Waterways

Harecastle Tunnel, one of the longest canal tunnels on Britain’s historic canal network, goes under the microscope next week as we carry out a vital inspection of the Grade II-listed structure. At over 1.5 miles-long (2,676 metres), the Thomas Telford-built tunnel is a key point on the Trent & Mersey Canal, still navigated by thousands…

Ghosts and ghouls bring a spine-tingling thrill to the National Waterways Museum in Ellesmere Port, with exciting half-term Halloween activities on offer from Monday 28 October to Sunday 3 November. What’s involved? The special themed week will feature a range of extra attractions from ghost hunts, boat trips and spooky storytelling to pumpkin hunts and…

We’re inviting people in Leicester to experience a magical celebration of Diwali as the city’s waterways come alive with a spectacular Waterfall of Lights display. We’re hosting the family event at the Leicester Outdoor Pursuits Centre on Saturday 26 October. As part of the celebrations, light artist, Sola, is creating a shimmering LED Waterfall of…

Innovation, care and excellence were celebrated at our annual internal awards for colleagues and volunteers, held on 4 October 2024 at Anderton Boat Lift. With six categories, the awards celebrate the work the charity does to keep its canals navigable and available for boaters and local communities. The categories There were finalists in each of…

You are invited to celebrate Nottingham’s black heritage by the canal side as we join Binks Yard to host a special event to mark Black History Month. The celebrations are taking place at Binks Yard, by the Nottingham & Beeston Canal, between 12pm and 7pm on Sunday 13 October. The event The event, being supported…

Our team’s monumental effort has enabled boaters on the Lancaster Canal to navigate across Hollowforth Aqueduct following a breach at the aqueduct earlier this summer. On 20 July, our emergency team responded to a breach of the canal at the Grade II-Listed Hollowforth Aqueduct. The damage was extensive and affected both the embankment and a…

Rental Boats are also eligible, here’s how..! Yes, Rental boats can also take part in our convivial contest for it is THE BOAT which is the competitor not the crew. For example, Madame Dominique Renouf of the Association Bateaux pour la planète (Boats for the Planet) runs the Phoebus Boat Club, a fleet of solar-powered catamaran houseboats for…

We’re delighted to announce the appointment of Ranjit Sondhi CBE to its Board of volunteer Trustees. For an initial three-year term, our Council approved his appointment on 25 September 2024. Living in Birmingham, and with a passionate enthusiasm for the role that canals play within the community, Ranjit will bring his considerable experience to us…

Our 2023/24 Annual Report & Accounts highlights the impact of climate change on our canal network, the rising cost of maintenance, and the significance of future funding cuts. It was a year of record spend on charitable activity, but one that saw the continued effect of climate change taking its toll on the Trust’s ageing…

Long Eaton United Football Club have joined forces with us to tackle the problem of litter on the Erewash Canal, helping to protect wildlife and improve the canal for visitors. Long Eaton United Football Club Long Eaton United’s under 11s boys’ team, nicknamed ‘Team Black’, swapped their football boots for canoe paddles and litter pickers…