Yorkshire’s historic canals and heritage railways – both with origins in the Industrial Revolution – are working together to support a long-established canal maintenance method.
The Canal & River Trust is collaborating with Keighley Worth Valley Railway, Embsay and Bolton Abbey Railway and Middleton Railway to help maintain water levels across the canal network.
The process, known as ashing-up, is a traditional technique used to seal gaps in lock gates and reduce water loss. It dates back to the 19th century, when heavy canal traffic meant water supplies were often limited. Lock keepers would apply coal ash overnight to help maintain watertight locks. With steam railways often located alongside canals, ash was readily available.
Today, the Canal & River Trust continues to use this method selectively during essential works, including its annual winter restoration programme and emergency lock repairs. Over time, a range of modern and organic alternatives – such as rubber and polymer sealants, soaked sawdust, wood chips and natural clay – have been tested. However, none have matched the effectiveness of railway ash in creating a reliable watertight seal.
Darren Trolley, team leader for the Canal & River Trust in Yorkshire and the North East, has extensive experience using the technique along the Leeds & Liverpool Canal.
“Sometimes, the old ways really are the best when it comes to working on the canals,” he said. “It’s great to see Yorkshire’s heritage railways and canals supporting each other.
“The process of ashing-up is a simple, cost-effective solution that reuses a byproduct of the heritage railways. We pour a small amount of ash into the canal just above a lock, and the flow of water draws it into the gaps in the gates, forming a completely watertight seal. It’s amazing to see this technique in action and to think it’s still being used centuries later.”
Ian Smith, vice president of the Middleton Railway, said: “This really is a win-win for us and the Canal & River Trust. We have a responsible way of disposing of our ash, and the trust can use it to repair locks and keep another heritage operation running for many people to enjoy.”
