Waterways

We’ve committed an extra £2m to Gloucester Docks, doubling our dredging investment to £4m to tackle the significant silt build-up affecting the historic waterfront. The announcement follows concerns raised by boaters, businesses and local residents about the impact of silt levels within the Docks. The enhanced programme We’re increasing investment following the exceptional conditions experienced…

We’re preparing for a major programme of winter repairs and engineering works across England and Wales, carrying out essential works across 33 navigations to keep the canals open, safe and navigable. Winter works on the canal Winter is a particularly busy time of year for our engineers, contractors and volunteers as fewer boats are out…

Three-year programme will support 25 schools to deliver hands-on STEM learning linked to real-world challenges. We’ve been awarded £105,000 through the Royal Society’s new Science Community Grant programme to help young people investigate science, engineering and environmental challenges using waterways. Deliverying hands-on STEM projects We’re one of just ten UK STEM organisations selected for the…

We’re launching an innovation prospectus inviting researchers, businesses and investors to help tackle climate change and unlock new value from the country’s largest interconnected freshwater network. We’ve launched an innovation prospectus, ‘Innovating our canal network’, inviting businesses, universities, utilities, investors, researchers and public sector organisations to help shape the future of the nation’s waterways through…

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…