WATERWAYSbusinessesare expressing growingconcerns as lowwaterlevelsand stoppages areset to continue into the autumn following what was officially declared thehottest
summeronrecord, leadingto calls foranurgentrethink on watermanagementintheUK.
As predictions aremadethat thecountry’s reservoirs may notfully recoveruntil at least December andpossiblythe spring,thosewhoselivelihoods depend on thewater saythis couldbe‘devastating’ in the longerterm.
Historic pub to become a home?
A FORMER canalside pub could be converted into a home Malthouse Cottage, in Westhorpe Lane, Kiveton Park, Rotherham, ran as The Barge Inn from 1777 and was later converted into cottages and then a commercial garage but is now in a state of disrepair
The Canal & River Trust and Severn Trent Water are among the consultees on the planning application lodged with Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council
ABNB Boat Brokeragesaid: “Theclosure of Watfordand Foxton locksonthe Grand Union Canaleffectivelycut off canalaccess to ourbrokerage at NorthKilworth Marina.This decision hashad adirectimpact on ourbusiness. The number of boatsofferedtousfor sale has significantlydeclined, while buyers arebeing deterred as theycannot move boatsoffthe LeicesterLinebywater.Many areinstead havingtoconsider theadditional cost of road transport,which often resultsin reducedoffers,tothe detriment of vendors. “Wealsohaveboats at outlying locations sittingidle
Campaignerswinplanningbattle
RIVERgroups andanglingclubs have welcomed the rejection of aplantobuilda poultryunitfor32,000 chickens 200metres fromthe RiverKennet.WestBerkshire Council rejected Sutton’sEstate’sapplication at HamsteadMarshall, aSiteofSpecial Scientific Interest.Concerns were raised by NaturalEngland following representations fromtheAngling Trustandthe Environment Agency,which made aformalobjection.
•Continuedonpage4
Dredging at Gloucester Docks
AN eight-week dredging programme at Gloucester’s historic docks is starting Dry weather means water levels on the River Severn have been low and heavy with silt, and a huge amount has been carried into the docks Since the start of August, Gloucester Lock has been closed to limit further silt from entering Navigation of the canal and docks will remain open throughout the programme
Vital maintenance at Foxton Locks
WHILEFoxtonLocks is temporarilyclosedtoboats due to the drought, the opportunityis beingtaken to carryout planned repairstoimprove theway the famous flightworks
Teams will be replacing the paddles that releasewater from special side ponds into locks10 and 17, improvingthe flowof waterintoeachlock. To do this, the affected locksand side ponds must be drained.
The Canal&River Trustwillalso repointhistoricbrickwork within thehand-built 200-year-old flight and fillany gaps in the canalwall to preventleaks
Harborough District Council hassupportedthe trustwith a £10,000 contribution from theUK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).
Aaron Atwal, the trust’sregional operations manager, said: “These repairswerealready in ourplan but, with thelocks closed to boats due to droughtconditions,we’ve found away to bringworkforward so that we minimisedisruption to boatersand businessesinthe future.
“FoxtonLocks is amarvelof engineeringbut it’s more than 200 yearsold and requires constant maintenanceand care to protect it and keepingitworking the way it should.”
Foxton Locksisthe UK’slongest, steepest flightofstaircase locks and is used by about5000 boats each year.Itwas built by hand 200-plus yearsago to help raise cargo-carryingboats 75ft uphill.
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He’s done it! Narrowboater is home after2600mile charity walk
After 146 days, covering 2635 miles, Chris Stanburyis back home on his narrowboatfollowing the epicwalk raising funds for achildren’scharity –and he might have achieved two worldrecords in the process.
By Lucy Wood
THE intrepid fundraiser setoff startedhis walk at the mostwesterly pointofmainland Englandinearly April, reachedJohn O’Groats,then turnedaround and walked back to Land’s Endvia adifferentand more direct route, reachingthe Cornish landmarkonAugustBankHoliday Monday
The adventure sawhim averaging about18miles aday,campingat night, and navigatingcanalsfor muchofthe journey –and the best thingabout it,Chris said, was meetingsomanypeople alongthe way, as well as raisingmorethan £20,000 so far for the charityHope andHomes for Children.
