Grimey images of Birmingham city centre canals unveiled as charity seeks more funds to maintain waterways

They are among Birmingham’s most prized assets.

Our world renowned waterways which are often claimed to be more plentiful (in length but not width) than Venice.

But parts of the canals in the city centre are looking less than attractive these days - with overgrown weeds and rubbish floating on the water, next to some of the most popular bars and restaurants in Brindleyplace.

Passersby could not help but stop to check the grimey outlook where a piece of wood bobbed up and down with cigarette buts and plastic bags were strewn on top of it next to the Pitcher & Piano and opposite the ICC.

The sad scenes have been captured as Canal & River Trust volunteers campaigned for people to support the charity just a few metres further down the tow path at Gas Street Basin. They explained how government funding was being cut to the tune of £320m over the next 10 years from 2027 - with Birmingham’s 100 miles of waterways particularly vulnerable due to them being classified as ‘remainder’. At present, the Government grant accounts for a quarter of Canal & River Trust funding.

Ecologists have advised that recent weather conditions have not been favourable to the city centre waters with exceptionally bad weather conditions during the last summer and autumn leading to an increased growth of invasive species.

While much of the plants have died over winter, they have acted as a sticking agent for litter. The wet weather has also led to storm drains from the streets and surrounding land to bring more contaminants into the canals.  

A spokesperson for the Canal & River Trust told BirminghamWorld: “Our 250-year-old canals bring nature into the heart of Birmingham – we’ve even spotted otters in the city! Unfortunately, the erratic weather and a warming climate are affecting some less desirable species, causing an explosion in invasive weeds which act as a net for litter. 

“Over the past year our colleagues and our fantastic Wild in Birmingham volunteers have been battling these weeds and removing tons of material, but at the moment more is arriving than can be cleared in a day’s work. With the changing climate putting increasing pressure on our waterways, it’s more important than ever that Canal & River Trust is adequately funded so we can keep our canals alive.”