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  • Wartime pill boxes on Kennet & Avon Canal repurposed as bat habitats

    Wartime pill boxes on Kennet & Avon Canal repurposed as bat habitats

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    Second World War pill boxes on the Kennet & Avon Canal in Berkshire have been transformed into homes for bats. The work has been carried out by volunteers and the Canal & River Trust at locations including Garston Lock and Hamstead Lock. WARTIME relics reborn into havens for bat species VOLUNTEERS and colleagues at the…

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  • £1.3m canal repairs see hand-built lock gates installed on Grand Union Canal in Leicestershire

    £1.3m canal repairs see hand-built lock gates installed on Grand Union Canal in Leicestershire

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    Major Canal & River Trust works are under way in Leicestershire to replace ageing lock gates and protect historic waterways from climate pressures. Leicestershire’s waterways are undergoing major maintenance and preservation work to keep them navigable as part of a £1.3 million repairs and restoration programme. The Canal & River Trust is replacing lock gates…

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  • UK first for Banbury apprentice Jacob

    UK first for Banbury apprentice Jacob

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    An apprentice at Banbury’s historic Tooley’s Boatyard has become one of the first people in the country to qualify as a heritage engineering marine technician, marking a nationally significant milestone in the safeguarding of endangered marine and inland waterways skills. JACOB Beak has successfully completed the Level 3 Heritage Engineering Marine Technician apprenticeship, a new…

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  • Canal & River Trust publishes initial findings into Llangollen Canal breach

    Canal & River Trust publishes initial findings into Llangollen Canal breach

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    The Canal & River Trust has today shared the findings of its interim investigation into the Llangollen Canal breach that occurred at Whitchurch, Shropshire, last December. Prepared by Canal & River Trust engineers, supported by technical experts, the initial findings suggest the breach was most likely caused by a combination of specific factors in this…

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  • Enjoy Yorkshire’s canals over Easter

    Enjoy Yorkshire’s canals over Easter

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    With the arrival of warmer weather and trees and plants starting to come into bud along canal towpaths, Canal & River Trust, the UK’s largest canal charity, is inviting families across Yorkshire to head into the great outdoors and enjoy a programme of Easter and spring activities. From boat trips and fishing taster days to…

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  • Nightfall on the Cut: Security Tips Every Boater Should Know

    Nightfall on the Cut: Security Tips Every Boater Should Know

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    The winter months make the towpaths very dark in the evenings, so this is a good time to think about personal safety and the security of your most precious things, like your boat, advises the Canal & River Trust. IT’S a sad fact that there are people out there who, if given the opportunity, will…

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  • Centuries-old gift keeping tradition afloat

    Centuries-old gift keeping tradition afloat

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    Villagers and guests gathered in a Lincolnshire churchyard to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the burial of Nicholas Harby – and honour an unusual bequest. WHEN Nicholas Harby died in 1826, he left behind more than memories – he ensured a living tradition for Harlaxton, in the South Kesteven district of the county, by bequeathing…

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  • Museum Focus: Exploring Maidenhead’s river heritage

    Museum Focus: Exploring Maidenhead’s river heritage

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    The importance of the River Thames in the development of this lovely Berkshire town is brought to life at the Maidenhead Heritage Centre, writes Nicola Lisle. OPENED in 1993, Maidenhead Heritage Centre traces the history of the town from its earliest settlers to the present day through paintings, photographs, posters, models, information boards and other…

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  • Oustanding! West Midlands canal volunteers

    Oustanding! West Midlands canal volunteers

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    The Canal & River Trust has recognised the contribution of volunteers across the West Midlands in its annual awards scheme, supported by The Marsh Charitable Trust. The awards highlight individuals and teams supporting canal operations, environment and community engagement. Volunteering plays a key role in supporting organisations across the country, and the Canal & River…

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  • Can you lend the trust a hand?

    Can you lend the trust a hand?

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    THE Canal & River Trust needs more hands on deck and is inviting people to discover a host of ways to give some time canalside in their local community. Built by hand 250 years ago as the freight arteries that fuelled the Industrial Revolution, canals don’t look after themselves, and generations of people have played…

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  • Reservoir plan moves forward as waterways access is championed

    Reservoir plan moves forward as waterways access is championed

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    Anglian Water, in collaboration with Cambridge Water, is progressing with plans for a new reservoir to be established within the Cambridge Fens. THE Fens Reservoir Project aims to secure a reliable water supply for Cambridge, neighbouring communities, and West Norfolk. The region is among the driest in the UK, and the growing number of technology…

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  • Join appeal to help keep PeggotyTom IV operational

    Join appeal to help keep PeggotyTom IV operational

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    ISLINGTON Boat Club is raising funds for a new engine for its core boat, PeggotyTom IV. Keeping the boat operational is critical to what the club does – without it, youth sessions and training courses are at risk. “For many years, PeggotyTom IV has been more than just a narrowboat. She has been a place…

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  • Race to a greener future – but is the finish line still out of reach?

    Race to a greener future – but is the finish line still out of reach?

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    Jonathan Mosse reports: Some folk reading recent pieces in this column might feel that I’ve been a little harsh regarding the potential of hydrogen when looking at alternative fuels. In the interests of balance, here is a round-up of where on the road to sustainable propulsion this fuel resides today. OVER the past five years…

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  • Fish rescue begins at Whitchurch following canal breach

    Fish rescue begins at Whitchurch following canal breach

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    Waterways charity, Canal & River Trust, is completing an important ecological milestone in the recovery from December’s canal breach on the Llangollen Canal at Whitchurch.  Around 1,000 fish washed into a neighbouring farmer’s field are being rescued and safely returned to the canal. The pool of water in the field, which was up to six…

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