News

Canal & River Trust publishes initial findings into Llangollen Canal breach

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March 31, 2026

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

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March 30, 2026

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

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March 28, 2026

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

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March 27, 2026

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

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March 26, 2026

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

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March 25, 2026

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?

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March 24, 2026

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

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March 23, 2026

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

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March 21, 2026

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?

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March 20, 2026

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

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March 19, 2026

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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Chair sought to navigate association in the future

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March 18, 2026

The Northern Canals Association is appealing for a new chairperson to take over the helm. THE group was set up in 1991 with the aim of enabling restoration societies to visit other’s sites, where the host would discuss their possibilities, plans and problems. Over the years, its meetings have ranged far and wide in location,…
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Fin-tastic revival of West Country rivers

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March 17, 2026

THOUSANDS of fresh fish have been introduced to rivers, lakes and ponds in Somerset, Dorset and Wiltshire by the Environment Agency. The seasonal restocking of lakes and fisheries in need of a piscine boost has taken place thanks to 6750 of coarse fish reared by the agency’s Calverton Fish Farm, near Nottingham. Money from rod…
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Easter historic boat gathering heralds golden anniversary year at Ellesmere Port

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March 16, 2026

The Canal & River Trust will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the National Waterways Museum at Ellesmere Port with its annual Easter Historic Boat Gathering, taking place from 3–6 April 2026. Around 40 decorated narrowboats and barges are expected to attend the popular event, which takes place at the museum’s historic dock site at the…
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