Towpath Talk

ALAN FIRTH- probably Britain’s best-known waterways artist (part one)

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December 10, 2025

In this first instalment, Tim Coghlan recalls the life and works, and his own personal memories, of canal artist Alan Firth (1933-2012), once described by the IWA as ‘probably Britian’s best-known waterways artist.’ THERE is one signature painting by Alan Firth which really has most of the elements of his canal artist style, technique and…
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GOVERNMENT URGED to back vision for national river corridor network

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December 9, 2025

A powerful call for Government action on the UK’s rivers has reached the Prime Minister, as a letter demanding support for the creation of nationwide river corridors was delivered to 10 Downing Street. The letter comes from The Riverscapes Partnership – a coalition of The Rivers Trust, National Trust, Woodland Trust, and Beaver Trust –…
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OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION to biodiversity

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December 8, 2025

Darnford Moors copse, at Darnford Moors Ecology Park, has been named after the Lichfield and Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust’s (LHCRT) former chair. A CEREMONY has taken place to name Bull Wood in honour of Christine Bull, who played a pivotal role in transforming Darnford Moors into the thriving habitat it is today and encouraging the…
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DUAL CRISIS and ‘irreversible decline’…

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December 6, 2025

Campaigners warn three quarters of Britain’s canals face ‘dual crisis and irreversible decline’ The Inland Waterways Association (IWA) is calling for an urgent government review after issuing a stark warning that 75% of Britain’s waterways are now at serious risk due to a “perfect storm” of chronic underinvestment and escalating climate impacts. The country is…
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WIN!! a year’s subscription (delivery) to Towpath Talk

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December 5, 2025

To celebrate River Canal Rescue’s 25th anniversary this year, managing director Stephanie Horton, has been giving away prizes each month. In this issue, 10 Towpath Talk readers can win a year’s free subscription, worth £22 each if paying by Direct Debit. This means you’d get Towpath Talk delivered, to you! RCR is a regular contributor to Towpath Talk, so…
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MAJOR FUNDING SECURED to safeguard the future of the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal

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December 5, 2025

The future of one of Wales’ most cherished waterways has just received a significant boost. The Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal – a vital lifeline for local wildlife, businesses, and tourism – will continue to flow thanks to a long-term funding commitment announced by the Welsh Government. Deputy First Minister Huw Irranca-Davies confirmed that the Welsh…
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REMEMBERING Dinah Hutchinson – founder of the London Canal Museum

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December 4, 2025

The inland waterways community is paying tribute to Dinah Hutchinson (née Burford), a pioneering figure who dedicated her life to preserving the history, heritage and culture of Britain’s canal-working families. Mrs Hutchinson died peacefully in her sleep on Saturday, October 4, aged 90, leaving behind a legacy that transformed the way the public understands and…
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£6.46 MILLION Secures Restoration of Stroudwater Canal’s ‘Missing Mile’ After 70 Years

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December 3, 2025

ONE of the UK’s largest and most significant waterway restoration projects has secured £6.46 million in funding, paving the way for the Stroudwater Navigation to reconnect with the national canal network for the first time in over 70 years. Through the Cotswold Canals Connected (CCC) partnership, the stretch of canal between Stonehouse and Saul will…
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WIGAN CANAL reopens to boats after water main burst

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December 2, 2025

BOATS have returned to cruising the seven-mile length of the Leigh Branch of the Leeds & Liverpool Canal in Wigan following its closure due to a burst water main back in August. Engineers at the Canal & River Trust worked with United Utilities, which owns the water main, to carry out a bespoke repair to the canal bank between Poolstock Lock and Bamfurlong…
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December 2025

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Alex Bestwick

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December 1, 2025

Towpath Talk features everything you need to know about boats, marinas, wildlife, conservation, heritage and superb days out.
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STAYING SAFE around water is crucial

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November 29, 2025

Dramatic scenes unfolded at a West Yorkshire marina – but it was all in the name of training. Sally Clifford went along to find out more. THE serenity of the canal was momentarily disturbed by the cries of ‘man overboard.’ While the sight of a body in the water may have been alarming for those…
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CANAL BOAT DIARIES Series 7 now filming

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November 28, 2025

WATERWAYS explorer Robbie Cumming will be back on the small screen in 2026 as the star of Canal Boat Diaries series seven. The popular programme, which will again be aired on U&YESTERDAY and UKTV’s free streaming service, U, is being filmed now. Robbie will begin a brand-new journey around the UK from Wales to West…
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CANAL MANIA documented in new film

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November 27, 2025

Dan also looks into the stories of the people who inspired and designed the canals in Georgian and Victorian Britain – famous names like Josiah Wedgwood, Thomas Brindley, Thomas Telford – and the armies of humble navvies who did the dirty work. He said: “Thank goodness the industrial pioneers of 250 years ago built canals!…
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MUSEUM FOCUS: Industrial gem in Bristol

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November 26, 2025

Nicola Lisle, in words and pictures, discovers an historic boatyard open to visitors at the heart of Bristol’s famous Floating Harbour. Clifton’s iconic Suspension Bridge and the SS Great Britain grab the lion’s share of attention in Bristol, but for anyone with an interest in the history of river and sea trade in this ancient…
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