Our Strategy

This is our overall strategy and explains our plan to achieve our long term goal of restoring and rebuilding the Lichfield and Hatherton Canals and reconnecting them to the national network.

It guides our decisions, shapes our priorities and helps us focus our resources where they will have the greatest impact, explaining how we plan to achieve our long‑term goal of rebuilding both canals and reconnecting them to the national network.

What we want to achieve

Restoring the Lichfield and Hatherton Canals to establish a navigable gateway to the Birmingham Canal Navigations, meanwhile creating a green and blue corridor for the benefit of our community.

Why we want to do this

Building on what’s already been achieved, to complete full restoration of both canals and provide the following benefits:
Green and blue space for walkers, runners, cyclists etc.
Sustainable habitats for diversifying wildlife, increasing biodiversity & carbon capture
A navigable route for boaters
Economic benefits such as inward investment, tourism and new business for the wider
community
Training and development opportunities for volunteers of all ages
Health and wellbeing for volunteers and the public

How we will do this

Strategies, projects and programmes, that will deliver the restoration.

Construction and operations

How we deliver safe, well‑planned construction work and get sections in water quickly,

Asset maintenance

How we maintain and safeguard all of our physical assets.

Financial management

How we manage, raise, protect and invest the funds that make canal restoration possible,

Volunteer management

How we will recruit, retain and develop our volunteers.

Communications and marketing

How we support our mission and communicate effectively with audiences.

Post completion

Our strategy for after the restoration of one or both canals has been completed.

Projects and programmes

Our operational plan and site-specific projects to deliver the construction and restoration of the canals.

What we stand for

These are the values that guide our work

Integrity

We are honest in our dealings with each other, and with external people and organisations

Teamwork and respect

We value teamwork and respect the abilities and contributions by our volunteers and contractors.

Inclusivity

We welcome people of all ages, identities, backgrounds and abilities.

Demonstrating accountability and good governance

How we oversee our work and report to our stakeholders in safeguarding the canal and other assets

Accountability

Returns to grant awarding bodies.
Monthly report to Board of Trustees meetings and volunteer forums.
Formal reporting at our public AGM.
Publication of a physical and digital annual report and accounts.
Articles in print publications and posts on social media and our website.

Governance

Project management.
Risk management.
Financial management.
People management.
Communications plan and events reporting.

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