Sankey Valley Lock
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Running through the park is the historic Sankey Canal.  Opened in 1757 it was the country's first true canal and was responsible for shaping the valley, it's environment and development from the late 18th Century to the early 20th Century.  Originally built to carry coal from the mines around the St.Helens area to the markets of Liverpool and Cheshire, it pioneered the canal age. 

With the advent of the railways began the long decline of the canals but it was not until 1963 that the Sankey canal was officially closed.  Today the local authorities of Warrington, St.Helens and Halton along with the Sankey Canal Restoration Society (SCARS), are developing the Sankey Canal Trail as a 15 mile greenway, whilst working towards the restoration of a navigation route.
If you are interested in the canal, or joining SCARS, further information is available at the Ranger's Office at Bewsey Old School. Click on the Links and go to scars web site

HULME LOCK CANAL HERITAGE PROJECT

Situated immediately south of the M62, Hulme Lock, along with the rest of the canal in this area, was completely infilled in 1974.  In recent years SCARS, in partnership with the Ranger Service, have partially excavated the lock chamber; refurbished the dry dock and uncovered the foundations of the lock keepers cottage.  The whole Hulme Lock site is being developed as a heritage feature.  Regular workdays take place at Hulme Lock.  If you would like to help with the project please contact the Ranger Service.