Worcester Birmingham & Droitwich Canals Society

The Worcester & Birmingham Canal Society was formed in 1969 to promote the restoration, conservation and improvement of the Worcester & Birmingham Canal and adjacent waterways for the use and benefit of the public. The society also provides a social forum for those interested in the canal and waterways generally.

The canal itself starts at the River Severn in Worcester. After passing through the city it traverses fine, un-spoilt, Worcestershire countryside, climbs the famous Tardebigge flight of 30 locks up onto the Birmingham plateau, and eventually enters the 1 mile long Wast Hills Tunnel at Kings Norton. The section from the tunnel to the very heart of the city includes, what is regarded by many, as one of the finest stretches of urban waterway. At Selly Oak, the canal used to join the Dudley Number 2 (Lapal) Canal (see links page), which is currently being restored by The Lapal Canal Group. The Worcester & Birmingham then runs through the grounds of Birmingham University and onto Edgbaston. The Canal ends at the junction with the Birmingham Canal Navigations, at “Worcester Bar”, within sight of the International Convention Centre.

Whilst the canal is in much better condition than it was in 1969 the role of the Society in conserving and improving the canal is as important as ever. We work to ensure that the canal’s heritage and environment is conserved and restored alongside improvements to the canal and its towpath. We monitor and aim to influence developments that affect the canal.

We carry out practical work along the canal such as litter picking, looking after the information boards, sand-bagging damaged canal banks and installing new sandstone milestones. We also organise walks, visits, boat gatherings and a variety of other social events. We are busy conserving the 200 year old lime kilns at Tardebigge.

In 2010, members of the society voted at the AGM to change the name of the  organisation to the ‘Worcester-Birmingham & Droitwich Canals Society’ following  the re-opening of the Droitwich Canals.

In 2015 (the 200th year since the opening of the canal) the society held 3 festivals along the length of the canal over the year. We also had several Churches and Worcester Cathedral ringing their bells on December 5th – the exact date that the canal originally opened.

For more information about us just click on flyer to download and view.