Following approval of its planning application, the Wey & Arun Canal Trust is starting work on a new restoration project south of Bramley in Surrey. The site is at Rooks Hill and extends for 800 metres south from a recently restored section at Birtley Green.
Walkers who enjoy walking along Greensand Way which crosses the route of the canal today just see a grassy field as the canal was infilled and therefore not visible.
Phase I will see the construction of a bridge over which the Greensand Way will cross the canal. Along with the bridge construction, the banks and canal cut to the south of bridge alongside Fanesbridge Cottage will be created and a culvert under the canal will be repaired.
In Phase 2, a new canal cut will be constructed and connected up to the in water section just south of the Birtley 1 swing-bridge. A new towpath will be built providing public access from Greensand Way up to the completed Birtley bridges section and create new walking routes.
In Phase 3 a new lock will be constructed on the site of the original Fanesbridge Lock and the rest of the canal channel restored.
This will extend the restored Birtley section a further 800 metres southwards and we are working on a scheme to continue the restoration to Run Common Road.
The costs of Phase 1 are estimated to be £286K. We already have £86K and are launching a fundraising appeal to fund this work. Details of our appeal and how to donate can be found by clicking the button below. | 
