The Canal & River Trust

  • Canal charity arranges for trapped boats to re-join the network

    Canal charity arranges for trapped boats to re-join the network

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    An unexpected flotilla of narrowboats has been delighting visitors at the National Waterways Museum in Ellesmere Port this week, as the canal boats sail onto the Shropshire Union Canal from the Manchester Ship Canal. The Canal & River Trust has been helping more than 40 boats which have been trapped on the River Weaver Navigation,…

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  • Boat lift out of action, visitor centre still open!

    Boat lift out of action, visitor centre still open!

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    The Anderton Boat Lift Visitor Centre, near Northwich, remains open to the public, despite the closure of the Victorian lift to boat passage. Visitor numbers have fallen since news was announced of the closure of the boat lift a few days ago due to a repair required on the caisson gates. However the lift’s owner,…

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  • Rolling on the river

    Rolling on the river

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    Jonathan Mosse continues his monthly look at freight developments on the inland waterways. AS WRITER and researcher for the Nicholson Waterway Guides, bumping along what passes for a towpath on the lower Trent astride a bicycle, checking for changes to the navigation, could easily be numbered at the bottom end of the job’s attractions. By…

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  • Aqueduct Marina proud to have been involved in the Commonwealth Games

    Aqueduct Marina proud to have been involved in the Commonwealth Games

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    The recent Commonwealth Games in Birmingham generated a considerable amount of pride in the athletic achievements of the competitors. Still, the event was also a proud moment for Cheshire-based Aqueduct Marina, who supplied two boats to the Canal and River Trust just as the event began. The new 35 ft boat is called Aquarius II and…

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  • GIANT Hogweed on the Kennet & Avon!

    GIANT Hogweed on the Kennet & Avon!

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    Giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum) has recently been found at Garston Lock near Reading on the Kennet & Avon Canal. The Trust only became aware of the incidence when it was reported in the media and social media. When this highly toxic plant is identified on our network we take action to remove the plant as…

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  • CANAL & RIVER TRUST PROVIDES UPDATE AS DROUGHT DECLARED

    CANAL & RIVER TRUST PROVIDES UPDATE AS DROUGHT DECLARED

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    As a drought is declared by the National Drought Group across much of the canal network, the Canal & River Trust is encouraging boaters to check their routes before they cruise and to follow water-saving best practice wherever possible. As at 15 August, the charity has introduced water saving measures at various locations, with more…

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  • Automatic updates aid navigation while water levels remain low during drought

    Automatic updates aid navigation while water levels remain low during drought

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    A drought has been declared for parts of England following the driest summer for 50 years and it’s important to check The Canal and River Trust’s updates on water levels while they remain low.

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  • £500m waterways engineering contracts awarded..

    £500m waterways engineering contracts awarded..

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    Civil engineering contracts awarded to help protect and preserve 2,000 miles of historic waterways, providing resilience to a changing climate From flights of locks, to reservoirs and 250-year-old tunnels and soaring aqueducts, the Canal & River Trust has awarded contracts to JN Bentley and Kier to carry out large-scale construction and engineering projects across its 2,000…

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  • NABO Statement following the increase to boat licences

    NABO Statement following the increase to boat licences

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    The National Association of Boat Owners have sent Towpath Talk their response to the recent boat licence increase announcement from CRT: Targeting boaters is CRT’s easy option but it should not be just boat owners who are expected to make up any shortfall in CRT’s finances, whether this is due to the current economic situation…

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  • Housing association chief to join CRT

    Housing association chief to join CRT

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    David Orr CBE proposed for appointment as next Canal & River Trust chair The Canal & River Trust is proposing to appoint David Orr CBE as its new chair subject to approval at the meeting of the charity’s Council in September and subsequent endorsement by Board members the following day. Orr will join the Trust…

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  • Boater licence fees increase announcement- IWA respond..

    Boater licence fees increase announcement- IWA respond..

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    The Inland Waterways Association understands the extraordinary economic climate that is affecting Canal & River Trust and appreciates the reasoning of a second increase (of 4%) within one year. IWA welcomes the confirmation that the Trust will support boaters who may be struggling to pay their licence fees on a case-by-case basis. However, IWA regrets…

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  • Increase to boat licence fees

    Increase to boat licence fees

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    In light of soaring inflation, which is impacting the costs required to keep the waterways safe and navigable, the Canal & River Trust is today announcing an inflationary rise of 4% in boat licence fees from 1 October 2022. This is in conjunction with cost saving measures that the Trust is taking and actions to…

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  • The sun’s been shining on lock painting team

    The sun’s been shining on lock painting team

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    THE Uppermill Community Action Network (UCAN) volunteers were all feeling rather blessed at their recent activity morning thanks to the glorious sunny weather which made it ideal to continue painting at Wade Lock. Working with the Canal & River Trust (CRT), the group likes to think this important asset really does contribute to the beauty…

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  • CANAL & RIVER TRUST LAUNCHES FIRST ‘BOATER CENSUS’

    CANAL & RIVER TRUST LAUNCHES FIRST ‘BOATER CENSUS’

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    The Canal & River Trust is launching the first ever Boater Census and is asking every boat licence holder to take part and help paint a picture of who boats on the charity’s waterways. The Boater Census has been designed with input from boater representatives on the Trust’s Council to help understand the different needs…

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