The Pocklington Canal Amenity Society

Description

The canal is an amenity for everyone. Access to the canal is free, as is parking. It is available to experience all day, every day.

The canal is used by thousands of people annually.  Walkers and dog-owners; runners and cyclists; birdwatchers, boaters and canoeists; botanists and picnickers; readers and artists, ramblers and idlers – all can enjoy the space. This hidden gem offers sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of the 21^st century and is a delight to explore.

By keeping the canal clear it has become a haven for wildlife which includes at least one family of otters. Because the water is extremely clear up to 13 different species of dragonfly and damselfly may be seen. Many species of birds can be found so bring your binoculars! Unsurprisingly the length of the canal runs through three separate Sites of Special Scientific Interest.

The canal is generally accessed via two main sites. Canal Head has a picnic site and is signposted on the busy A1079 road that links Hull and York. There are two car parks here, one of which is beside the Information Centre run by the Society. The picnic site is popular at weekends and Bank Holidays, whereas the rest of the canal is usually very quiet. The display boards nearby have information about heritage and wildlife and there is a map of the canal.

The Society has a trip boat New Horizons which is based at the Melbourne Arm of the canal. We run SHORT TRIPS each Sunday and Bank Holiday and no booking is required.

LONGER TRIPS can be booked at other times for up to 12 passengers. For more information please contact http://www.pocklingtoncanalsociety.org/boattrips.html

Thanks to the players of the National Lottery, the Canal & River Trust are working to enhance the nationally important wildlife habitats on the canal. Volunteers were trained up to restore the Grade Two Listed Church Bridge near Melbourne, one of the best examples of a humpback bridge in the country. A brand new interpretative trail will help tell visitors the fascinating history of the canal, while encouraging people to get involved in its care.

Over the next 12 months the Society will complete the restoration of two locks and nearly two miles of the canal.

Come to visit and  'Be a Pal of Pocklington Canal!'