Hiseffortsmight have made him aworld record-breaker–one for beingthe oldestperson to walk from Land’s EndtoJohn O’Groats and back again (known as LeJoGLe), and the other for being the fastest,asnoone hasclaimed therecordinthe past –and he is nowlooking into the processofhow to verify them
Chris, 71, wholives full-timeona pink-coloured eco-friendlyelectric narrowboat called Elektra,was greetedatLand’s Endbysupporters who cheeredloudlywhen he came into view –and he celebrated by indulgingina pintofcider andan ice cream.
He is knownasthe Pink HatMan as he is usuallyseenwearing one andwas relaxing on Elektra when he spoketo TowpathTalk
“It’sanexperience that will stay with me for life,” he said. “It’sgoodto be home,but alsosad, becauseI’ve experiencedadifferentway of living.
“Itwas arduousattimes,but I’ve tickedthatbox nowand won’t repeat it.Iwas carryingabout 14lb in my rucksack –it’stough carrying that weight everyday
“Every gram counts.Therewas asection in Scotland with 160 milestowalk betweenshops,soI hadtocarry enough food for nine days,and theterrain wastough.It wasboggy,evenwithnorain,and obviously dangerousgiven Iwas on my own. At one point, one legwent into abog,and it took me acouple
of minutes to getout.I’veseena physio sincecominghome,who said my legmuscles arelikesteel!
“Itwas greatspendingtimealone in nature. Isaw an otter, and up in Scotland Isaw threeeagles. That wasa privilege.”
Constantcruiser Chris, who runs aweb marketingcompany,reunited with Elektra at GarstangMarina, on the LancasterCanal, whereitwas moored duringhis journey.Hehas sincemoved on, eagertoget back outonthe waterwaysand to enjoy theever-changingviews from his narrowboat’s windows.
He chosethe life afloatfour yearsago,havinglived the same houseinWiltshirefor 25 years. “It wasalovelyhome,but IfeltlikeI wasgettingstale and didn’t want to gently fade away –it’snot my style. I went to the showatCrick and took the plunge.”
Chrisspent nine months planning histrip, taking in iconic paths includingthe Cotswold Way, the JubileeWay,Wales CoastPath, all268 milesofthe PennineWay,the West Highlands Wayand the entire
length of the LancasterCanal –all with Hope and Homes for Children in mind, whichhehas supported for about25years.Itworks in nine countries to improvethe livesof children in orphanages and with teams of skilledchild protection professionalstoget thesechildren back to their families
As well as hopefullyverifying thewordrecords,henow planson talkingpubliclyabout hisexperience to further the charity’scause “I’vehad adarn good time,a holiday,and have raised money forcharity while enjoyingmyself,” he added. “I must have met10,000 people.Itwas terrific.”
Youcan still supporthis endeavoursbydonating at www.justgiving.com/page/ lejog70 andrelive his journey at www.instagram.com/ pinknarrowboat and www youtube.com/@PinkHatMan In next month’s Towpath Talk, Chris shares aphotodiary of his once-in-a-lifetime trip.
Damoverflowspillway is settobecompleted by Christmas
ACONSTRUCTION
projecttocreatea new overflowspillway structure at ToddbrookReservoir, WhaleyBridge, is expected to be finishedbyChristmas
Construction of the new damspillway is keyto bringingthe reservoirback into useafter the former auxiliaryspillway on the damwallwas damaged in thesummerof2019
following excessiverainfall.
The Canal&River Trust’s contractor,Kier,isnow in the final stages of creating a waterside weir,tumble bay, stepped spillway channel and stillingbasin, providing anew routefor excesswater to reachthe RiverGoyt.
Redundant1970s concrete panels andsome460 bags of aggregatedropped by Chinookhelicopters
on thedam wall during theemergency arebeing removed. The slopewillbe repaired and grassedover.
