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EXPLORE the magical world of dragonflies

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August 21, 2025

There’s plenty of time to get involved in the Wildfowl and Wetland Trust’s summer Dragonfly Festival. It’s taking place until September 22 at all 10 of the WWT’s wetland sites in the UK. “Dragonflies are some of nature’s most dazzling creatures, with their shimmering wings, acrobatic flight, and vibrant colours,” said the trust. “A living…
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LOW WATER LEVELS: some thoughts from CRT

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August 20, 2025

There have been a few videos launched via The Canal & River Trust YouTube channel, offering some insight into low water levels, etc: Daniel Greenhalgh – the impact of scarce water: Matthew Symonds – the impact of low water levels: Dr. Adam Comerford – water resources update:
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SURVEY YOUR RIVER with the Big River Watch app

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August 19, 2025

Twice a year, The Rivers Trust runs Big River Watch, and the next one is on September 19-25. Anyone can take part in these week-long citizen science surveys that help to build an important picture of river health in the UK and Ireland. The trust said: “Our rivers are far from healthy. They are polluted…
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ICONIC PADDLE STEAMER returns to the water

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August 18, 2025

The historic steam-powered Kingswear Castle – the last remaining coal-fired paddle steamer in the UK – has set sail on its summer cruises on the River Dart. The circular route takes in the lower part of the river, viewing the castles at the estuary, the Britannia Royal Naval College, and towards famous crime novelist Dame…
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FIRE in nature reserve

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August 17, 2025

A wildfire broke out in a popular nature reserve in Essex on August 5. About 10 hectares of field were alight in Creeksea Ferry Road on Wallasea Island. By 5pm, firefighters had extinguished the blaze and dampened down hotspots. Essex County Fire and Rescue Service did not state the cause, but said it was working…
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FLOCK to Foxton Locks for family fun

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August 15, 2025

Families are being encouraged to explore a 200-year-old marvel of engineering this summer as the Canal & River Trust launches a programme of summer activities at Foxton Locks, Leicestershire. The charity is holding a series of activities helping people to discover the wildlife and historic features at the site, the UK’s longest, steepest flight of…
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VITAL IMPROVEMENTS being made to Barnes Bridge

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August 15, 2025

South Western Railway passengers on the Hounslow Loop are being made aware that buses will replace trains between Kew Bridge and Barnes between August 23 and 31 while Network Rail completes strengthening works on Barnes Bridge, over the River Thames. The middle girders supporting smaller beams on the bridge will be removed and replaced with new…
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BREAKING NEWS: More dry weather restrictions due

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August 14, 2025

More dry weather restrictions due as boaters urged to start making plans now More navigation restrictions are set to be imposed as the prolonged dry weather around the country is declared a ‘nationally significant incident’ – as boaters are today urged to start making their own contingency plans. “Many of the reservoirs that supply our…
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WET WIPE ISLAND on the Thames

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August 13, 2025

Inspired by the work of Thames21 and its volunteers, the Port of London Authority (PLA) and Thames Water have decided to clear ‘wet wipe island’ in Hammersmith. The PLA-led operation is removing an estimated 180 tonnes of congealed wet wipes that has formed the island along a 250-metre stretch of the tidal Thames near Hammersmith…
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IMPROVING ACCESS and inspiring active living along Leeds & Liverpool Canal

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August 12, 2025

A newly upgraded two-mile stretch between Bridge 187 in Kildwick and Bridge 191A in Silsden, known as the ‘Missing Link,’ is the final section of unsurfaced historic towpath in Yorkshire to be improved by the Canal & River Trust. Built more than 200 years ago as the longest single canal for the passage of boats,…
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CLOSURE for museum

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August 11, 2025

The Foundation of the River & Rowing Museum, in Henley-on-Thames, has said it will close its doors to the public for the last time on September 21, resulting in almost immediate job losses and the loss of a vital educational resource. The venue’s struggle to achieve financial sustainability is well-known. A statement from the foundation…
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BCN EXPLORER CRUISE: Turning Strangers into Friends While Championing Forgotten Canals

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August 9, 2025

Towpath Talk follower Wendy Davis provided this report, this society is worth supporting! Between July 6th and 15th, a group of nine boats and total strangers came together for an incredible adventure—cruising some of the less-travelled canals around Birmingham to showcase their hidden beauty, rich history, and to help keep these underused waterways open for…
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RCR course date reminder

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August 8, 2025

River Canal Rescue has spaces on its two-day maintenance courses, running 17/18 September; 1/2, 15/16 and 29/30 October, 12/13 and 26/27 November and 10/11 December., and its engine electrics course on 10/11 September. Held at RCR’s Stafford HQ near bridge 101 on the Staffs & Worcs Canal, the boat and engine maintenance course covers how to…
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SURVEY of energy usage

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August 7, 2025

The NABO (National Association of Boat Owners) has been talking to the Department for Transport (DfT) and their consultant Ricardo. They have asked us to help with an energy use survey for inland waters. This survey has been developed by Ricardo, in collaboration with the DfT, to aid in improving emissions estimates from inland waterways and…
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