The pioneering Sankey Canal opened in 1757 and its commercial success was part of a transport and industrial revolution, the likes of which had never been seen.

The canal was initially built to carry coal from the St. Helens coalfield to the River Mersey and on to Liverpool Docks and the Cheshire salt works. St Helens and Widnes prospered because of the canal and dozens of collieries and glass and chemical factories were opened. After thriving for over one hundred years, canal traffic gradually declined from the 1880s. The canal was closed between Newton Le Willows and St Helens in 1931 and between Newton Le Willows, Warrington and Widnes in 1963, it became polluted, neglected and unloved – parts of it were filled in.

That wasn’t the end of the story though.

The Sankey Canal is a remarkable survivor. Since the 1980s a lot of work has been done by different people and organisations working together to clean up the Sankey Valley’s industrial legacy and improve water quality.

Today the Sankey Canal is a wonderful blue and green corridor stretching for over 15 miles! You can explore its rich and unique heritage, experience an ever changing landscape as you follow its route and enjoy activities on and off the water.

The Sankey Canal Restoration Society (SCRS) is passionate about restoring the canal so that it can be shared with and enjoyed by everyone. The Sankey Canal has the exciting potential to be a 21st century catalyst to help regenerate communities, enhance the environment and support wildlife, providing a recreational space and creating a better quality of life for all of us.

We know that being on or near water improves people’s mental and physical health. Waterway heritage and recreation creates a sense of local identity and contributes to people feeling good about where they work, live and visit.

There is still a lot to do to get the canal fully back in water and leave a legacy for future generations to enjoy. Why not join us and help to make a difference?