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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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Volunteers needed to help uncover the health of Yorkshire’s rivers this September

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Web Editor

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September 9, 2026

ALMOST one in four river samples taken in Yorkshire’s Derwent and Aire catchments showed poor water quality during the Great UK WaterBlitz in April 2026, as Yorkshire Wildlife Trust’s Rivers to Reef partnership project calls for more volunteers to help build a deeper understanding of the health of Yorkshire’s rivers. Nearly 200 water samples were…
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Historic river’s secret war role revealed

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Web Editor

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September 8, 2026

AN exhibition at Buckler’s Hard Shipyard is shedding light on the hidden wartime history of the Beaulieu River, revealing how a tranquil Hampshire waterway was transformed into a vital military asset during the Second World War. Beaulieu River At War opened at the Shipyard Gallery following a launch by historian Dan Snow. Running daily until…
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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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Deep-dive rescue reopens historic Bevere Lock

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Web Editor

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September 5, 2026

BOATERS can once again navigate the River Severn between Stourport and Gloucester after vital repairs reopened Bevere Lock, near Worcester. An inspection discovered a faulty paddle on the 183-year-old lock that was preventing it from filling properly, impacting boaters travelling between Stourport and Gloucester. The fault, located below the waterline, required the assistance of specialist…
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Volunteers wanted as Yorkshire river survey reveals water quality concerns

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Web Editor

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September 4, 2026

ALMOST one in four river samples taken in Yorkshire’s Derwent and Aire catchments showed poor water quality during the Great UK WaterBlitz in April 2026, as Yorkshire Wildlife Trust’s Rivers to Reef partnership project calls for more volunteers to help build a deeper understanding of the health of Yorkshire’s rivers. Nearly 200 water samples were…
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Goole marks 200 years with spectacular bicentenary flotilla

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Web Editor

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September 3, 2026

A CELEBRATORY flotilla marked Goole’s 200th anniversary, retracing the historic 1826 arrival of 50 vessels that heralded the port’s opening. The modern fleet assembled at the Dog and Duck area, near Goole Marina, on July 18, navigating through South Dock bridge and around the docks under the lead of an ABP survey vessel and accompanied…
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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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Lightwell reveals hidden river at busy train station

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Web Editor

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August 31, 2026

An installation at Sheffield Station is allowing passengers to experience a long-hidden stretch of the River Sheaf for the first time in more than a century. THE new River Sheaf Lightwell, unveiled on Platform Five, provides sight, sound and even the scent of the river as it flows beneath the station – a route it…
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Pontcysyllte safety squad targets mounting congestion

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Web Editor

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August 29, 2026

A safety team is being deployed at Pontcysyllte Aqueduct to manage busy-period traffic and ease congestion as growing numbers of paddle craft and narrowboats use the landmark. THE aqueduct safety team, with their visible onsite presence, add to existing measures, including CCTV and the introduction of vessel and operator identification requirements for commercial operators using…
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Work begins on Cotswold Canals’ Missing Mile

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Web Editor

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August 28, 2026

CONSTRUCTION has begun on the Cotswold Canals’ Missing Mile after six years of planning. The scheme will reconnect the restored Stroudwater Navigation with the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal, edging the waterway closer to the national network. Volunteers are excavating 750 metres of canal east from John Robinson Lock towards the M5, with two locks, flood…
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Drought forces canal network into emergency mode

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Web Editor

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August 27, 2026

AS large swathes of England and all of Wales were declared in drought following weeks of exceptionally dry weather, the Canal & River Trust activated its highest level of operational response to keep boaters moving as much as possible. THE combination of very low rainfall and higher temperatures has seen reservoir levels, river levels and…
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Scottish canals round-up: festivals, art, repairs and TV appearances

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Web Editor

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August 26, 2026

THE annual Revolution Festival returned to the Falkirk Wheel in May, celebrating sport with activities, live music and family entertainment. Canal Listening launches An immersive art installation at the wheel in early July marked the start of Canal Listening, a new arts and research project led by artist Andrew J Brooks and Scottish Canals. The…
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