Dilwyn Parry, Toddbrook projectmanager for the CRT, said:“The endisnow in sight. By theseventh anniversaryofthe incident, we should againhavea beautiful workingreservoir
“Thespillway channel was inspectedand approved by agovernment-qualifiedcivil engineer,allowing anew opening to be made in the damcrest to enable Kier to completethe final workson the spillway structure.
“All waterfromTodd Brook, whichfeedsthe reservoirand givesitits name,isnow flowing into the main reservoir,and thiswilleventuallyprovide aregular flowdownthe spillway channel to create an attractivestepped
waterfallfeature through thetown’sMemorial Park
During the comingspring, thereservoir will be allowed to refill naturallyincarefully monitored stages
“Early next year,work will starttocreatea replacementsailingclub, theconstruction site will be reduced, and artwork will be appliedtothe new concreteturrets
The MemorialParkwill be re-landscapedwith newtrees,paths,wildlife habitats and stonewalls, new playground equipment installed, and the Whaley Bridge AFCfootballground restored to its original size in time for the2026/27 season.
“ToddbrookReservoir will again be capable of supplyingwater to the Macclesfield andPeak Forest canals.Itwill be
Parry
restockedwith fish and, hopefullybythe summer, it will be fullyrestoredas acommunityresource forsailing,angling and swimming.”
Chris at Land’sEnd in August, the end of his epic journey up and down Britain. PHOTO: SUPPLIED
Toddbrook project manager Dilwyn
Council pursues recovery of £55k for sunken boat removals
Bath &North East Somerset Council has begun formal proceedings to recover £55,000 in publicmoney that was spent on removing sunken boats fromthe River Avon in Bath.
FOUR boat ownershavebeenserved with formaldemands requiringthem to either settle theirdebts in fullor agreearepayment plan.
The boat removaloperation near PulteneyWeirwas completed by the councilinMay after the abandoned boatshad posedahazardtoother riverusers and apollutionrisktothe waterfor many years.
Beforethe removaloperation wascarried out, the ownerswere approached by the council on multiple occasions over anextended period and given the opportunity to recovertheir vessels themselves within adesignatedself-recovery window; however, this wasnot actioned.
Theownerswerealsogiven advance warningthattheywould be required to repaythe costs if the council completed removals
Deputy council leader Coun SarahWarrensaid:“Boat ownersare responsible for the maintenanceand environmentalimpactoftheirvessels. These sunken boatshad been creating ahazardinthe waterway andposing
arisktoits ecology for alongtime, whichiswhy we made everyattempt to work with the ownersovermany months to arrangeself-recovery beforeremovingthe boatsourselves as alastresort.
“Wealsoinformedthe owners at everystage that failuretorecover their vessels themselves would result in the councilseeking recovery of the costs.
The removals have cost thecouncil about£55,000 and we hopetoavoid havingtotakelegal actiontorecover the money.”
The removals were part of the Better Moorings Project, whichseeks to addressarange of mooring-related mattersinBathand NorthEast Somerset. Theywerecarried outby specialistcontractor Strate Marine Services,inaprocess whichbegan on March15and endedonMay 9.
Following the operation, Coun TimBall, cabinet member for neighbourhood services,said: “Thesefive boatshavebeenanissue
forsome time and it’s fantasticthat theremovaloperation hasbeen completed.Thank-you to residents and businessesinthe area for your patience while the workswerecarried outand to Strate Marine Services andour Better Moorings team,who all worked tirelesslytoachieve this positive outcome.
“The removals will ensurethe safetyofall riverusers andenhance everyone’s enjoyment of this iconic waterway,whilereducingthe levels of artificial wasteinthe river.
“Weadviseboatownerstosafely moor at recognised andofficially open mooringsites,monitor their moorings regularlythroughout the winter season, ensuretheirboats are fit for the waterand arefullyinsured inclusiveofsalvage.”
