, with certain assurances that the site will be protected, or alternatively the SCS or another body with similar aims could assume ownership and carry out the work through a trust.
Restoration
The SCS will also seek to promote restoration of the canal as this, we feel, would be the best means by which to assure its future. Although the SCS has its own vision for the future of the canal, the final nature and extent of the restoration will be the result of broad consultation with all interested parties, including local authorities, Teigngrace, Newton Abbot and Kingsteignton residents, owners of adjoining land and government agencies. The consultation process will also encompass information gathered by experts on certain aspects of the proposals. The final programme will be the solution which best reflects the outcome of the consultation process.
The SCS is keen that a high proportion of the work towards restoration and preservation of the canal will be undertaken through voluntary effort, and that local people will be encouraged to become involved. We would also seek to work in partnership with local and national voluntary bodies who could offer expertise or resources and would wish to become involved in the project.
A major element of the SCS’s plan is that the canal, whatever form the restoration takes, will be accessible to all, over its entire length. Access will be free and provision will be made for the disabled.
Research, Dissemination and Education
The SCS is committed to a comprehensive programme of research into all aspects of the canal including its history, social history, archaeology, ecology etc. This work will be done by members of the SCS, but some aspects could be achieved in partnership with others, such as schools and colleges who could carry out investigation into aspects of the canal. Such information will be disseminated through appropriate media and used to raise awareness among the local community. The SCS will also liaise with local schools when requested, to help provide educational support.
It is also intended to create or contribute to a museum or visitor centre. This may be done either independently by the SCS to create a single-theme, Stover Canal museum, assuming a suitable site could be found and funded, or to work in conjunction with Newton Abbot museum service and/or the Ball Clay Heritage Society on a joint venture. The visitor centre/museum would focus on raising awareness of the existence and significance of the canal together with interpretation of the social, economic, landscape and natural histories.
The Proposed Restoration
Ownership
The current situation is that the canal is mostly owned by Railtrack; it is only accessible in part and totally neglected. This is not acceptable to the SCS. The Ventiford Basin and Jetty Marsh Lock are owned by the local authority.
Options for ownership and management of the Stover Canal:
Ownership transferred to the local authority. Canal restored and managed by SCS through a trust. Local authority retain ownership in perpetuity on behalf of the people of Teignbridge
Ownership transferred to the Stover Canal Society, acting as company limited by guarantee. The society taking on all aspects of fundraising, restoration and future management.
Ownership transferred to local authority, but restoration and future management undertaken by an outside trust with experience of restoring and managing canals. SCS would wish to have a full collaborative role, be fully involved in decision making, restoration and future management.
The status quo. Railtrack retain ownership but pressure is put on them to maintain the canal in a manner more appropriate for its use as a public amenity with greater public access and to assure its future. Railtrack to collaborate with TDC and SCS in achieving this.
Restoration
Three options have been discussed by the SCS committee:
Option 1, Full restoration: the canal, all locks and original water supplies are reinstated to provide a fully-functional, navigable canal, extending from Ventiford to Jetty Marsh.
Option 2, Partial restoration: the canal, locks and some water supplies are restored with water only partly filling the channel, sufficient to maintain the integrity of the canal as a waterway but not suitable for navigation by normal canal size craft.
Option 3, Minimal restoration: the canal though preserved and partially restored, would not contain water and would be managed as both a monument and a wildlife haven with full public access.
Restoration - Merits and Disadvantages
Option 1
A full restoration would re-create the canal as it was when working up to the 1930s. It would enable reasonable sized vessels to use the waterway and if completed would clearly be a major achievement.
Although the channel of the canal and three locks survive in a good condition and could all potentially be fully restored, there are several serious and probably insurmountable problems with this scheme, and several other issues which would leave the desirability of this approach open to question.
Firstly, of the three original main water supplies to the canal (Jew’s Bridge feeder, Fishwick feeder, Ventiford Brook), only the Ventiford Brook is currently capable of providing water. The Jew’s Bridge feeder has been overwhelmed by clay working spoil to the north of Brock’s Farm and no supply from this section of the Bovey is likely to be available in the future. The Fishwick feeder, which originally drew water from the Teign, diverted via a weir, is also no longer viable. The weir was destroyed after the canal became disused and reinstating it is unlikely to be permitted by the Environment Agency, given that this area is so prone to flooding.
