Big Dig ’91: A Weekend That Changed the Wilts & Berks

In this episode, Matthew takes us back to October 1991 and the Waterway Recovery Group’s legendary “Big Dig” on the Wilts & Berks Canal near Wantage. Drawing on contemporary reports from Dragonfly magazine issue 44 and his own organiser’s-eye view, he tells the story of how more than 1,000 volunteer navvies descended on the Seven Mile Pound for a single, extraordinary weekend.We relive the build-up and nervous preparations, meet some of the key characters from WRG, the East Vale Branch, local councils and landowners, and walk the line from Stockham to Childrey as the scrub comes down, bonfires roar and the canal begins to re-emerge.Matthew reflects on what the Big Dig actually achieved on the ground—two miles of cleared canal, rewatering at Stockham, better access along the towpath—and, just as importantly, what it did for relationships with landowners, local authorities and partner organisations. He also shares some hard-earned lessons about publicity, logistics and working with nature, and asks what this kind of “all‑in” volunteer effort can still teach today’s restoration projects.⁠Journals/ Magazines⁠ | ⁠Illustrated History⁠ | ⁠Wilts & Berks Canal Trust⁠