Cosgrove

Status

Formal adoption of the canal and lock by BCS was agreed in November 2012 and we are in the process of establishing a lease from CRT for the full length between Cosgrove lock and the A5

Restoration Milestones

At the Cosgrove site, our restoration journey stretches from Bridge 1, near the start of the arm at Cosgrove Lock, to the A5 crossing at Stony Stratford. We’re excited to share our progress and upcoming plans for this captivating stretch of the canal.

Bridge 1 Restoration

Bridge 1 has undergone a remarkable transformation and now stands fully restored. With the completion of this milestone, our focus shifts to re-watering the canal section west of Bridge 1. Stay tuned for updates on our next phase of work, as we continue breathing life back into this historic waterway. For full details of the bridge restoration are on the Bridge 1 Restoration page.

Section 1

This is the 500m stretch of the canal from Bridge 1 to the stop planks at the farm crossing and was completed in 2023. This saw the stop planks at bridge 1 removed and the section fully rewatered. Some minor dredging works are scheudled for ealry 2024 to then anable baots to moor in this section

Section 2 

This is our next focus where work is proceeding to re-water the canal westwards towards bridge 2. This will be after repairs are completed to the canal bed near the farm crossing following a land drain instalation in the early 1980’s

Under the A5

Detailed plans being drawn up and budgeted for a new descent channel to drop down and go under the A5. National highways have agreed (December 2023) to allow the use of a span of the ridge carrying the  A5 over the River Great Ouse and are now seekign itnernal funding for final design and build. This si to mitigate the fact that the A5 cut off the canals original route.

We have alos agreed access permissions with adjacent landowners and tenant farmer

Bugingham Palace – Where Bugs Find Luxury

In a whimsical twist of history, Cosgrove boasts its very own Bugingham Palace! This miniature marvel, inspired by the grandeur of the past, is not a palace for human royalty, but rather a bug hotel. Nestled among the canal’s surroundings, this enchanting bug habitat provides a haven for insects and small creatures. Explore the Bugingham Palace and witness nature’s diversity up close!

Ice Houses – Tales of Cool Refuges

Delve into the secrets of Cosgrove’s past and unearth the fascinating ice houses. These subterranean structures, once used to store ice during winter, offered a refreshing escape during the sweltering summer months. Imagine the laborious ice harvesting and envision the tales these ice houses could tell. Experience the chilling remnants of history as you traverse the canal’s path.

Community Support and Permission

The local community has shown immense support for our restoration efforts. In summer 2012, we held a public exhibition at Cosgrove Village Hall to present our restoration plans. The positive feedback received paved the way for outline permission from Canal & River Trust (CRT) to re-water this part of the canal. In November 2012, BCS proudly adopted this canal length and Cosgrove Lock on the main line, solidifying our commitment to its restoration. We are currently in negotiations with CRT to secure a formal lease for this section of the canal.

Bund Building and Re-Watering

In a true tribute to the Victorian navvies, we manually constructed the first earth bund (dam) at Cosgrove in summer 2013. Subsequent bunds have divided the canal into sections, and the canal bed has undergone meticulous dry dredging to remove vegetation and soil build-up, revealing the original clay puddling. Step by step, we are re-watering each section between the bunds, allowing the clay bed to gradually rehydrate. This process ensures safety and checks for leaks, while demonstrating that the canal can be re-watered within the specified leakage limits set by CRT.

Heritage Landing Stage

During the process of dry dredging the main canal bed at Cosgrove we encountered some stone remains in the towpath and a narrowing of the canal. Further investigation, on site and in the archives, revealed that this was what was left of a landing stage for use by Wolverton Mill. We are now progressing conservation and restoration of this heritage feature. For the latest updates take a look at the Heritage Landing Stage Restoration page.

New Channel and Future Plans

As we progress, our focus shifts to developing the route for a new channel that will descend from the old arm at Cosgrove, passing under the A5 to reconnect with the original canal west of Deanshanger. This exciting development will contribute to the long-term restoration and rejuvenation of the area.

Partnerships and Work Parties

Throughout our journey, we have enjoyed a fruitful partnership with CRT .Together, we have diligently cleared vegetation and ensured the site remains accessible. Corporate team-building days, such as those organized by Santander, Network Rail, Ingram Micro, Cranfield University, etc. have brought additional support. Their funding and installation of two gates on the towpath have enhanced accessibility for walkers and cyclists, adding to the enjoyment of the area.

Join Our Work Parties

We invite you to join our regular work parties at Cosgrove. Whether it’s construction, re-watering, or vegetation control, there’s an opportunity for everyone to get involved. Visit our “Get Involved” page to learn more about contributing to this exciting restoration project.

Cosgrove awaits your presence as we embark on a remarkable journey of revitalization and community engagement. Together, we are restoring the essence of this historical canal, one milestone at a time.

Here is a location plan for the site.

Corgrove Worksites

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	Cosgrove Marina Lock Lane, Cosgrove, Northamptonshire, MK19 7JR
	The Quarries, Cosgrove Stratford Road, Cosgrove, Northamptonshire

Work Party Locations – Depending on where the work parties are taking place we use three main parking areas at Cosgrove.

Directions are as follows:

A5 end: Take the A508 north from the A5 roundabout and the first turning right to Cosgrove. Where the road turns sharp left you will see a small lay-by on your right where you can park. Continue down the track past large metal gates following the warehouse fence round to the left. Just before the path reaches an open field you will see the canal footpath to your left and one of our interpretation boards.

Bridge No 2: Park at the Quarries Scout Camp, Stratford Road, Cosgrove, MK19 7BD. Continue a few yards along the Stratford Road and on your right is a footpath accessed through a farm gate. Go through this gate and follow the path down to the line of trees and you have found the canal.

Bridge No1: Drive straight through Cosgrove village (ignoring the No Through Road signs). Cross over the canal bridge following Bridge Road into Main Street. Follow the signs for Cosgrove Leisure Park, turn right forking immediately right into Lock Lane. Car Park address Lock Lane, Cosgrove, Milton Keynes, MK19 7JR