A further severe problem is the situation with lock 2 which was destroyed and replaced by a culvert under the railway bridge. Reinstatement of this lock, although technically feasible, would involve major engineering works by Railtrack.
If the canal were to be navigable, it would still be effectively landlocked. It would not be connected with any other part of the inland waterway network and access via the Teign estuary would not be feasible given that the nearest link would be via the Exe Estuary then along the coast. The canal is only 2.8km long and it seems unlikely that boat owners would wish to bring vessels to the canal on trailers for such a short, straight stretch of water. There would also be a problem locating a launch area with parking for trailers and cars and problems of mooring and turning of vessels.
If the canal was filled with water to capacity, this would leave very little slack in the system at times of severe flooding.
Long term management and maintenance of the canal would be expensive.
Option 2
Partial restoration would exclude any opportunity for larger boat use, though areas could be provided on the lower section for small rowing boats and canoes. To have the canal only partly filled to a set depth would make more realistic use of the available water supply, which could at times be very meagre (see above). If the canal was divided into two sections (see below), one section having no waterborne traffic, the opportunity to encourage more varied wildlife would be greater. Lock gates, if not functional, could be left permanently open, and the canal would then not impede floodwaters at times of flood risk.
If water was not restored to its original level and larger craft were not used on the canal, there is a theoretical risk of accelerated silting and fouling by vegetation.
Option 3
A minimal restoration would certainly be the easiest to achieve. Work would consist only of clearing the canal and locks of trees, scrub and debris, and reinstating the towpath to improve access. No major engineering works are likely to be necessary. The level of funding necessary would be considerably lower than options 1 & 2.
Although such a scheme would place a strong emphasis on wildlife, it would limit the potential for aquatic species. It would also provide limited amenity value, with anglers and small boat users excluded. Without water the canal would never be viewed by future planners as anything other than an unimportant ditch, the destruction of which would be a minor obstacle in any planning decision as Newton Abbot’s urban fringes expand.
Option 2 is the initially preferred scheme of the SCS committee
This scheme we believe would require an achievable programme of work; make realistic use of the available natural resources i.e. water supplies; minimise the risk of upsetting the balance with regards flooding; offer the maximum amenity value from the site; minimise the loss of existing habitats. However, the issues of silting and fouling by vegetation will have to be addressed.
The Envisaged Scheme
The Canal Walk and How it Could Look
On entering the Jetty Marsh Lock area over the bywash bridge, visitors would be greeted by all-weather display boards (history of the canal, points of interest, the Countryside Code etc). The path will then open out into a picnic/assembly area, with benches and tables, prior to the approach to the first lock. The towpath would either go under the railway bridge alongside the second lock, assuming this lock can be properly restored, or via a walkway set above mean high water level, through the bywash bridge and up the east side of the canal.
The view from this point, looking up to Teignbridge wharves, would be a native species hedge/trees backed by fencing as required by WBB (under mines & quarries act). To either side of the path, leading down to the canal will be a grass and wild flower bank. The proposed depth for the canal along this section is 2m maximum in the middle, lined with local reed and lilies (for public safety it is best that this path be as straight as possible and at least 2m wide, with a clear view of path and water at all times). This theme would continue between lock 2 and the clay cellars and former wharves at Teignbridge. The plans for this area will depend on the willingness of the owners to participate in the restoration but it would be a suitable site for exhibition boards, and possibly limited access to the interior of some of the clay cellars. At best these buildings could be adapted to create a modest interpretation centre, possibly shared with the Ball Clay Heritage Society.
Devon County Council would to be approached to provide a safe crossing over the highway at or near the canal bridge, in the form of a pedestrian crossing or raised footbridge.
The scheme described above would continue along the second phase of the walk, between the canal bridge and the point where the canal is met by the Fishwick feeder. Thus for 1.7km.
Water will be maintained at a depth of up to 2m max. The controlled use of small craft (rowing dinghies and canoes), model boats and angling would be permitted.
