Erewash Canal Association
is the registered working name of
The Erewash Canal Preservation & Development Association
a Charitable Incorporated Organisation Number: 1173704
The objectives of our Association are:
Ø The restoration, reconstruction, preservation and maintenance of the Erewash Canal and associated waterways. Its buildings, towing path, structures and craft and the conservation of its natural character as a navigable inland waterway system for the benefit of the public.
Ø To provide educational and training facilities to members and the public in all aspects of canals, through the heritage of the built and natural environment, to promote respect for this and emphasise the importance of safety requirements in a waterway environment.
Our Values are – Environment, Positivity, and Community.
- Environment - We care enough to be concerned about how we can conserve/protect/cleanup and be alert to risks/threats to our environment, particularly the Erewash Canal corridor.
- Positivity - By adopting a positive attitude we are optimistic that we will overcome negativity aimed at preventing us from delivering our objectives and values for the Association.
- Community - We will share attitudes, ideas, values and interests pulling together with other local organisations to promote and protect the future of the Erewash Canal and local area.
About our Association
The long-term survival of the Association depends on attracting new members and volunteers and local communities to support us. In 2025 the Association adopted a new working name - Erewash Canal Association, being much easier to remember.
Our role in the community is built on the achievements of the past. These should continue to be acknowledged and celebrated and remain central to our priorities, which is to continue what they started - to ensure the future of the Erewash Canal.
History
In 1968 the Erewash Canal was actually closed to navigation between Gallows Inn at Ilkeston and Langley Mill and classified as a remainder canal. Local businesses and volunteers formed an action group to save the canal from becoming a polluted dumping ground, the Erewash Canal Preservation & Development Association was born. Their story and achievements to save the canal can be seen at https://ecpda.org.uk
What we do
Our volunteers look after the heritage of the Erewash Canal and provide an opportunity for you to visit our Sandiacre Lock Cottages on our monthly Open Days for a step-back-in-time experience.
At the end of the Erewash Canal, at Langley Mill, we operate a weekly Volunteer group working on the Erewash Canal as a partner group to the Canal & River Trust to help maintain the canal for future generations to enjoy.
Our volunteers also look after the Victorian Pumping Station and Nottingham Toll Office which opens once a month to visitors.
Clearing the Great Northern Basin on
the Nottingham Canal 1971/1972
Langley Mill Basin as it is now 2026
New volunteers who wish to support us at either of our venues are always welcome.