Legacies

Leave a Legacy
The restoration of the Cotswold Canals is one of the most exciting canal restoration projects ever undertaken, and your legacy could help us continue this vital work for generations to come. By leaving a legacy or memorial, you or your loved one can make a lasting contribution to this important cause, ensuring the canals are restored and preserved for future enjoyment, heritage, and environmental benefit.
Making or changing your Will is a powerful way to give a significant gift to a project that will leave a lasting impact on the community and the natural environment.
Why Legacies Matter
As a registered charity, the Cotswold Canals Trust relies on voluntary gifts and legacies to achieve its restoration goals. No matter the size of your donation, your legacy will make a real difference, and we will be deeply grateful for your support.
What Your Legacy Could Achieve
Your legacy can make a significant impact on the restoration and preservation of the Cotswold Canals. Here are some examples of how your donation could be used:

ÂŁ1,950
Provides a commemorative canal side bench – a lasting tribute to your loved one.

ÂŁ2,000
Purchases essential equipment such as a pump, dumper, or barrow hoist.

ÂŁ10,000
Funds a feasibility or environmental study, a crucial step in preparing for restoration work.

ÂŁ150,000
Helps convert a mile of derelict canal into a living waterway, sustaining wildlife and improving the environment.

ÂŁ400,000 Enables the restoration of a historic waterway structure, such as a lock or bridge.

ÂŁ750,000
Could allow the complete restoration of a stretch of canal and locks to support the waterflow.
How to leave a legacy
Making a legacy gift to the Cotswold Canals Trust is simple, and we are here to guide you through the process. You can leave a legacy in your Will by specifying an amount or asset to be donated to the Trust. You can also opt for a memorial bench or another form of commemoration.
For more information about leaving a legacy or a memorial gift, please contact us at 01453 752 568 or email us mail@cotswoldcanals.org

Memorial Benches
A Lasting Tribute
Memorial benches offer a unique way to commemorate loved ones or organisations in a peaceful, beautiful setting. Positioned along the canal, these benches serve as both a functional and sentimental reminder.
They are crafted by volunteers using reclaimed Greenheart wood, and each bench is personalised with a unique zinc plaque designed to honour the individual or group being remembered.






The locations of the benches are agreed upon with donors, ensuring they fit within canal property guidelines and environmental considerations. These benches offer a tranquil place for contemplation and rest, adding to the enjoyment of those who visit the canal for years to come.
Have a look at our Flickr folder of all the benches we have installed along the Cotswold Canals:
Memorial Benches Enquiry Form

We are grateful for any donation. If you would like to give today, please use our donation page.