Fosseway Heath Nature Reserve and Wetlands

Formerly known as the Lichfield Haven Nature Reserve. The low lying land between the old canal and the railway boundary was aquired by the Trust in 2000. See Captain Ahab's Watery Tales - Ogley Locks Into Lichfield. 

This area lends itself to establishing visitor moorings integrated with a nature reserve incorporating lowland heath and wetland areas to encourage an environment with a wide biodiversity.

The 'Wides' section of the Lichfield Canal near Falkland Road will provide the Lichfield Haven visitors moorings for canal craft and a turning area for narrowboats.

To the west the Towpath Boardwalk meanders through the Wetlands section on the south side of the Lichfield Canal.

On the north side of the Lichfield Canal the Valley Nature Trail runs along the foot of the Railway Embankment with "Lowland Heathland" adjacent to the north canal towpath.

With continuous towpath on both the north and south side of Fosseway Heath section the Lichfield Canal, through nature reserves and wetlands section up to the restored Lock 18 near the Fosseway Rail Level Crossing, local residents and visitors will be provided with an attractive walking route and leisure asset for the community.

In 2017 a grant of £18,500 was received from the Postcode Local Trust to make a start on the project. Read more about the award here.

This artist's impression below by Mark Smith shows approximately how the restored canal will look on the approach to the old Lock 19 and the new 'railway turn'.

Photo: View west over a pile of canal stones recovered from old Lock 19

Photo: An artist's impression by Mark Smith of the restored canal as it approaches old Lock 19 and the 'railway' turn.

Courtesy of Central Unmanned Aerial Services