Improvement works underway on 200 year old Welsh canal

Work has begun on improvements to the the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal, which will see over £2million spent by the end of this winter.

The work will include a £1.3 million project to reline the canal at Llangynidr, and repair works to an aqueduct at Goytre Wharf.

At Llangynidr, thousands of fish will be relocated, using a harmless process called 'electrofishing'. The fish will be temporarily immobilised so they can be scooped up and moved to safety, while the canal is drained.

The upcoming works are part of the Canal and River Trust's winter maintenance programme, which will see £45m being spent on the nation's waterways.

£546,000 has already been spent this year dredging the canal to make it easier for boaters to use.

Dating back to 1812, the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal is seen as a highlight of the Brecon Beacons National Park, and is home to a wide range of wildlife, including rare birds and otters.