Exploring the Black Country Canals Through Stunning 4K Stock Footage
The Black Country Canal Network stands as a testament to the rich industrial heritage of the West Midlands, a maze of waterways that once powered Britain’s industrial revolution. For filmmakers and TV production teams, capturing this historic landscape in all its glory can be a challenge. That’s where Clip Pack #155 - Black Country Canals Stock Video Footage Collection comes in—a comprehensive 502-clip package, offering over 1 hour and 37 minutes of cinematic 4K UHD footage.
This pack is more than just a collection of stock footage—it’s a visual journey through the full length of the Dudley Number 2 Canal, spanning from Hawne Basin in Halesowen to Parkhead Junction in Dudley. Here’s a deep dive into what this collection offers and why it’s an essential resource for any production featuring the canals of the Black Country.
A Look at the Numbers
Total Footage: 1 hour, 37 minutes, 13 seconds
Total Clips: 502
File Size: 41.15GB of ultra-high-definition 4K stock video
Shooting Styles:
105 Drone Clips (stunning aerial perspectives of the canals and surrounding landscapes)
3 Timelapse Sequences
394 Tripod Shots (stable, meticulously framed compositions for cinematic storytelling)
This footage collection is perfect for TV series, documentaries, historical features, news stories, and any media projects focused on the Black Country, Birmingham, the Midlands, industrial heritage, or canal life.
Iconic Locations & Historic Highlights
Each clip captures the rich history, natural beauty, and unique features of the Dudley Number 2 Canal, which originally opened in 1798 as part of the region’s booming industrial transport network. The footage covers a variety of key landmarks, including:
1. Hawne Basin, Halesowen
This historic basin marks the start of our footage collection. Once a crucial hub for coal transportation, today it’s a popular mooring site for narrowboats. The footage captures still waters reflecting the surrounding trees, boat traffic, and the industrial remnants of Halesowen’s canal past.
2. Gosty Hill Tunnel
At 509 meters long, Gosty Hill Tunnel is one of the Black Country’s more mysterious canal passages. It features an unusual airshaft rising up into a residential garden, making it a fascinating visual for any film. With no towpath and minimal lighting, our footage captures its eerie atmosphere, showing how narrowboats navigate its dark, confined waters.
3. Old Hill & Industrial Landmarks
Moving further along, the canal flows through Old Hill, where remnants of long-abandoned industrial structures line the waterways. These historical fragments serve as a reminder of the area’s once-thriving manufacturing and mining industries. The footage includes rusting iron bridges, lock mechanisms, and moored boats, bringing the industrial past to life.
4. Bumble Hole Nature Reserve & Cobb’s Engine House
The transition from industry to nature is beautifully evident at Bumble Hole Nature Reserve, a serene stretch of the canal surrounded by lush greenery and abundant wildlife. Cobb’s Engine House, a Grade II listed structure, stands as a historic monument to the region’s steam-powered pumping stations. The drone shots in this collection showcase the reserve’s beauty from above, while tripod clips capture details of birdlife, narrowboat movements, and the reflections on the canal’s calm waters.
5. Netherton Tunnel & Reservoir
Spanning 1.7 miles, Netherton Tunnel is one of the longest canal tunnels in the UK, and the footage in this collection captures it in breathtaking cinematic detail. The tunnel’s impressive brickwork, echoing waters, and moody atmosphere make for compelling visuals, whether viewed from a drone’s eye or a slow-moving boat shot. Just up the canal, Netherton Reservoir provides a stark contrast, with wide open waters offering dramatic sunrise and sunset reflections.
6. Saltwells Nature Reserve & Doulton’s Quarry
Saltwells Nature Reserve is a treasure trove of woodlands, wildlife, and geological wonders. The footage here features its famous bluebell woods and Doulton’s Quarry—an area of exposed rock faces rich in fossils. This is a particularly versatile section of footage, ideal for content creators needing tranquil, nature-based shots alongside industrial relics.
7. Parkhead Junction, Dudley
The final section of the footage focuses on Parkhead Junction, where multiple canals intersect against the backdrop of the historic viaduct, canal locks, and tunnels. This part of the collection showcases textured brickwork, vibrant graffiti, and the bustling activity of narrowboats passing through—a perfect setting for projects emphasizing urban history and working waterways.
