Red weather warning across canals

With temperatures forecast to hit 38-40 degrees across parts of the country on Wednesday and Thursday, the Met Office has issued a rare red weather warning for extreme heat. We’re asking everyone on the water to take extra care and help protect yourselves, others and the canal network Stay safe in the heat  Avoid travelling…

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Six months of progress on Whitchurch breach repairs

Monday 22 June marks six months since the significant breach on the Llangollen Canal near Whitchurch. Since the incident in December 2025, engineers from the Trust and its infrastructure partner Kier, have developed a detailed repair plan, which includes rebuilding the collapsed embankment in layers and incorporating geogrid reinforcement to increase structural strength. The canal…

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Volunteer lock keepers needed at Foxton Locks ahead of busy summer of boating

Foxton Locks in Leicestershire, is looking to recruit more volunteers to take on the iconic role of lock keeper as it prepares for a busy summer at the historic flight of locks. With fuel prices soaring and ongoing uncertainty around international flights, UK holidaymakers are being encouraged to rediscover one of Britain’s most charming travel…

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Celebrating West Midlands volunteers | Canal & River Trust

We’ve celebrated the outstanding contribution of volunteers across the region at our annual volunteer awards. Delivered in partnership with the Marsh Charitable Trust, the awards recognised exceptional individuals and teams from across the West Midlands. Volunteering has been one of Canal & River Trust’s great success stories since its formation in 2012, with 1,372 people…

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Rapid repairs reopen Wheaton Aston Lock on the Shropshire Union Canal

Swift repair work at Wheaton Aston Lock on the Shropshire Union Canal in Staffordshire has restored navigation for boaters on the same day the issue was reported. Early in the morning on 3 June, our West Midlands reactive response team were alerted that the lock was unable to operate, with water escaping through the lock…

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We’re supporting a new community orchard at Coney Meadow nature

We’ve planted ten apple trees at Coney Meadow, a nature reserve along the Droitwich Canal in Worcester, as part of efforts to create a small community orchard for boaters, local people, and wildlife. The apple trees were donated by a local resident who won them in a Thatchers Community Orchard competition and kindly gifted them…

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