Preserving the Legacy of the Tennant Canal

This website has been created to raise public awareness about the critical water supply challenges endangering the future of the eight-mile-long Tennant Canal in South Wales.

It has been several years since the mysterious damage to the River Neath Weir disrupted the Tennant Canals’ main water supply. This, combined with substancial damage to the wonderful Aberdulais Aqueduct and years of inadequate maintenance, has left the waterway in a state of decline.

Without a reliable water supply, everything else falters. Repairing weirs, securing abstraction licenses, and installing sustainable pumps or other engineering solutions will become essential steps.

The private canal is designated as a Site of Interest for Nature Conservation (SINC), with certain sections included within nationally and internationally protected areas and is an integral part of the Crymlyn Bog and Pant y Sais Fen conservation zones.

The Tennant Canal was a vital historical waterway that played a crucial role in the region’s industrial development and preserving this canal is vital for protecting our heritage, enhancing local biodiversity, and offering valuable recreational opportunities to the community.

This canal and its surroundings support a diverse array of wildlife, including the rare and protected Fen Raft Spider, which was first discovered here in 2003. Fen Raft Spider

Why Save the Tennant Canal?

Historical Importance: The Tennant Canal, constructed in the 19th century, is a testament to the engineering ingenuity of the era and the industrial history of our region.

Environmental Benefits: The canal supports diverse wildlife habitats, contributing to local biodiversity and ecological balance.

Community Recreation: Restoring and maintaining the canal encourages outdoor activities such as walking, cycling, fishing, and boating, enhancing the quality of life for residents.

Economic Potential: A well-preserved canal can boost tourism, benefiting local businesses and promoting sustainable economic growth.

How You Can Help

Advocate: Raise awareness about the canal’s importance through social media, community events, and local government meetings. Attend consultation events; send written responses; encourage others to respond.

Volunteer: Towpath improvements, clearing debris, maintaining banks, minor repairs etc help maintain the canal’s usability and appearance, supports wildlife.

Get Active: If the canal is used more (walking, cycling, boating, fishing etc.), there’s more incentive to maintain and protect it.

Support heritage organisations – push for heritage partnership agreements – oppose proposals for the demolition of this incredible Aqueduct – help monitor and report damage.

Structures like Aberdulais Aqueduct are important historically and visually, and needed for full restoration. If demolished or badly damaged, restoration becomes much harder.

The options appraisal by Neath Port Talbot Council is ongoing. Public input can shape whether restoration is full navigability or a lesser use.

To view IWA’s response to the consultation, click here. (PDF 279kb).

Please help protect our beloved Tennant Canal for future generations.