Waterways
Paris Olympics e-cruise
An electric fleet on the Seine for the Paris Olympic Games by Kevin Desmond This summer has seen some great rallies for electric boats: 34 e-boats cruised around the island of Venice, 65 e-boats teams competed at the Monaco Solar Energy Boat Challenge, then on July 23rd, despite heavy rain, watched by 326,000 riverside spectators…
Read MoreBoater Census illustrates challenges of living afloat
We’re calling for a joined-up approach to meet service needs. Boaters living on the UK’s waterways face significant challenges accessing financial services, medical support, and benefits, according to the our census of boaters on our national canal network. The nation’s largest canal charity is calling on national and local government and others, such as health…
Read MoreWe’ve begun repairs at Sellars Swing Bridge
We’ve started a six-week programme of repairs to Sellars Swing Bridge, which carries Sellars Road over the Gloucester & Sharpness Canal. Strengthening the bridge Vehicles have got heavier over the years and their increased weight has taken a toll on the condition of the bridge, which connects Hardwicke and Quedgeley with Elmore. We are making…
Read MoreWe’re asking people in West Mids to report wildlife crime
We’re calling on the thousands of people who regularly visit its canals in the West Midlands to report any suspected wildlife crime they see to the West Midlands Police. Tragic deaths of cygnets on canal Bodies of four cygnets (young swans) were found on the Wyrley & Essington Canal in Pelsall and Brownhills. Reports suggest…
Read MoreGreen Flags for almost 750 miles on our waterways
We are announcing that 736 miles of our canal and river navigations have been awarded prestigious Green Flag status by Keep Britain Tidy. Maintaining our Green Flag Status We have held all our existing miles of Green Flags, with waterways across England and Wales maintaining the standard required for the international quality mark for parks…
Read MoreWe’ve carried out Ribble Link repairs
We’re fighting the tide to ensure that the Ribble Link in Lancashire, which connects the Lancaster Canal to the national waterways network, receives important maintenance to allow it to reopen for boats. Our engineers responded to reports of an issue with the Sea Lock Gate at the entrance to the Ribble Link. This lock gate…
Read MoreCar park improvements coming to Foxton Locks
We are set to make improvements to car parking at Foxton Locks, making a visit to the historic site easier for the hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. The new system As part of the improvements we are installing an ANPR system, enabling people to simply park and pay when they leave. Charges, which…
Read MoreSwedish lifeboat rowed home to Limehouse after 155 years
A 19th-century lifeboat given to the King of Sweden by Queen Victoria’s wine merchant has made a homecoming voyage, rowed across the Thames to the yard where she was built – Limehouse Basin. A commemorative plaque has been unveiled to mark the visit and the RNLI’s 200th anniversary. A legacy of bravery and restoration Lifbåt…
Read MoreHistoric Braunston Stop House set to go under the hammer
We’re seeking a buyer for Grade II Listed building, protecting it for future generations. A charming piece of the nation’s canal heritage is set to go under the hammer to put The Stop House at Braunston on the market for sale. Breathing new life into the property We are set to sell the building via…
Read MoreDivers carry out inspections on Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal
Divers have taken to the water of the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal as we carry out inspections of safety gates at Llanfoist Embankment. The inspection The embankment, which is located between the picturesque Llanfoist Wharf and Govilon Wharf, features two sets of safety gates which are used for maintenance and protection of the canal. Glandŵr…
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