The Society’s aims are briefly, the conservation, preservation and restoration of the canal and the education of the public of the former use and history of the canal and its environs.
The Society places great emphasis on partnership and co-operation and this is practised in the following ways;

1. Being one of the partner in the Bude Canal Partnership
2. Having a non voting member on the Bude Stratton Town Council’s (BSTC) Museum Committee
3. Providing volunteers who man the Barge Workshops at Helebridge, nr. Marhamchurch, each Sunday 2pm – 6pm from June to September, to allow the public to view the tub boat.
4. Volunteers from the Society do 4 guided walks between June and September each year for the North Cornwall Coast and Countryside Service. The walks are along the towpath from the sea lock at Bude to the Barge Workshop at Helebridge.
5. The Society has a nominated representative as a Trustee of the newly formed Bude Stratton Heritage Trust
6. Volunteers from the Society form part of the volunteer force who assist with the manual co-operation of the Sea Lock in conjunction with key workers from N.C.D.C. Thus minimising the cost of the operation to boat owners.
7. In partnership with N.C.D.C. and BSTC the Society holds a Canal Day in July each year, which includes a celebration of the genius of Sir Goldsworthy Gurney, scientist and inventor of the Bude Light. This event also requires the co-operation of other local and district groups.

The most important development for the canal is the Bude Canal Project, which is progressed under the control of the Bude Canal Partnership, the lead partner being North Cornwall District Council.
At present, funding bids are being prepared for submission to Objective 1 in Cornwall and Heritage Lottery for grants towards the cost of the project. At present, the total is 3.36million. The society has pledged £1000 to this project to show local support.
Should the project obtain all the necessary funding, the canal from Bude to Helebridge would be restored to navigation. Inland, various long distant and circular walks will be created. Canal structures such as incline planes and wheelpits would be secured. The feeder arm known as ‘Bude Aqueduct’ would also be conserved and possibly re-watered in some parts. The effect will be to create a wonderful display of our heritage, a focus for green tourism and a better environment with greater Bio-diversity for all to experience. The Society is proud to be a part of the project and wholeheartedly supports this venture.

If you want to know more about the Canal Regeneration Project please contact Charlie David, Public Space Manager, North Cornwall District Council, Windwhistle House, Bodmin PL31 2RH.
Tel no: 01208 262831 or email charlie.david@ncdc.gov.uk