Restoration work at the Somersetshire Coal Canal has seen a recent boost thanks to a collaborative community effort involving volunteers, local businesses, and supporters.

Over a week, the site has hosted a large-scale work party, received a new commemorative bench, and taken official ownership of a metal miner statue from the Somerset Miners Trust. These developments mark continued progress in ongoing efforts to restore and preserve the historic canal, particularly around the Paulton Basin area.

The Somersetshire Coal Canal team hosted a one-off volunteer work party on Sunday, April 13, focused on restoring the abutment walls of Terminus Bridge, located at the Paulton end of the canal. Although regular work parties are held each Sunday, organisers hoped that a larger, single-day effort would accelerate progress on this long-standing project.

A call for support was shared across social media and among local contacts, with businesses and individuals responding positively. On the day, 23 volunteers attended, including new participants, regular helpers, and members of the Combe Hay Work Party. The event allowed teams to split into smaller groups, enabling additional maintenance work around the dry dock area.

Support also came from local trades and businesses. Robbie Allen Fireplaces was the only professional stonemason present, contributing both time and expertise. Jewson Radstock loaned a petrol stone cutter, and refreshments were provided by The Fairy Cake House. The Red Lion in Paulton supplied food for volunteers, while Court Above The Cut documented the day with camera and drone footage. Several other local businesses, including Paul Gilbert Carpentry and General Building, Dave Wordley Building & Maintenance, and Studio Four Point Ten, provided labour and support free of charge.

Despite logistical challenges such as parking and catering, the day was considered a success. Organisers are now considering a second large-scale session to complete the remaining work on the bridge.

Also on April 13, the Somersetshire Coal Canal team welcomed Bryn Hawkins, chair of the Somerset Miners Trust, for the formal handover of a metal miner statue. The sculpture is part of a wider initiative to raise awareness of Somerset’s mining heritage, with similar figures installed near former mine locations across the region.

Speaking at the event, Mr Hawkins said: “Very often we hear people say, ‘we didn’t know there were coal mines in Somerset.’ This prompted the Somerset Miners Trust Trustees to act by installing metal miners near where coal mines existed. It’s very fitting one should be put near the loading point on the coal canal.”

The statue was officially handed over to the canal group and the site’s landowners, Brian Gould and his son Josh.

Following vandalism last year that damaged a well-used bench near the dry dock at Paulton Basin, a new bench has now been installed with help from local supporters. Councillor Liz Hardman donated the wood for the replacement, and the Midsomer Norton Men’s Shed group volunteered their time to build it.

The bench has been placed close to the original location and is already being appreciated by walkers and volunteers.