[1][2] Ayland was opposed to the infilling of the Stroudwater Navigation, and after speaking to a Bristol Evening Post journalist he gathered significant support and offers of assistance from members of the public.

[2] On 16 April 1975, the organisation was incorporated as the Stroudwater, Thames and Severn Canal Trust[5] and on 23 July it became a registered charity.

[4] The Trust's current aims are similar, but also include focus on wildlife and landscape conservation as well as navigability and recreation.

[b][14] The Sapperton Tunnel was impassable, having suffered numerous roof falls,[15] and both its ornate portals had fallen into dereliction.

[25][14] The final phase of restoration, between Brimscombe Port and South Cerney, includes the 3,817-yard-long (3,490 m) Sapperton Tunnel as well as 30 locks that raise the canal to its summit pound.

[43] In 1986, the organisation ran two trip boats on the watered section of the Thames and Severn Canal between Stroud and Bowbridge.

[31] The Trust now has three trip boats – Adventure on the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal at Saul, Perseverance and Endeavour on the Stroudwater Navigation at Ebley, and Inglesham on the Thames at Lechlade.

[48] The Trust operates visitor centres at Saul Junction, Bond's Mill in Stonehouse, and Wallbridge in Stroud.

[5][6] The Trust has had a number of notable vice presidents and honorary members, including Robert Aickman,[53] Sir John Knill,[53] Peter Gadsden,[54] and Mark Horton.

[10] A number of serving or former local Members of Parliament have also held these positions, including Sir Anthony Kershaw,[53] Roger Knapman,[54] Geoffrey Clifton-Brown,[55] Richard Needham,[55] Neil Carmichael,[55] David Drew,[56] and Siobhan Baillie.