Canal charity appeals for volunteers to operate UK’s deepest lock

Canal charity appeals for volunteers to operate UK’s deepest lock and to help conserve water along the Rochdale Canal in Yorkshire

• Canal & River Trust charity seeks volunteer lock keepers to operate unique lock
• Volunteers also needed to help ‘lock up’ locks to conserve water during ongoing dry conditions

Canal & River Trust, the UK’s largest waterways charity, is appealing for more volunteer lock keepers to help navigation through the UK’s deepest lock on the historic Rochdale Canal in West Yorkshire.

Celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, Tuel Lane Lock in Sowerby Bridge – the deepest canal lock in the UK – is an impressive feat of engineering, lowering and raising boats almost six metres (20 feet). 

Replacing two original locks, Tuel Lane Lock was constructed during the final stages of the Rochdale Canal restoration project and officially opened in May 1996. The lock has welcomed thousands of boaters over the past three decades and remains a popular destination for visitors and canal enthusiasts.

Mickie O’Hara, volunteer team leader at Canal & River Trust, said: “Because of its depth and unique design, Tuel Lane Lock can only be operated by trained volunteer lock keepers.

“Currently, we have a team of volunteers who operate the lock on Fridays, Sundays and Mondays but we would like to be able to operate it on more days, and we need more volunteer lock keepers to help us to do that.

“We’re looking for keen people who are willing to commit a day or two of their time. No prior experience is needed, just a love of our historic waterways. Comprehensive training by an experienced volunteer or member of staff will be provided until you are comfortable with the lock operation.”

In addition to volunteer lock keepers, the Trust is also seeking volunteers in Hebden Bridge to assist with water conservation measures on the Rochdale Canal during the current drought conditions.

Mickie added: “To prevent significant water shortages like those experienced on the Rochdale Canal during last year’s unprecedented drought, we havestarted to padlock some locksovernight to help conserve water and enable navigation.”

As part of these measures,several locks will be closed and secured each evening from 6pm. To help with this, the Trust is recruiting volunteers to undertake an evening cycling role along the canal towpath, helping lock up the locks, supporting boaters and reporting any issues along the route.

Volunteers will cycle between locks on the picturesque stretch of canal through Hebden Bridge, acting as ambassadors for the Trust while helping to minimise unnecessary water loss. Training will be provided, along with a safety helmet and use of the Trust’s equipped cycle.

Sean McGinley, regional director at Canal & River Trust, said: “The Rochdale Canal is a well-loved and well-used waterway but caring for it requires the support of dedicated volunteers. Whether helping operate Tuel Lane Lock, supporting boaters or assisting with water conservation measures during the current drought, volunteers play a vital role in helping our charity protect our historic waterways.

“Volunteers contribute thousands of hours each year helping to maintain waterways, support visitors and protect the canal network. Their contribution enables us to keep canals open, care for our heritage structures and provide welcoming places for local communities and visitors. We’re incredibly grateful for everything our volunteers do and would encourage anyone with an interest in the waterways to get involved.”

More information about volunteering opportunities, can be found on the Canal & River Trust website www.canalrivertrust.org.uk.