Waterways

Wildlife-rich hedgerows along our historic canals are set to be improved thanks to a partnership project between us and the Drax Foundation, the charitable entity of renewable energy company Drax Group. Volunteers receiving hedgelaying training The project The project will see our local volunteers out on the towpaths alongside specialists to breathe new life into…

At our Annual Public Meeting, we gave updates on our finances, fundraising strategy, and the positive impact our work is having on local communities. We also announced our plans to improve navigation and the service for boaters. The Annual Public Meeting Hosted online by chair, David Orr CBE, and chief executive, Richard Parry, attendees heard…

Kevin Desmond reports – Our keenness to get our polyboatglobal.com message to the maximum number of people owning, renting, selling or merely interested in electric passenger boats is bearing fruit. As already reported, this summer following a Google Boost, our server Wix had recorded over 1,100 page views of our website. With our second Boost, this autumn,…

We’ve received a grant from the Nature Networks Fund to maintain a restored stretch of the Montgomery Canal near Welshpool. The £250,000 grant will help us to protect rare plant and animal species by removing areas of silt and dense vegetation growing over the channel, improving water quality and keeping navigation clear to also benefit…

We’re delighted to announce a new partnership with Rightmove as part of the UK’s largest property platform’s sustainability initiative, Go Greener. Rightmove is pledging £50,000 to support our Environmental Fund which supports environmental projects to protect and enhance its navigable waterways across England and Wales, ensuring cleaner, greener spaces for people and nature. As part…

Work to lay a new road surface on High Orchard Bridge, which carries St Ann Way over the Gloucester & Sharpness Canal, has been completed by us. Keeping the bridge safe for use The lifespan of the road surface on the bridge had expired, and it required resurfacing to safely allow vehicles and cyclists to…

We’ve announced the appointment of Glenn Howells as the new chair of its West Midlands Regional Advisory Board, which is now in effect. Glenn will succeed John Hudson OBE DL, who has admirably led the volunteer board for six years, significantly contributing to the region’s waterways and communities. Helping guide our work The West Midlands…

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…