Mark Lancaster

From oyster reefs to living seawalls – Inland and Coastal showcases the versatility of pontoons at SIBS 2026

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Mark Lancaster

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September 19, 2026

Inland and Coastal is returning to the Southampton International Boat Show (SIBS) this year to highlight the extraordinary potential of the humble pontoon, proving that simple yet innovative adaptations can create ecological benefits that go beyond mooring a boat. Taking place from 18th to 27th September, Inland and Coastal will join The Yacht Harbour Association…
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Discover the hidden world of bats at Foxton Locks

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Mark Lancaster

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September 14, 2026

The Canal & River Trust is inviting visitors to experience Foxton Locks after dark and discover the fascinating nocturnal wildlife that calls the historic site home. The charity is hosting a series of guided evening bat walks at Foxton Locks, giving people the chance to learn more about local bat species while exploring one of…
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Electric patrol boat Blackwater Joule begins work on the Thames

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Mark Lancaster

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September 11, 2026

The Environment Agency has taken a step forward in reducing the carbon emissions of commercial workboats in the UK by launching the electric Blackwater Joule. THE new RS Pulse 63 RIB will be used for river enforcement and regular patrols to ensure all boats on the river are fully registered, as well as monitoring and…
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Discover the fascinating heritage of the nation’s waterways as canal charity hosts free behind-the-scenes open days

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Mark Lancaster

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September 10, 2026

Canal & River Trust, the charity that cares for 2,000 miles of waterways across England and Wales, is 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. From exclusive tours of the Trust’s two working lock gate workshops to boat…
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Canal groups criticise lack of vision for Exeter’s new A379 bridges

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Mark Lancaster

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September 7, 2026

IN a joint response to the public consultation regarding the A379 Bridges Replacement Scheme, the IWA and the Friends of Exeter Ship Canal & Heritage Harbour (FESCHH) say they also believe that the consultation is unrepresentative. Despite Devon County Council proposing five options for the new bridges at stakeholders’ meetings in October last year, the…
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River Wissey restoration project gives wildlife a boost

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Mark Lancaster

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September 2, 2026

HABITAT improvement works are underway on the River Wissey as part of a joint initiative led by Aquamaintain in partnership with Norfolk Rivers Trust. The project aims to restore the river’s natural balance and enhance conditions for wildlife. Teams have been carrying out a range of in-channel enhancements alongside targeted vegetation management to support a…
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Electric patrol boat launch sparks cleaner future for the Thames

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Mark Lancaster

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September 1, 2026

The Environment Agency has taken a step forward in reducing the carbon emissions of commercial workboats in the UK by launching the electric Blackwater Joule. THE new RS Pulse 63 RIB will be used for river enforcement and regular patrols to ensure all boats on the river are fully registered, as well as monitoring and…
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River Canal Rescue course dates

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Mark Lancaster

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August 25, 2026

River Canal Rescue has released more dates for its two-day diesel engine and boat maintenance course, running at the company’s Stafford HQ. They are: 2/3 and 23/24 September, 7/8 and 28/29 October, 11/12 and 25/26 November and 9/10 December. The course covers how to maintain diesel engines and the systems within a narrowboat, such as…
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What can you forage along canals in summer?

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Mark Lancaster

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August 24, 2026

Foraging is a great way to get closer to nature along your local canals. Whether you’re new to foraging or an enthusiast, our towpaths are packed with edible plants to enjoy, says the Canal & River Trust. SUMMER is one of the best times to try foraging for wild food, and getting out in the…
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Sankey Canal group adopts Earlestown railway station

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Mark Lancaster

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August 11, 2026

The Sankey Canal Restoration Society has formally adopted Earlestown Train Station – and you are invited to get involved. The station, located near the historic Sankey Canal, England’s first modern canal, sits in the heart of a transport corridor that shaped regional trade and engineering. Under the adoption scheme, SCRS volunteers are carrying out regular…
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Canal & River Trust temporarily suspends 14-day movement to help conserve water during drought

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Mark Lancaster

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August 7, 2026

Canal & River Trust has temporarily suspended the requirement for boats without a home mooring to move at least every 14 days as part of efforts to conserve water during the current drought. The temporary measure, which comes into force with immediate effect, has been introduced to help reduce demand on the network and avoid…
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Railwayana with canal connections makes its mark at auction

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Mark Lancaster

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August 4, 2026

Railway safety instruments with strong canal connections were the star items of inland waterways memorabilia under the hammer in May and June, while a poster and a Shropshire Union Canal bridge notice also made their mark. The highest-priced canal-related safety instrument, featured in a major auction held by Great Central Railwayana on June 6, was…
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£60,000 boost for fish passage in River Teign catchment

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Mark Lancaster

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July 31, 2026

The Westcountry Rivers Trust is to receive £60,000 to fund river barrier removal in the Teign catchment. Through Environment Agency intervention, Valley Pet Crematorium in Paignton has agreed to pay the money as part of efforts to improve passage for salmon and other fish in the area. The company had failed to obtain the correct…
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£5.2m revamp for safer summer on eastern waterways

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Mark Lancaster

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July 29, 2026

Boaters are set to benefit from a £5.2 million programme of improvements across Anglian Waterways – but campaigners say the figure just isn’t enough. WORK carried out at more than 14 sites – from Northamptonshire to Norfolk – are designed to boost safety, reliability and environmental quality, ensuring rivers remain open and accessible to thousands…
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Mark Lancaster

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