The formalrecoveryproceedings arebeingcarried outinline with nationalprotocolonpre-action debt and the council’sown debt policy
Trustawarded £200k for next phaseofrestoration
LICHFIELDand Hatherton
Canals Restoration Trusthas been awarded£200,000 in Community InfrastructureLevy fundingfromLichfield District Council to supportthe delivery of phasetwo of theGallows Reach canalrestoration project– a transformativestepinrestoring the Lichfield Canal.
The levy is chargedonnew developments and funds infrastructure improvements in the district,and the council then allocatesthe funds to projects providinglastingbenefits.
Thisfundingwill enable trust volunteerstolinkthe section from Gallows Wharftothe footpathbetween Tamworth Road and Longbridge Road, payingfor essentialmaterials for the225-metrestretch of canal, including sheet pilingfor the sidesand awatertightliningfor the canalbed.
Theworkwillcreateatraffic-free
pedestrianroute linkingthe new housingdevelopments at Cricket Lane and St John’s Grange,while alsoestablishingnew habitats for wildlife and enhancing biodiversity.
Lichfield District Council cabinetmemberCounAlex Farrelladded: “I wasexcited to visitthe Gallows Reachsection of the canalproject and seehow much thetrust volunteers have achieved so far.TheCommunity Infrastructure Levy funding will help them continue with the deliveryofthis fantastic restoration project.”
The trustcontinues to make good progress at Gallows Reach. The first phaseatTamworthRoad Narrowsisnearing completion, enablingworks for thesecond phaseare nowcomplete, and majormilestones areunderway, including the installation of alift bridge andworkdue to starton the CricketLane culvert.
Waterwaysreportreveals ‘harsh realities’ of current economic crisis
THIS year’s National Boat Count 2025 hasrecordedanincreasein people choosing alife afloatbut strugglingwith thefinancial and practical challenges of boating. In last month’s issue, we reported the headline figures of the count, conducted by the Canal& River Trustonits waterwayseachyear and collated through physical sightings of boats. It reported a
1.5% rise in boat numbersand an increase in unlicensed boats, with evasion standingat9.9%.
Nationally,33,080boats were recordedonthe trust’senforceable waters. Numbersofboats without home moorings increasedby11.9% (to8519), while boatswith home moorings declinedby1.8%(to 23,889). About92% of boatswith home mooringswerelicensed,
compared to 84% of boatswithout home moorings.
The trustsaid: “Weuse the income from licensingtohelp fund lock repairs, provide boater facilities, and maintain canals fornavigation.
“Withthe difficult economic climatefelt to be an increasing contributortoboats becoming unlicensed,our welfare support hasbeenstrengthened, with boaters
in need signposted to financial assistance for supportwith licence payments,suchasUniversal Credit.
“The effectivenessofthis new approach hasbeenborn outin London, whichsaw areduction in licence evasion, from 17.9% to 15.5%, for the first time since 2018.”
Alex Hennessey, the CRT’s national boatingmanager, added: “Weare seeingthe harsh
realities of thecost-of-livingcrisis play outonthe waterways. More people have turnedtolife afloatbut for some the financial and practical challengesare provingdifficult to manage.Weare doingall we can to supportstrugglingboaters,and we urge people to talk to us early. ” In the last financialyear, 101 abandonedorunlicensed boats were removedfromthe network
Carole Mills, chair of Lichfield and Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust, with Lichfield District Council cabinet members Coun Alex Farrell (left) and Coun RichardCox at Gallows Reach. PHOTO: SUPPLIED
Oneofthe sunken boats removed from theRiver Avon PHOTO: BATH &NORTH EAST SOMERSET COUNCIL
As we moveinto autumn, the summer drought remains in the news. With experts believing reservoir levels won’trecover until December, whatshould be done to protect our waterways in the future? Here, Charlie Norman,the director of campaigns and public affairs for the Inland Waterways Association, which acts as secretariat for the Waterways All-Party ParliamentaryGroup, writes exclusively for TowpathTalk about this most pressing issue.
THIS spring wasexceptional, goingdownasthe UK’s warmestand sunniestonrecord accordingtoTheMet Office When thereisnorain, there is no waterfeedingour canals andrivers. As it hasbeenan unusuallydry summer,weare nowseeingsome reallyworrying situations as autumn arrives.