Beyond the Canals: Unique Visuals & Extras
This isn’t just a typical stock footage pack—it includes rare and unusual shots that help make any project stand out:
Wildlife Close-Ups: Herons catching fish, swans gliding across the water, Canada geese with their young.
Industrial Relics: Rope-worn iron bridge plates, abandoned factories, and graffiti-covered structures.
Rare Finds: A sunken narrowboat, urban exploration of a derelict house, and kayaking through tunnels.
Special Events: Boat festival at Bumble Hole, featuring vintage and modern narrowboats in action.
Why Choose This Footage Collection?
1. Save Time & Money
Filming on location along the Black Country canals can require permits, transport, hotels and hours of scouting. This collection offers instant access to premium-quality footage without the hassle of shooting it yourself.
2. Perfect for Multiple Projects
Whether you’re producing a Television documentary or a film, this footage delivers broadcast-quality visuals. The mix of aerial, tripod, and timelapse shots ensures variety and flexibility.
3. Cinematic Excellence
Filmed on high-end cameras and drones, this footage is meticulously composed, colour-graded, and ready for immediate use.
4. Unrestricted Licensing
One-time purchase, no additional fees—use the footage across TV, film, commercials, and company projects under your company’s name (full terms apply).
Black country canals stock footage collection preview
Get Royalty Free Access Today
Immerse your audience in the Black Country’s waterways with this one-of-a-kind 4K footage collection. Whether you need historical landmarks, serene landscapes, or urban grit, Clip Pack #155 has you covered.
Overview:
A massive collection of 502 clips, 41.15GB in total, offering 1 hour, 37 minutes, and 13 seconds of stunning 4K UHD stock footage capturing the beauty and history of the Black Country Canal Network.
Key Features:
Comprehensive Coverage: Footage from various locations along the Dudley Number 2 Canal, from Hawne Basin in Halesowen to Parkhead Junction in Dudley.
Versatile Content: Includes 105 drone clips, 3 timelapse sequences, and 394 tripod shots.
No Additional Fees: Pay once and get unrestricted 4K access for TV, film, commercial, and company use for any future projects under your company's name (full terms apply).
Cinematic Excellence: Filmed over several weeks in optimal summer conditions, ensuring high-quality, atmospheric shots.
Perfect for: TV series, documentaries, films, news stories, and any project focusing on Birmingham and the Black Country.
Locations & Highlights:
Hawne Basin, Halesowen: Start of the journey along the historic canal route.
Gosty Hill Tunnel: A 509-meter-long tunnel with no footpath or lighting, featuring an airshaft appearing in a residential garden.
Old Hill & Industrial Landmarks: Capturing remnants of canal-side industries, old structures, and wildlife.
Bumble Hole Nature Reserve & Cobb's Engine House: A grade 2 listed monument with historical significance.
Netherton Tunnel & Reservoir: One of the longest canal tunnels in the UK (1.7 miles), a must-see for enthusiasts.
Saltwells Nature Reserve & Doulton’s Quarry: Showcasing stunning landscapes and industrial heritage.
Parkhead Junction, Dudley: Featuring the historic viaduct, canal locks, and tunnels.
Additional Features:
Wildlife Captures: Heron catching a fish (Wonderful!), Canada geese, ducks, swans, and nesting birds.
Industrial Relics: Narrowboat moorings, lock mechanisms, rope-worn iron bridge plates, and graffiti-covered structures.
Unique Shots: A sunken narrowboat, urban exploration of an abandoned house, kayaking through tunnels, and the Hingley Netherton Anchor site.
Events & Landmarks: Boat festival at Bumble Hole, Toll End Works, Stourbridge signs, Monarch’s Way Path, and more.
Why Choose This Pack?
Save Time & Money: Get premium, hard-to-capture shots without needing to visit the Black Country…! :)
Diverse Applications: Ideal for projects needing rich historical, natural, or industrial canal footage.
Broadcast-Ready: Shot on high-end cameras and drones for cinematic quality.
Get unparalleled access to the Black Country Canals' rich history and natural beauty today!
