Although the primary focus of the Crofton Branch is the Crofton Pumping Station, the stretch of the Canal that the Branch 'oversees' extends from Great Bedwyn in the east to Wootton Rivers in the West which includes the Wilton Water Reservoir, the Summit Pound, Bruce Tunnel and Burbage Wharf.

Crofton Pumping Station houses two magnificent Cornish steam-driven beam engines, one of which (the 1812 Boulton and Watt) is the oldest working beam engine in the world still in its original engine house and still doing the job for which it was installed. The second engine, constructed by Harvey of Hayle, was installed in 1846, replacing the original 1809 engine that had a wooden beam.

Both engines are steamed publicly on seven weekends during the summer season. The public have access to all parts of the Grade1 listed building daily between Easter and the end of September. Refreshments and souvenirs are available in the shop which is in a former boiler house, and there is plenty of room in the grounds for sitting out and enjoying the splendid views across Wilton Water and the farmlands around. There is a car park opposite the Pumping Station. Follow this link to see the opening times and the dates of the steaming weekends.

The members of the Crofton Branch cover a wide spectrum of skills, trades, interests and activities, and the pumps are maintained by a team of volunteers, many of whom had no previous experience in steam engines or bricks and mortar before getting involved with Crofton. The buildings, shop and café are manned by the warden, shop manager and volunteers seven days a week.  The Branch is always on the lookout for new members who want to lend a hand or even to get their hands dirty! To find out more about the Branch membership, do get in touch with any members of the Committee or the on-site Warden.