Rainfall is the lifeblood for canals and rivers,and The National DroughtGroup declaredthe watershortfall last month as ‘nationally significant.’Augusthas been very dry, with just 15% of the long-termaverage rainfall for the month;this is on topofthe driestspringinoveracentury
An overlooked and underreported issueisevaporation. It’s as obviousasitissurprising that this processcould change waterlevels,but liquid turns into vapour,and it’s gone To hot weather,combined
with lowrainfall, just add evaporationand it’s no mystery whyweare experiencing these lowlevels. Speaking of lowlevels,agedwooden lock infrastructureisbetterofffor beingunder water– it is much moresusceptible to needing
Lock fiveofthe Atherstone flightonCoventry Canal is padlocked as the whole flight has been closed since August 26 due to the lack of waterinthe feeder reservoirs.No timescale had been set forthe reopening at the time of this issue goingtopress.
PHOTO: GRAHAM NUTTALL
YorkshireWater-managed GrimwithReservoir, neighbouring theYorkshireDales SailingClub, showing low water levels in July this year.
costlyrepairswhen exposed to air
Navigation restrictionsor closures areaffectingavery largepartofthe network, includingstretchesoftheLeeds and Liverpool, Macclesfield, Trentand Mersey,PeakForest, Rochdale,Oxfordand Grand Union Canals;simplyput, the networkisnot built for extreme weather Periodsofprolongeddry spells and reducedriver flows result in diminishedoxygen levelsinour waterways. It’s badfor fish populations and increasesthe likelihood of harmfulalgal blooms, somethingthathas become acommon sight. These conditions alsorestrict the abilityofwildlife to travel upstreamordownstream, resultingindisrupted natural migration patterns whichare needed for healthyecosystems.
Overall, this is ableak and worryingpicture. Oneshould have some sympathy for water and licensingauthorities,but there areactions that canbe taken –wedon’t have to just pray andhopefor rain.Itis possible in areasofthe network to move wateraround when it is needed somewhereelse.
Thefundamental and guidingaim should be to keep the network open and navigable.
Ourcanal network is rightly world-famous becauseofits wonderfulhistory rooted in IndustrialRevolution, but thedownsideisthatsomuch of thenetwork is oldand requires maintenance. Aged infrastructure, which is 250 yearsold in some places,requires money, but it should be viewedthrough thelensofinvestment– and onethatwillpay off.For
Cause of boat explosion being determined
ABOATwhichsank in KelstonLock, on the BristolAvonNavigation, after sufferinganexplosion hasbeen recoveredfromthe water.
The co-ownersofthe vessel, who wishedtoremain anonymous, told howonAugust25theycollecteditfrom itsmooring on Mill Island andset off acrossthe RiverAvontowards Kelston Lock,headingfor Bath.One co-owner wasat the helm, while the other,with afriend, acted as crew
“When arrivingatthe lock 10 minuteslater,the crew disembarked to open the lock gatesand the boat steeredthrough,” theysaid. “The rope wassecured around the capstan, and the co-owner wasstandingbythe cabin door to receivethe rope
“At11.50am,anexplosion washeard from theengine area.Thecrewalerted thepersonleftonthe boat that flames were comingfromthe foldedcanopyat the stern. The co-owner turnedaround and triedtograbthe fireextinguisher,but she wasadvised to getout immediately for fear of further explosion.
“Havingclimbedontothe roof of the boat, the crew hauledthe person up onto the lock side.Realisingadog wasstillinthe cabin, one ofthe crew jumped down onto theroofofthe boat and went into the cabinthrough the door and retrievedthe dog.
“At 11.58am,the firewas fullblown.Thefire services were called by someoneinthe pubwho heardthe explosion. Theyattempted to usethe hose, butitdid not reachthe lock or the boat. Sometime later, the fireservices carriedthe hose acrossthe waterinan inflatable boat
“At12.50am,the firehad been extinguishedbut the lock gateswere still smouldering. The boat sank in the lock at 1.10pm.”
