ALONG THE CANAL

This series was photographed along the Rochdale Canal in the  Pennines during late summer and autumn 2025. While walking the towpaths, it’s clear how the canal is still part of everyday life, people cycling to work, fishing, walking their dogs, or just finding a bit of peace. The canal had recently suffered with low water levels due to lack of rain fall and low resevoir levels, which meant hardly anyone was travelling by boat during this time. Some locals had spoke about how the canal was falling into decline, with sections crumbling and paths overgrown. I tried to show both the reality and the life that still moves through it, the people, the wildlife and the calm in between. It’s also clear that the canal is still a well-loved, well-used space that volunteers spend time maintaining. The quotes in this zine are from conversations I’ve had with local people using the canal, retold from memory and notes made after our chats.

‘ALONG THE CANAL’ - a public photography exhibition between 

Littleborough an Smithy Bridge Canal stretch.

November - December 2025

Part of the Northern Lands Public Art Trail.

Commissioned by Culture Co-op in partnership with Ebor Studios.