Bring Life back to the Canal corridor at Mouldon Hill

Restoring it will strengthen habitats across Mouldon Hill and Priory Vale

Following Cllr Vinay Manro’s recent visit to Mouldon Hill with the Wilts & Berks Canal Trust, we sat down together at The Tawny Owl Swindon to plan how we can further support the restoration and improvement of this important green corridor.

Haydon Wick Council is already playing its part by providing woodchip to improve the towpath surface, making it safer and easier for everyone to enjoy. Cllr Vinay Manro and I are now exploring ways to introduce smoother, more accessible paths, new seating, and clearer signage. We are also developing plans to link the area with QR codes that will connect visitors to the Parish’s existing Mouldon Hill Nature Trails walking project. Once launched, these codes will open learning opportunities through interactive content along the designated routes, allowing visitors to discover more about the canal’s history, biodiversity, and wildlife as they explore.

These additions form part of a proposed joint motion by myself and Cllr Vinay Manro, bringing together canal restoration, accessibility improvements, and community learning under one shared vision.

The former canal is a living ecosystem, home to birds, amphibians, insects, and pollinators. Restoring it will strengthen habitats across Mouldon Hill and Priory Vale, creating a healthier environment for wildlife and people alike.

I’m keen to see further ecological improvements and will use my background and experience to support both ideas and delivery as this restoration develops.

👉 Comment with your ideas for how we can make it even better