inland waterways

£1.3m Canal Rescue Plan: 16 Extra Projects Fast-Tracked After Summer Drought

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November 14, 2026

Canal & River Trust is bringing forward 16 additional water-saving projects across England and Wales this winter, investing £1.3 million to tackle leaks, repair lock gates and improve water supplies following two consecutive years of drought. The Canal & River Trust is investing £1.3 million in 16 additional water-saving projects this winter following the severe…
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Major Winter Canal Works Announced Across West Midlands – Lock Gates, Bridges and Water Loss in Focus

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November 13, 2026

Canal & River Trust has announced a major programme of winter repairs across the West Midlands canal network, with lock gate replacements, bridge repairs and work to reduce water loss among the priorities following an exceptionally dry summer. Waterways charity Canal & River Trust is preparing to carry out a significant programme of repairs and…
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The Water Road podcast Highly Commended at the Independent Podcast Awards

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November 12, 2026

The Water Road, the podcast exploring the people, places, and stories of the canals and rivers of England and Wales, has been Highly Commended at the Independent Podcast Awards. The awards were held in London on 4 November, where judges praised The Water Road, saying: “The host really brings the boating community alive and we…
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Llangollen Canal set to reopen in March 2027 as major Whitchurch breach repairs progress

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November 9, 2026

The Canal & River Trust has confirmed that the Llangollen Canal is expected to reopen in March 2027, as work continues to rebuild the embankment following the major breach near Whitchurch in December 2025. The Canal & River Trust has announced an anticipated reopening date for the Llangollen Canal, with the historic waterway expected to…
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Sustainable Boating Awards 2026: Meet the Innovators Changing Britain’s Waterways

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November 7, 2026

From electric boats on the Broads to river clean-ups and an innovative sanitation service for boaters, the third Towpath Talk/Inland Waterways Association Sustainable Boating Awards celebrate three very different approaches to sustainability on Britain’s waterways. This is the third year that the Towpath Talk/Inland Waterways Association Sustainable Boating Awards have been presented, writes the IWA…
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England’s Drought Crisis: Water Shortages Could Continue Into Spring 2027

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Mark Lancaster

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November 2, 2026

ENGLAND’S waterways are under mounting pressure, with almost three-quarters of the country still in drought. Fresh modelling suggests every region may need 120% of its usual rainfall to escape drought by April 2027. The National Drought Group is meeting weekly, bringing together ministers, regulators, water companies, farmers and environmental organisations. Suppliers have been ordered to…
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460 Young Anglers Take Over 30 Miles of Canal for Britain’s Biggest Fishing Celebration

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October 31, 2026

Around 460 young anglers lined more than 30 miles of the Shropshire Union Canal for the National Celebration of Young People & Fishing. Organised by the Canal & River Trust, the event celebrated fishing, friendship and the benefits of spending time outdoors. Hundreds of young anglers took part in National Celebration of Young People &…
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Reopen the Wendover Arm! Boaters Unite as Sir David Suchet Backs Canal Campaign

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October 30, 2026

Boaters, kayakers and paddleboarders have joined forces in a campaign flotilla calling for the reopening of the Wendover Arm of the Grand Union Canal. The Inland Waterways Association and Dunstable & District Boat Club are pressing for action, with support from actor and IWA vice president Sir David Suchet. The Inland Waterways Association and Dunstable…
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Hidden hazards afloat: the narrowboat mistakes that can turn deadly

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October 22, 2026

Inland waterway cruising is relaxing and stress-free, but it can also be a challenge. Here, River Canal Rescue details some common examples… NARROWBOAT owners must understand the workings of their vessels and be able to problem-solve. For the practically-minded, this may not be a problem, but not everyone has the mindset or skills to do…
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Paddling with a purpose: Shrewsbury canoeists help clean up the River Severn

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October 17, 2026

CANOE paddlers in Shrewsbury are doing their bit to keep their local waterways clean and tidy. Members of Shrewsbury Canoe Club have undertaken clean-ups on the River Severn, collecting litter and debris from the water. They have shared photos of the events with Towpath Talk; visit https://shrewsburycanoeclub.org/ to find out more. We love to see…
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Rare coast-to-coast paddleboard journey completed

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October 16, 2026

PADDLEBOARDER Natasha Sones has completed a 161‑mile coast‑to‑coast journey across England using only her stand‑up paddleboard. The 46‑year‑old mother of three from Suffolk travelled from Liverpool to Goole, following the full length of the 127‑mile Leeds & Liverpool Canal and the 34‑mile Aire & Calder Navigation, in 10 days. She paddled around 15 miles a…
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Flotilla finally conquers the Mersey

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October 15, 2026

After many delays and disappointments, two boats from the Fund Britain’s Waterways flotilla finally made the passage across the Mersey to Liverpool Docks. STEVE Burt reports: “There were three boats in the convoy. We (Steve and Fiona on Lutra) were the middle boat, with White Butterfly (Paul, Bev and Carter the dog) behind us. The…
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Narrowboat recovered from Bath deep lock

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October 13, 2026

A four-man team from River Canal Rescue (RCR) recovered nb Molly from Bath deep lock on the Kennet & Avon Canal after the vessel was sucked back onto the cill and sank. The incident happened at lock 8/9, on 10 September and the Canal & River Trust issued a navigation closure alert at 2.50pm, citing…
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Shropshire Union Canal Society Work party report 1st to 4th October 2026

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October 12, 2026

Blessed by kind weather, more outstanding progress on multiple fronts. “With the high volunteer numbers that have now become something of a norm, it is not unusual to report progress on multiple fronts”. Said restoration project manager, Tom Fulda, “The October work party felt particularly varied with activity spanning a channel length of more than…
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