Canals: The Making of a Nation

Heritage (2015x1)

Air date: Aug 29, 2015

Liz McIvor explores the heritage of our canal network. After years of decline in the post-war period much of the network was eventually restored. Once places of labour and industry, they became places of leisure and tranquillity. The newly renovated canals were increasingly popular for boating holiday makers. Liz visits the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct in Wales and travels to Birmingham where canals have become catalysts for property development and urban regeneration. Canals offer so many benefits today. Perhaps, Liz suggests, it is time to construct a few more?