“Our canals matter” | Canal & River Trust

We have published an Election Statement calling on all political parties to recognise the value of our canals and invest in their future. What we want The next government will face enormous challenges – from the climate emergency and its impact on nature, water and the environment, to widening inequality and the cost of living…

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You are invited to view major construction phase at July open days

We’ve entered a major construction phase in the restoration of Toddbrook Reservoir in Whaley Bridge. You are invited to join us on Friday 19 and Saturday 20 July for a behind-the-scenes tour of the works. Update on the works The construction of a new spillway to the side of the reservoir is well underway. This…

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We’ve reopened Gloucester bridge to tall ships

We’re preparing to welcome a flotilla of vessels into Gloucester for the popular Tall Ships Festival after repairs made to a major lift bridge that allows ships passage into Gloucester Docks. During an inspection, cracks were found at the base of a mast on High Orchard Bridge, which carries St Ann Way over the Gloucester…

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National Waterways Museum’s stolen Tilley lamps recovered

We’re delighted that three ‘Tilley’ lamps stolen from the National Waterway Museum have been recovered thanks to the keen eye of one of our volunteers, who spotted the lamps for sale on eBay. Our museums team alerted the police, who recovered the items. The seller is now assisting police. Holding 90% of the UK’s inland…

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Floating sculpture on Sheffield & Tinsley Canal gets thumbs up

Planning permission granted for ambitious artwork by Alex Chinneck. We are delighted to confirm that a new floating sculpture by internationally renowned artist Alex Chinneck has been granted planning permission. The ambitious new commission will be installed on the Tinsley Flight, close to Tinsley Marina later this year and is the first time the artist…

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His Majesty King Charles III confirmed as patron of Canal & River Trust

We are honoured that His Majesty King Charles III has announced his Patronage following a review of Royal Patronages conducted after His Majesty’s accession to the throne. As the former Prince of Wales, His Majesty had previously been our Patron since we were founded in 2012. His Majesty has had a long interest in waterways…

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We ‘reel in’ thousands of young people to fishing programme

The UK’s most popular programme of angling events has got underway. The Let’s Fish! events, offer the opportunity for thousands of local people to pick up a fishing pole and enjoy spending time by the water’s edge. Let’s Fish! Let’s Fish! is a national programme of over 400 introductory events taking place across England and…

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Artificial Intelligence Helps To Protect Historic Canal Bridges From Vehicle Strikes

An innovative artificial intelligence (AI) CCTV system is being trialled by the Canal & River Trust charity on the Lancaster Canal to catch careless hit-and-run motorists, who each year cause thousands of pounds worth of damage to historic hump-back canal bridges. As well as inconvenience to local residents and boaters, vehicle strikes on 200-year-old stone…

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