The annual Canal and River Trust report into heritage projects has been published, offering an insight into heritage highlights from the last year, including the work of heritage trainees.
The Canal and River Trust writes:
Each year we produce a retrospective report focusing on the actions the Trust is taking to care for the heritage of the waterways. This is publicly available and it summarises and reflects upon the past year’s heritage activity and performance.
We care passionately about our canals and rivers and want to preserve their historic significance for future generations to enjoy far into the future, and for the waterways to be special places that are loved and valued today by local residents and visitors alike. The Heritage Report for 2014/15 saw a major revamp and provides several brief case studies of projects across England and Wales. We hope you will enjoy it.
The Canal & River Trust is responsible for the care of 2,663 listed buildings and 50 scheduled monuments over 2000 miles. The heritage we care for is free to access and use; it provides an everyday, local connection to our past.
2014/15 was the first year we took on 14 ‘Heritage Trainees’ through a scheme partially funded by Heritage Lottery Fund and that continues for another two years. Last year also saw a major increase in volunteers helping the team of heritage advisers.
Richard Parry, chief executive at the Canal & River Trust, said: ‘Championing and protecting the historic environment of the waterways is a key area of our work. We’re proud of the many historic sites and buildings we have worked on and improved, and of the contribution our volunteers have once again made to a variety of heritage works and projects.’
Sir Neil Cossons, chair of the Heritage Advisory Group, said: ‘Britain’s network of inland waterways is one of the largest and most important heritage resources in the country. Today the care of this inspiring landscape is the prime responsibility of the Canal & River Trust who fulfil their obligations in an increasingly discerning and professional way.’
