The Grand Western Canal Joint Advisory Committee (JAC) brings together all organisations with an interest in the management, protection and future of the Grand Western Canal Country Park and Local Nature Reserve. Its role is to support strong partnership working, ensuring the Canal continues to be well‑managed, valued, and enjoyed by the local community and visitors alike.
Canal Management
The management of the Grand Western Canal Country Park is carried out by the Canal Ranger Service, part of Devon County Council’s Public Rights of Way and Country Parks Team.
Devon County Council aims to maintain and conserve for the future the integrity of the Grand Western Canal Country Park and Local Nature Reserve as a peaceful, attractive and wildlife-rich corridor for everyone to enjoy.
To support this vision, management of the Canal focuses on five key benefits:
- Protect and enhance the natural environment for current and future generations
- Provide a safe and welcoming space where a range of appropriate recreational activities can take place
- Support enjoyable visits for a wide variety of users, including local residents and visitors
- Promote and demonstrate good practice across this multi‑interest site
- Deliver benefits to local communities and visitors, encouraging wellbeing, learning and appreciation of the Canal’s heritage and wildlife
How the Joint Advisory Committee operates
The JAC provides an important forum for discussing canal‑related matters, ensuring that decisions reflect the needs of users, partners and local communities. The Committee’s advice to Devon County Council is highly valued and plays a key role in shaping the ongoing management of the Grand Western Canal.
- The JAC is chaired alternately by Devon County Council and Mid Devon District Council members (one‑year terms)
- Meets twice a year (March and October) – and also has a Summer Site Visit.
- Is supported by Mid Devon District Council, who provide the secretariat for the committee and host the meetings.
Date of the next Canal Joint Advisory Committee meeting:
Date: Monday 5th October 2026
Time: 7pm
Location: Phoenix House, Phoenix Lane, Tiverton
The public are welcome to attend and there is a public question time programmed at the start of each meeting. If attending online, please register with MDDC member services by emailing Committee@middevon.gov.uk by 4pm before the meeting if you wish to ask a question.
Joint Advisory Committee Members
Below is a list of the various organisations that are members of the GWC JAC. If you wish to contact any GWC JAC members a list of their contact details as well as agendas and minutes from previous meetings are available on the Mid Devon District Council website
| Groups represented | Votes |
|---|---|
| Devon County Council – Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Environment and Transport | 1 |
| Devon County Council – Member for Tiverton East | 1 |
| Devon County Council – Member for Willand and Uffculme | 1 |
| Mid Devon District Council – Cabinet Member for Environment and Services | 1 |
| Mid Devon District Council – Members for Cranmore (3 councillors) | 3 |
| Mid Devon District Council – Member for Halberton | 1 |
| Mid Devon District Council – Members for Canonsleigh (2 councillors) | 2 |
| Tiverton Town Council | 1 |
| Halberton Parish Council | 1 |
| Sampford Peverell Parish Council | 1 |
| Burlescombe Parish Council | 1 |
| Holcombe Rogus Parish Council | 1 |
| Friends of the Grand Western Canal | 1 |
| Mid Devon Wildlife | 1 |
| JAC Wildlife Advisory Group (an ad hoc working group) | 1 |
| Inland Waterways Association | 1 |
| Tiverton and District Angling Club | 1 |
| Devon Bird Watching and Preservation Society – NE Devon Branch | 1 |
| Tiverton Sea Cadets | 1 |
| Cycling UK | 1 |
| The Tiverton Canal Co. | 1 |
| Mid Devon Moorings | 1 |
| Canal Businesses Group | 1 |
Officers | |
| Devon County Council – Public Rights of Way and Country Parks Manager | 0 |
| Devon County Council – Country Park Manager (Grand Western Canal) | 0 |
| Mid Devon District Council – Director of Community Services | 0 |
| Mid Devon District Council – Democratic Services Officer | 0 |
Privacy policy for Grand Western Canal Country Park customers.