Waterways

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

Our National Waterways Museum, in Ellesmere Port, will celebrate its 50th anniversary weekend on Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 June by offering visitors entry to the historic boat museum at 1976 prices. Volunteer at the National Waterways Museum in Ellesmere Port For one weekend only, an adult day ticket will cost a mere £1.95 and…

We’re highlighting the growing importance of water conservation. Keeping routes navigable We’re today urging boaters to be mindful of water use when travelling on the canal network this summer, as the UK marks the 50th anniversary of the notorious 1976 heatwave. With canals relying on a finite and carefully managed water supply, we’re reminding boaters…

We’re looking to recruit more volunteers to take on the iconic role of lock keeper in Yorkshire, as it prepares for a busy summer on the region’s waterways. Volunteer lock keeper With fuel prices soaring and ongoing uncertainty around international flights, UK holidaymakers are being encouraged to rediscover one of Britain’s most charming travel experiences…

We’re celebrating a successful weekend of wildlife surveying at Hatton Locks in Warwickshire. Ecologists and local volunteers worked together to record the rich biodiversity of this historic canal site. Hatton Locks, often called the “Stairway to Heaven”, was completed in the early 19th century and today is part of the Grand Union Canal connecting Birmingham…

On 19 May, MJT Cranes craned 10 canal boats, weighing up to 35 tonnes each, into Crick Marina, near Daventry, as part of preparations for the 26th Crick Boat Show. Around 40 canal boats will be on display at the show, and 10 of them (with a combined weight of over 225 tonnes) will be…