Find out about one of Britain’s Seven Waterway Wonders in Burnley

The Straight Mile, the impressive embankment carries the canal 60ft above the town, was internationally acclaimed as an engineering marvel when it was opened in 1801 and today is regarded as one of Britain’s seven wonders on the 2,000-mile inland waterway network.

Emma Bartlet wants more people in Burnley to learn about the canal and take pride in the town’s heritage and is holding a Walk & Talk along the canal from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. to Sunday.

Emma is the new Canal Communities Officer with The Waterways Trust and will be running a series of activities to help people discover, use and care for the waterway.

Emma explains: “Burnley has a fantastic waterway heritage but today the canal is often ignored, many people just aren’t aware of its history or its relevance today.

“Over the next two years I hope to change that. I will be working with people living in the town to encourage them to explore and enjoy the canal. We will be running a number of projects to help people develop new skills, share memories, learn crafts, discover long-forgotten family histories and celebrate the town’s rich and unique heritage.”

There will be opportunities for local groups and businesses located near to the canal to “adopt” the stretch of canal near them. These “Canal Keepers” will look after their stretch of canal, keeping it clean and tidy.

Emma continues: “Volunteers will also be needed to help out with specific projects such as social media and marketing, historical research and festival research. All volunteers will have the chance to meet new people, gain skills, work towards accredited qualifications and gain vital work experience as part of a worthwhile project.”

The two-year project was developed by The Waterways Trust, with British Waterways, Burnley Council and Regenerate Pennine Lancashire and is funded by Heritage Lottery Fund, British Waterways and Burnley Council.

Meet Emma and share your stories of the canal on Sunday at the Weavers’ Triangle Visitor Centre, in Manchester Road. Wear sensible shoes and waterproofs if wet.