If you have ever wondered what canal restoration looks like up close, this is it. Filmmaker Steve Court of Court Above The Cut has shared a wonderful set of photos from his visit to the Waterway Recovery Group volunteers — the famous WRGies — hard at work at Darnford Moors on the Lichfield Canal.

The team is building the base and walls for the eventual Darnford Lane crossing, all as part of the Waterway Recovery Group’s brilliant summer canal camps. By Steve’s account great progress is being made, with the final touches of the two-week camp due to be completed this week.

It is humbling stuff: dozens of volunteers in hi-vis and hard hats, giving up a fortnight of their summer to move the Lichfield & Hatherton restoration another step forward. Pictures like these are a lovely reminder of just how much muscle and goodwill go into bringing a lost canal back to life.

Fancy lending a hand? You can get involved in these camps by contacting the Waterway Recovery Group or the Inland Waterways Association. With thanks to Steve Court and the Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust for sharing.