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The massive project to regenerate a north Cornwall canal is nearing its next challenging stage.

The dredging work on the Bude Canal is due to get underway early in 2008 and will improve fishing in the area.

The ducks enjoying Bude Canal

The canal has a rich history, but the team behind the regeneration are hoping it will have a busy future too, with more walkers, boat users and anglers using the facility.

Matt Shepherd has been along to Bude to find out more. Click on the link below to hear his report...

The Bude Canal Regeneration Project is restoring the first two miles of the canal from the sea lock at the Breakwater near Summerleaze beach to Helebridge.

The work includes towpath improvements, dredging, lock gate restoration, the creation of a canal interpretation centre, workshops, office space and much more.

The canal will be dredged in the early part of 2008. This is a move that has been welcomed by Bude's many anglers. The dredging work will mean that more species fish will be available for the hundreds keen anglers who fish the canal in all weathers.

The paths by the canal are already popular with walkers, both local and holidaymakers. As part of the regeneration scheme there will be signs by the water telling of the canal's rich history, adding to the tourism in the area.

The waterway is considered to be of historical importance because of its incline planes and unique sea lock system.

Bude Canal is undergoing a regeneration

One of the reasons the 35-mile long canal was built was to give work to men coming home from the Napoleonic wars.

Bude Canal is one of three UK canals identified by the Inland Waterways Amenity Advisory Council as having significant heritage and nature conservation value.

The 35-mile long canal was built in the early part of the 19th Century to provide a transport corridor from the sea and shoreline to inland farms.

Click on the link below to find out more