English: Nottingham Canal, Cossall The Nottingham Canal was originally built to provide a direct route from the Erewash Valley coalfield to Nottingham, but was eventually unable to compete with the near-parallel Erewash Canal and the railways. It was effectively abandoned in 1937. Restoration was considered at one stage, but this is extremely unlikely now; much of the canal, especially through the Nottingham suburbs, has been obliterated and built on, and the formation has been affected by mining subsidence in the Awsworth area. This stretch, however, is designated as a local nature reserve, and the towpath provides a pleasant walk through open country.