The Thin Blue Line: Restoring the Wilts and Berks

This episode traces the modern history of the Wilts & Berks Canal restoration from the formation of the Wilts & Berks Canal Amenity Group in 1977 through to today's ambitious plans for a fully restored waterway. It explores how a handful of enthusiasts grew into the Wilts & Berks Canal Trust, now leading one of the UK's largest canal restoration projects.We follow early campaigners like Neil Rumbol and Jack Dalby as they set out the original aims in the first Dragonfly journal, look at landmark events including the 1991 "Big Dig", the opening of trailboat-ready sections at Templars Firs and Royal Wootton Bassett, and the creation of new connections such as Jubilee Junction on the Thames and the restored Double Bridge at Reybridge. Along the way, we highlight the role of volunteers, local councils and national partners in keeping the line protected through planning policy.In the final part of the episode we bring the story up to date: the Wichelstowe and Studley Grange re‑watered sections, the Melksham Link proposals, and the Wiltshire, Swindon & Oxfordshire Canal Partnership's long-term strategy. We also introduce some of the key figures and everyday volunteers who have turned "it would be nice" into real miles of restored canal, showing how the project delivers heritage, wildlife, leisure and economic benefits for communities along the route.⁠Journals/ Magazines⁠ | ⁠Illustrated History⁠ | ⁠Wilts & Berks Canal Trust⁠