To the north of the Fishwick feeder the canal walk will take on a very different appearance. The depth of water would probably be maintaimed to a depth of between 1m and 2m yet keeping its free flowing aspect, and the grass/wild flower strip between canal and path. To the east of the path the native hedge could incorporate bird hides. The canopy would be allowed to join over the canal forming places for small mammals to cross. Around the Graving Dock lock, log type seating would be set out for visitors to rest and view this unique structure. The same would be provided at Teigngrace lock and Ventiford Basin. The provision for wildlife would be the main emphasis in the management regime of this the upper section of the canal.
Along the whole walk will be educational interface points in the form of dipping pools and raised viewing platforms with all weather information boards (the same as at present being used) set at suitable levels for children to read.
The canal towpath would remain as part of the Templer Way walk, which would be considerably enhanced by access to the additional sections of canal which are presently denied to followers of the walk.
All lock gates would be in the open position and secured, except those at Jetty Marsh which would remain closed and the lock full of water, the water level over the remainder of the canal would be managed using cascades to maintain levels, especially at the sites of former locks. The risk of flooding to the area to the west of the canal (Teigngrace Village) would be reduced by the restoration.
Restoration Requirements
Graving Dock Lock (4)
Remove scrub/trees adjacent to lock
Remove stumps from lock walls and dry dock
Repair stonework
Install stop plank grooves top and bottom
Lock gates, ground and gate paddles
Consolidate steam boiler and hearth
Canal between Locks 4 and 5 (390m)
Remove scrub/trees adjacent to lock
Create aerial paths for small mammals
Dredge canal bed and line as required
Reinstate side weirs
Construct all-weather towpath
Plant native hedge as required
Teigngrace Lock (5)
Remove scrub/trees from in and around lock
Remove slumps from lock walls
Reinstate stonework
Install stop plank grooves top and bottom
Dredge and clean lock
Lock gates and gate paddles
Canal from Lock 5 to Ventiford Basin
Remove scrub/trees
Dredge bed of canal
Construct new culvert
Reinstate side weirs
Construct all-weather towpath
Plant native species hedge between towpath and farmland
Ventiford Basin
Remove scrub/trees as required
Dredge basin
Consolidate stonework
Plant hedge using native species around basin area
Conserve remains of crane base
The cleaning of all bywashes and water courses and re-establishing water supplies where possible.
A full hydrological evaluation of these plans will need to be commissioned and agreement sought with the Environment Agency. Ecological, archaeological and environmental assessment will also have to be undertaken. Licenses and consents agreed by the statuary bodies responsible for them before plans are finalised or any work commences on the restoration.
Source of Funding
The SCS has as yet made in official approaches to any funding bodies and until such time as the future of the Stover Canal has been decided, no moves will be made. However, the SCS committee has made inquiries and is currently preparing a list of potential sources. These include:
Heritage lottery fund
Landfill tax
The local heritage initiative
The heritage grant fund
Countryside Stewardship Scheme
Local sponsorship
Fundraising
If and when the SCS is in a position to begin raising funds, these and other sources will be investigated more fully and proper application plans prepared.
Issues to be Resolved
Visitor Parking
Limited parking will be desirable at both ends of the canal, particularly for those of limited mobility. However, for the able-bodied it would probably be best if walkers were encouraged to see the canal as part of a longer walk commencing either at the Town Quay or Stover Park or as part of the extended Templer Way.
Long-term Management
The responsibility of management and maintenance after such time as the restoration is completed, and meeting the costs, is an issue which needs to be addressed. It may be that the local authorities would be willing to take responsibility for management of the canal. Alternatively a charitable trust could be set up specifically to rim the canal, or the canal could be passed into the bands of an existing trust. Some income could be generated from the canal but this is unlikely to be significant.
Draft Development Schedule
The following schedule assumes the issue of ownership of the canal (see paragraph 6.1 above) has been resolved and the owners of the site are in favour of a planned schedule of conservation and restoration taking place. No major works should take place until such time.
Phase 1
Inform the following agencies of our intentions and provide each with a copy of this document.
