Canal & River Trust

Scythe of the times: canal volunteers get back to nature

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October 2, 2026

Volunteers are turning back the clock at Aston Locks nature reserve on the Montgomery Canal, using traditional hand-held tools to manage the site in the spirit of the canal lengthsmen of a century ago. WORKING at Queens Head, near Oswestry, the group plans to rely only on non-motorised equipment such as scythes, loppers, billhooks and…
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Weed-choked waterways spark protest

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September 30, 2026

PROTESTERS in Lincoln have raised fresh concerns over the state of the Foss Dyke and River Witham, claiming the waterways are now “choked” with thick, fast-growing weed. Boaters and anglers gathered at Brayford Pool, saying they pay significant licence fees yet see little maintenance in return. The protest was organised by members of the Burton…
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Southampton Boat Show welcomes more than 91,000 visitors

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September 29, 2026

More than 91,000 visitors attended this year’s Southampton International Boat Show, as the event brought ten days of boating, watersports and marine innovation to a close. The 57th Southampton International Boat Show ran at Mayflower Park from September 18-27, with organisers British Marine confirming a total attendance of 91,160. More than 500 boats and other…
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‘Boaters deserve better – it’s time to act’

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September 26, 2026

NABO general secretary Peter Braybrook comments on some more topical issues. I CONFESS: I am not a boater any more. I am still a boat owner, but this year our boat has only moved to turn it round to wash the other side. We planned to cruise the Kennet & Avon this summer as we…
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Swans Forced ashore as invasive weed chokes The Monty

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September 24, 2026

SWANS have reportedly been forced onto the towpath because an invasive plant has grown so thickly across the Montgomery Canal that they cannot get through. Now Glandŵr Cymru, the Canal & River Trust in Wales, is stepping up efforts to protect one of the nation’s most treasured waterways. Water soldier, an aquatic plant native to…
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New Thorne Lock mural celebrates local heritage and community memories

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September 22, 2026

Visitors to Thorne Lock, on the Stainforth & Keadby Canal, can now enjoy a vibrant new mural celebrating the area thanks to the artistic talents of Canal & River Trust volunteers. IN just two months, a once overgrown and untidy area beside the lock keeper’s cabin has been transformed into an attractive space for visitors.…
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Volunteers sought to keep locks moving

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September 21, 2026

With more people choosing to explore the UK’s waterways, extra support is being sought to help ensure the smooth operation and a welcoming experience for visitors and boaters. LOCK keeping has been central to Britain’s waterways for centuries, and today, volunteers with the Canal & River Trust play a vital role. They assist boaters through…
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Free canal art trail launches in Smethwick this Saturday!

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September 18, 2026

Waterways charity, Canal & River Trust, is inviting local people to the launch of a new, free canal art trail in Smethwick. The trail is a year-long community arts programme exploring the town’s canals, heritage and communities. The project, made possible thanks to funding from players of Postcode Lottery and Arts Council England, launches on…
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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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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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Deep-dive rescue reopens historic Bevere Lock

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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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Pontcysyllte safety squad targets mounting congestion

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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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Drought forces canal network into emergency mode

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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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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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