Vision
To shape a future where people, places, and time are powerfully connected through the world’s most captivating network of canals, caverns, and community.
Mission
We protect the extraordinary hidden landscape beneath the Black Country
Our Strategy
At Dudley Canal & Caverns, our new strategy is rooted in connection across people, places, and time. It builds on our rich heritage and bold ambitions, including the long-held vision to link our site with Wren’s Nest National Nature Reserve and create a world-class geohistorical experience. Our people, our volunteers and our community will shape the next phase but we’ll continue to drive our impact as a business, contributing to the visitor economy and provide opportunities for jobs and development. This strategy marks a renewed commitment to our communities and a promise to finish what we started with purpose, pride, and a vision that connects us all.
We’ll anchor our vision through three strategic pillars, with people, education and conservation at the heart of everything we do
Connection through Experience
We believe in creating experiences that are immersive, imaginative, and unforgettable not just visits, but moments that spark curiosity and wonder. We’ll keep pushing our destination as one that should be known nationally, blending entertainment with education, and using our spaces for storytelling, creativity, and connection.
By 2030
We’ll have a brand new exhibition space that will be engaging and immersive. Helping us on the way to becoming a nationally recognised heritage experience.
Developed a diverse and inclusive programme that reflects our audiences and adapts to their needs.
Built a strong network of local collaborators, with artists and suppliers contributing to our core offer.
Created dynamic, multi-use spaces that serve educational, community, and commercial needs.
Embedded accessibility and representation into every aspect of our visitor experience.
Engaged with an extended network of our community
Completed necessary restoration works to our Historic Boats
Connection through Time
We believe in creating time and space for people to re-connect. Education is central to our mission, and our legacy is one of learning, pride, and shared history. We also believe that we must find time to prepare and plan for the future.
By 2030
Created a minimum of five T-Level placements with Dudley College and explored apprenticeships
Created two long term hire spaces to deliver workshops aligned to the our vision, supporting start ups & SME’s, and Heritage at Risk
Launched a fundraising initiative to replace or modernise our fleet, improving accessibility and efficiency.
Developed long-term partnerships with schools, universities, & heritage organisations, and build a diverse and sustainable volunteer programme.
Embedded learning and development pathways throughout, growing our organisation
CONNECTION THROUGH PLACE – WRENS NEST
Our Commitment to completing what we started – our bold new Capital Project – Connection Through Place – Wrens Nest.
We’ll co create an immersive experience by water, tunnels, cavern exploration, and nature trails. Placing community at its heart. we’ll reopen Wrens Nest Tunnel and in turn connect people to Dudley’s geological, industrial, and natural heritage, promoting wellbeing, protecting habitats, and inspiring lifelong stewardship through storytelling, and nature.
Connection Through Place
By 2030
Produce a full feasibility study of the project to prepare us for the next stage
Secure approximately £250k in grant support
Develop a conceptual multi modal visitor journey from Castle Mill through Wren’s Nest Tunnel to Step Shaft/Cathedral Cavern, and the Seven Sisters Mine via a funicular railway.
Showcase the Black Country UNESCO Global Geopark and strive to unlock the overnight economy.
Aim to increase annual visitors to 150,000, then 200,000, creating lasting impact.
Create 30 job opportunities
Create 75 volunteering opportunities
Support & grow Dudley as a legitimate, sustainable & regenerative tourist destination.
Vision Shaped by our Community
The Wrens Nest project will transform one of the UK’s most extraordinary geological and industrial heritage landscapes into a world-class, immersive experience co-created with the community, driven by their voices, and designed to serve their future.
At its core, this project is about connecting people to place, to nature, to their heritage, and to each other. It begins at Dudley Canal and Caverns, where visitors will journey by boat underground, navigating historic tunnels and awe-inspiring caverns, brought to life through storytelling. At Castle Mill Basin, they’ll make their way through the reopened Wrens Nest Tunnel, exploring the majestic Cathedral Cavern, and ascend via a unique lifting platform into the Seven Sisters.
Above ground, the experience continues through fossil-rich landscapes and newly restored woodland trails, designed to promote health, wellbeing, and reconnection with nature. The project will protect and enhance habitats, celebrate biodiversity, and create inclusive spaces.
This will be a community-led legacy. Every phase will be shaped by deep, meaningful engagement with local people, schools, and organisations, changing perception and promoting community cohesion; from co-designing interpretation and trails to leading fossil hunts and storytelling, the community will be at the centre of decision-making, delivery, and celebration. The project will build pride, ownership, and opportunity ensuring that Wrens Nest is not only explored, but loved, protected, and sustained for generations to come.
A Phased Approach
Wrens Nest Tunnel Reopening
– Structural & Accessibility works to safely reopen the tunnel for pedestrian access.
– Install lighting, interpretation, and safety systems.
– Begin guided walking tours as a soft launch.
Cathedral Cavern Access & Interpretation
– Create safe, accessible pathways from the tunnel to Cathedral Cavern.
– Install interpretation points
– Begin limited access tours.
Lifting Railway & Surface Arrival
– Investigate, Construct and commission the ‘to surface’ vehicle.
– Design the arrival experience
– Ensure full accessibility and safety compliance.
Seven Sisters & Fossil Exploration Zone
-Begin engineering solution to re-open the Seven Sister mines
Develop trails and interpretation across the Seven Sisters.
– Create hands-on fossil hunting and learning zones.
Full Integration
– Seamlessly connect all elements of the visitor journey.
– Launch full visitor experience with ticketing and staffing.
– Deliver a major launch campaign and community celebration.