Government agencies
Environment Agency
Farming and Rural Conservation Agency
English Heritage
Dept. of Transport
English Nature
Local Authorities
Teignbridge District Council
Devon County Council
Teigngrace Parish Council
Kingsteignton Parish Council
Newton Abbot Town Council
Voluntary Groups
Devon Trust for Nature Conservation
Ball Clay Heritage Society
Council for the Protection of Rural England
Businesses
Messrs Watts, Blake, Bearne and Co.
English China Clays
Transco
Meetings with some agencies to discuss certain issues will be needed asking for their advice and any requirements (licenses/fees) with regard to our proposals and plans, plus any other comments/concerns they may wish to voice (indicating that we would like a written reply) also informing them, if appropriate, that we are a charitable trust looking for funding. Commission expert surveys where needed. Begin drafting finalised plan on basis of consultation. Make initial contact with potential funding bodies. Promote the scheme via public meetings.
Phase 2
Identify all adjoining property owners and tenants; write to them outlining our plans, and ask if there is anything in the contents which concerns them. Also seek their permission to go onto certain areas of their land (this consent must be from the owners not the tenants, and it MUST be in writing though a note to any tenants informing of the owner’s actions would be the right thing to do).
Phase 3
All bywashes and secondary water courses adjacent to or connected with the canal below (south of) the Old Exeter Road (causeway) to be cleaned.
Phase 4
All bywashes and secondary watercourses adjacent to or connected with the canal, above (north of) the Old Exeter Road, and below the Ventiford Brook to be cleaned. A new watercourse to be constructed to run as close as practicable to the canal, but on the riverside of the towpath connecting all canal spillways. This new stream to run under the road at Teignbridge using the culvert already in place (this stream will act as a natural stock barrier and a water supply for stock using this land). A sluice system to be put in at the junction of the Fishwick feeder to manage water supplies to the canal.
Phase 5
A replacement lock to be constructed at Teignbridge based on contemporary photographs from the 1930s, the gates of which will be secured in the open position and a barrier placed between the upper gates to maintain water levels.
Phase 6
The bywash area at Jetty Marsh to be improved. The front gates to the lock to be replaced and fitted in the closed position, the lock then to be dredged and the camp shed side replaced. The area between the bywash and the lock to be grassed, information boards lifebelts stands and picnic tables/benches erected. A walkway to lead from this area, through the bywash arch and connect with the towpath that runs up to Teignbridge (if the second lock is reinstated then the walkway will not be required).
Phase 7
The canal channel from above the Jetty Marsh culvert to the Fishwick feeder to be reinstated, and an all-weather, 2m wide towpath put in. The culvert at Jetty Marsh to have the opening reduced using drop boards, the boards to be locked in place.
Phase 8
A hedge of native species vegetation to be planted between WBB land and the towpath backed by an approved fence. The banks of the canal to be planted with reeds, grasses and wildflowers (It is important that the lines of sight along the towpath are kept as open as possible for public safely).
Phase 9
The locks at Graving Dock & Teigngrace to be cleared, stonework lifted and roots removed, the stonework then re-laid and back filled. The lock gates installed and secured in the open position with stop planks maintaining the required water levels. The area surrounding both locks to have information boards and picnic benches.
Phase 10
The canal between the Fishwick feeder, Graving Dock and Teigngrace Locks to be reinstated. Selected larger trees will be left in place on the bank between towpath and canal, as these will form part of the aerial passages for small mammals. On the river side of the towpath at strategic points seating will be placed overlooking the floodplain (trees must not obscure clear lines of sight for public safety reasons along the line of the towpath).
Phase 11
The canal between Teigngrace Lock and the Ventiford Basin to be reinstated with particular attention to the two flood-relief channels that run in from the Teigngrace village side of the canal. As paragraph two of phase 10.
Phase 12
The Ventiford Basin. This area to be reinstated under the guidance of qualified persons as this area is archaeologically sensitive. Excavation may have to precede restoration work and will have to be undertaken during the dry months of the summer. An archaeological watching brief will also need to take place during any work where the ground is penetrated. Restoration work will include removal of scrub; digging of silts from the basin; inspection and repair of stonework; reinstating the Ventiford Brook sluice. Once work at the basin has been completed, the watercourse from the Ventiford Brook can be re-connected to feed the whole canal.
Illustrations of Features on the Canal
From the original large scale surveys by P. Taper.