Protection of the canal route

Each of the local authorities along the Chesterfield Canal has incorporated the canal into its local plan. Each now have policies which specifically safeguard the original route from development likely to prejudice its future restoration. A preferred route has been agreed to take the canal through Killamarsh, where the original route has been blocked by housing. The original route through the Norwood tunnel is at least partially lost. An alternative route has been agreed which includes a protected line across the former Kiveton Park Colliery site.

Protection of the built and natural heritage of the canal

Significant numbers of surviving original structures have been listed by English Heritage, forming a representative sample of the entire range originally constructed. All known standing monuments have been recorded in the appropriate Sites and Monuments records and further work to identify features of historic interest is ongoing.

The unique flora of the canal from Retford to Misterton is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and several canal side locations have been designated as Local Nature Reserves or are now recorded on county records. Positive management has been introduced to ensure conservation.