Waterways

Our wide-ranging annual programme of major maintenance and preservation projects helps keep the nation’s historic canal network navigable and safe. This annual multi-million pound, comprehensive scheme of works, undertaken by the our skilled experts, is essential to ensure the upkeep of the 250-year-old man-made canal network. The work takes place between November and March when there is…

World War II pill boxes on the Kennet & Avon Canal in Berkshire have been given a new lease of life as homes for bats by us. Volunteering at Garston Lock pill box Our volunteers and colleagues have transformed two pill boxes at Garston Lock near Reading and Hamstead Lock near Newbury, which first appeared…

Advance tickets are on sale for the 2026 Crick Boat Show, sponsored by Haven Knox-Johnston, saving 10 per cent on the entry price. The event The event, which takes place at Crick Marina, near Daventry in Northamptonshire, will be held across the late May Bank Holiday Weekend, 23-25 May 2026, with an exclusive Trade &…

We’re providing an update on how recommendations from the independent ‘Commission on Boat Licensing Report’, published at the end of last year, will be taken forward. The response forms part of a wider plan to improve the experience of boating on the waterways, which also includes more investment in day-to-day navigational maintenance. The Report The…

We’re giving you the opportunity to get an up-close view of newly installed lock gates at Stret Lock in Worksop, to help highlight what it takes to look after the nation’s centuries-old canal network. Winter Open Day at Stret Lock We’ve replaced two sets of lock gates on the narrow beam lock and is inviting members of the local community to a special open day,…

The River Severn will come under the spotlight at the National Waterways Museum Gloucester this month with a photography exhibition, model boat trail and many other activities. From 5 February to 11 April there will be a photography exhibition and a model boat trail from 14 February – 11 April along with many other activities…

PolyBoatGlobal.com has found just how much surface or submarine electric scooters present another fun variety for electric boating :like a fish, on the surface you ski or foil across the water, while underneath, for up to 30 minutes, you can snorkel to depths of up to 40 metres to discover and photograph a whole new world…

We’re inviting you to discover the wonderful wildlife that thrives along their local canals at a special ‘Nurturing Nature’ event, at the Canal Museum in Stoke Bruerne. We’re bringing together wildlife experts, hands‑on demonstrations and activities designed to help people explore and enjoy the natural world on their doorstep. The event will be on Saturday…

A programme of essential maintenance on Sutton Weaver Swing Bridge, which celebrates its centenary this year, will enter its final phase next month and will be completed on schedule in March. Swing bridge on the River Weaver Navigation The works We’re carrying out the vital works to the bridge, which crosses the River Weaver near…

We need more hands on deck and are inviting you to discover a host of ways to give some time canal-side in their local community, with a programme of welcome sessions announced this week. Volunteering near Leicester Built by hand 250 years ago as the freight arteries that fuelled the Industrial Revolution, canals don’t look…