Waterways

We recently hosted the country’s largest angling event, the National Celebration of Young People & Fishing, on the Shropshire Union Canal, with around 460 young anglers taking part on 12 and 13 September. The event formed part of the Trust’s Let’s Fish! programme, which introduces thousands of people to the joys of fishing each year.…

Divers have carried out underwater repairs at Gloucester Docks to help reduce water loss at Gloucester Lock. Gloucester Lock Protecting the lock The lock, which connects the River Severn to the Gloucester & Sharpness Canal, had developed leaks in its top gates through gradual wear and tear. we have carried out repairs to help retain…

We’re inviting people to step behind the scenes of the nation’s historic canals as part of this year’s Heritage Open Days, taking place during September. Anderton Boat Lift From exclusive tours of our two working lock gate workshops to boat trips, free entry to some of our museums and guided heritage walks, the events showcase…

We’re appealing for more volunteer lock keepers to help navigation through the UK’s deepest lock on the historic Rochdale Canal in West Yorkshire. Operating Tuel Lane Lock 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…

We’re inviting families to Foxton Locks in Leicestershire this summer to enjoy a relaxing day by the water at one of its popular Let’s Fish! events. Taking place at canals across the East Midlands, the UK’s biggest programme of angling events offers people of all ages the chance to try fishing for the first time…

In response to the popularity of Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, including increased use by paddle craft as well as narrowboats, we’ve introduced an aqueduct safety team to help manage traffic at busy times. Helping manage boat traffic The aqueduct safety team, with their visible onsite presence, add to existing measures, including CCTV and the introduction of vessel…

Boaters are being invited to play a defining role in shaping the future of boating as part of a volunteer Citizens’ Boater Panel. The panel will help us create our upcoming consultation, part of our response to the independent Commission on Boat Licensing. The consultation is to create a clearer, fairer licensing system for people…

We’ve temporarily suspended the requirement for boats without a home mooring to move at least every 14 days as part of efforts to conserve water during the current drought. The temporary measure, which comes into force with immediate effect, has been introduced to help reduce demand on the network and avoid unnecessary lock movements at…

We’re providing an update on our work to manage water resources and minimise disruption for boaters as much as possible. With half of England and all of Wales being declared in drought this week by the Environment Agency, and the canal network feeling the impact of what is being described by the government agency as…

We’re inviting visitors to make the most of the summer holidays by joining a programme of free and low-cost events at Foxton Locks, one of Leicestershire’s most unique historic destinations. Our summer programme offers something for all ages, from wildlife-themed activities and nature discovery sessions to hands-on workshops and family-friendly outdoor adventures. The summer programme…