Towpath Talk

From oyster reefs to living seawalls – Inland and Coastal showcases the versatility of pontoons at SIBS 2026

by

Mark Lancaster

–

September 19, 2026

Inland and Coastal is returning to the Southampton International Boat Show (SIBS) this year to highlight the extraordinary potential of the humble pontoon, proving that simple yet innovative adaptations can create ecological benefits that go beyond mooring a boat. Taking place from 18th to 27th September, Inland and Coastal will join The Yacht Harbour Association…
Continue reading »
Free canal art trail launches in Smethwick this Saturday!

by

Web Editor

–

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…
Continue reading »
WaterBlitz returns as volunteers asked to help monitor UK’s freshwater health

by

Web Editor

–

September 17, 2026

PEOPLE around the UK are being encouraged to take part in a major citizen science project this autumn, helping to monitor the health of the nation’s canals, rivers, lakes and ponds. The annual Great UK WaterBlitz will return on September 18-21 , with organisers aiming to make it the largest and most impactful water quality…
Continue reading »
Blue substance prompts bathing warning

by

Web Editor

–

September 16, 2026

A bright blue substance discovered in Littleham Brook, in Exmouth, Devon, has prompted the Environment Agency to advise people against bathing as a precaution. Officers attended the site after receiving a report of the unknown substance and found no visible environmental impacts. The agency said the source was traced to an industrial site, but the…
Continue reading »
Characters of the Cut: Where the water writes the story

by

Web Editor

–

September 15, 2026

For writer Jenni Ratcliffe, water is in her blood, and her journey to finding herself living aboard Trentham, a 40ft 1975 cruiser stern narrowboat built by Stone Boat Builders, somewhat fated. Alice Elgie reports… “GROWING up, my parents called me and my sister to dinner by ringing a large brass bell that we were told…
Continue reading »
Discover the hidden world of bats at Foxton Locks

by

Mark Lancaster

–

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…
Continue reading »
Aggregate on the Aire & Calder Navigation

by

Web Editor

–

September 12, 2026

Ice doesn’t sort rocks, but water from melting glaciers does, laying down gravels in neat, flat layers, often on the banks of subsequently formed rivers. Jonathan Mosse reports.. IN many cases, rural roads provide an excellent means of moving these aggregates, once extracted, to the point of use, such as on construction sites and to…
Continue reading »
Electric patrol boat Blackwater Joule begins work on the Thames

by

Mark Lancaster

–

September 11, 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…
Continue reading »
Canal groups criticise lack of vision for Exeter’s new A379 bridges

by

Mark Lancaster

–

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…
Continue reading »
Deep-dive rescue reopens historic Bevere Lock

by

Web Editor

–

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…
Continue reading »
Volunteers wanted as Yorkshire river survey reveals water quality concerns

by

Web Editor

–

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…
Continue reading »
Goole marks 200 years with spectacular bicentenary flotilla

by

Web Editor

–

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…
Continue reading »
Pontcysyllte safety squad targets mounting congestion

by

Web Editor

–

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…
Continue reading »
Work begins on Cotswold Canals’ Missing Mile

by

Web Editor

–

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…
Continue reading »

Towpath Talk

Latest Issue

Free Digital Issue

Search

Tags