Historic Shropshire tunnel saved thanks to team of volunteers
An emergency operation by a team of volunteers has helped preserve a gem of Shropshire's transport infrastructure for future generations.
The volunteers have been working on the north west opening of Berwick Tunnel near Shrewsbury as part of a plan to restore a section of canal as a tourist destination and ultimately to reopen the tunnel itself – currently the entrances are bricked up.
While doing so one group noticed that the opening at the opposite end had become very overgrown, with a danger that the roots and invasive growth would damage the structure, which is listed as being of historic and architectural interest.
"Such was the urgency to protect this portal that a decision was made to delay the ongoing work at the north west portal and concentrate our efforts and clear the stonework and stabilise the sandstone south east portal," said Alistair Price, of the Shrewsbury Canal Rewatering Group.
"We had to clear 400 metres of towpath and one accommodation bridge of 40 years' neglect to enable us to reach this portal in order to be able to deliver tools and materials to the site.
"The volunteers, using only hand tools, slowly cleared away the huge amounts of ivy, shrubs and small trees which were taking over the sandstone fascia. The work was slow and undertaken with great care because of the importance of protecting the stonework from any damage.
"The group are very pleased to have stabilised this important and historic structure and will preserve and repair the portals into the future.
"A long term plan is in place to operate this section of canal as a tourist destination to fund its permanent protection for future generations.
"While intending to provide ongoing maintenance of the southern section, the group will now return to the north west portal where work will continue with restoring the canal and constructing the all-ability path and nature area which is already under way.
"The group have been greatly helped and encouraged by the Canal & River Trust who own the site and many local people who have been pleased to see this area being tidied up.
"Anyone wishing to help or to become involved with this project are always welcome and can get information from me on 07980 123444."
Berwick Tunnel was completed in 1797 and originally built for tub boats to transport coal from Oakengates to Shrewsbury.
It was the first canal tunnel of any size to accommodate a towpath – which was later removed.
It is believed that the lengthman's hut close to the north west tunnel portal was originally used to house donkeys which pulled the tub boats.
One interesting feature of the tunnel is that it has an s-bend in the middle, a result of the navvy constructors not quite lining up during the original building work, causing a dog leg which must have caused difficulty for narrowboat captains over the years.
