Current Projects

We have a number of sites where work has been performed or is under way, restoring the canal towards a navigable state and to provide wildlife habitats, cycleways and routes for walkers along the restored towpath. The restored canal will re-establish a lost link in the national waterways network and form part of the green infrastructure of the region — connecting existing wildlife habitats, creating aquatic and wetland habitats for endangered species, and offering a valuable tool for flood management.

Here’s a summary of our restoration projects. For more information on individual sites Click or Tap the site name:

Bourton Meadow (near Buckingham)

Restoration completed – including the re-relining, re-watering and planting.
A permanent solar-powered top-up pump draws from the river to maintain the canal’s water level.
Dragonflies, multiple butterfly species (including several endangered), fish and birds now recorded.
General maintenance of the site is ongoing.
Visitor Centre – Coming 2029. The society is working towards a Bourton Meadow Visitor Centre and wetlands as part of the Buckingham area development, currently in local plan consultation (as at April 2026). This will become the southern gateway to the restored canal.

Cosgrove (between Cosgrove Lock and A5)

Formal adoption of the canal and lock by Buckingham Canal Society agreed November 2012; The society holds a lease from CRT for the full length between Cosgrove Lock and the A5.
Bridge 1 restoration is complete (completed 2020 – see below).
Re-watering of the 500m from Bridge 1 to the stop planks at the farm crossing was completed in 2023.
Work is proceeding to re-water the canal westwards towards Bridge 2, following repairs to the canal bed near the farm crossing.
Detailed plans are being drawn up for a new descent channel to drop down and go under the A5.
National Highways has agreed to use a span of the bridge carrying the A5 over the River Great Ouse — internal funding is now being sought for final design and build.
Access permissions agreed with adjacent landowner (MK-DONS) and tenant farmer.

Bridge 1 Restoration, Cosgrove

During 2015-2016 the mound containing the remains of bridge 1 was excavated and the remains assessed. The restoration plan was formalised in 2017 and commenced 2018.
Restoration completed 2020.

Heritage Landing Stage, Cosgrove

Uncovering and assessment of remains completed summer 2022.
Restoration commenced autumn 2022.
Wooden shelter frame with tin roof completed 2026.

Cosgrove Marina

Buckingham Canal Society has completed acquisition of Cosgrove Marina from its previous owner.
The marina now operates commercially under Buckingham Canal Limited and subsidiary companies, generating income to fund ongoing restoration.
The marina has approximately 500ft of mooring space plus storage, and five society owned vessels.

Hyde Lane (near Thornborough)

The society leases this section of canal from BBOWT and maintains it as a nature reserve.
Footpath edging and top dressing completed, including planting of woodland wild-flower seed
Re-watering of the section above the lock is in progress, including creation of two bunds (dams) and back pumping from the bottom level of the lock.
The lock chamber was stabilised in 2008 with a grant from WREN; lock gates provided by CRT were fitted in 2012.
General maintenance ongoing.

Little Hill Farm (near Thornton)