The recovery operationwas carried outbyRiver CanalRescue(RCR)’s Jake Mullen, KerryHorton, Pete Barnettand Andy Spencer.Itwas filmedbyChannel 4’sNarrowEscapes,airingnextMay, which is featuringRCR’s work
Theexplosion damagedthe 200-year-old lock gates, which were replaced by the Canal& RiverTrust It is hoped the causeofthe explosion will be determinednow the vessel has been recovered.
example,areportlastyearby British Marine showedBritain’s inland boatingand tourism sector and itswider associated tourismgenerated £7.6 billion in totalfor the year 2022/23.
In London,asinthe North West,droughtisincreasingin frequency, butelsewhereitis floodsthat areboth increasing and worseninginseverity, as seen by the disastrous BridgewaterbreachofNew Year’s Daythisyear. We must be able to rely on afunctional system for watermanagement andmitigation.
Watercompanies must followtheir droughtplans; wheretheydon’t,the Governmentmustholdthem to high account.
Much hasalready been writtenabout thevarious problems we allfacewitha changing climate. We should be lookingtosee what can be done,and thewaterways network is in fact wellplacedtobepartofa climate solution. Forexample,canals canmitigatethe UrbanHeat Island effect. Thisincreases temperatures in citycentres, and it canonlyworsenas
thermometersgoup. What is the first thingwethink of when we areover-heated? Water, of course.Bodies of water have anatural coolingeffect.It means anywaterways in urban areaswillbemorepleasant locationstoliveand work.Trees tend to grow alongsidewater sources,which provide muchneeded shade for people and wildlife. Irecommend reading up on the research undertaken by the Canal&River Trustwith the University of Manchester that shows howthe presenceof canals in urbanareas cancool ourcitiesduringheatwaves by up to 1.6 degrees. We need amoreresilient network,and it is the subject under discussion at the next WaterwaysAPPGmeeting in October, for whichthe IWA acts as secretariat. The subject is climatechange, and its impact on waterways, and we certainlywon’tbelooking far for evidence Ourinland waterwaysface unprecedentedchallenges from weather extremes,and we areseeingthatatthe moment. Butlet’s takeheart –theycan alsobepartofthe solution.
Tradersfeeling the heat of drought-strickennetwork and ‘devastating’ winter forecast
•Continuedfrompage1
awaitingsurveys.Although we canget the boat to asurvey location in some cases, there is not enough watertoget over the cill to dock or to be floated onto atrollyfor lift out. Without significant rainfall,Ifearfor the remainderofthe year.Weare hearingrumours that the locks will not be openeduntil winter, whichwill be devastating.”
CrickWharf Marina said: “WithWatford and Foxton locksonthe Grand Union Canal(Leicester Line)closed sinceJuly29, moorershave been unable to return home andour winter moorershave been unable to navigatetous, leavingberths unexpectedly empty. Thishas resulted in thecompletelossofour winter bookings, whichforma vital part of ourannual income
“The uncertainty around waterlevels ledustoinstall stop plankstomanage the reduced supplyand to protectthe infrastructureof the marina
“The lack of rainfalland continuedclosures are creatinga growingconcern forthe months ahead, both for ourmarinaand the wider waterwayscommunity.”
At the beginning of September, TheMet Office reported that summer 2025 wasofficiallythe UK’s hottest Liveaboard boatershave either become stranded or face adashtoanother location,whilepopular tourist routes have reportedly seen boatingholidayscancelled–as the Canal& RiverTrust,as reported,faces ashortfall in the fundingitneedstokeep the network open.
Reader TPhoenix said: “We boughtanarrowboattocruise through the sixmonths March to October. As it happens,our boat is nowatwo-yearproject andnot goingfar.Theimpact on businesses, jobs and the economies that thecanal system supports is huge –this is anational emergency.” While rainfall hasreturned, nature organisations sayit won’t fix theconsequences of the drought, warning that thesefirst downpours canbring dangerous‘first flushes’ofpollutants into our waterways. The Rivers Trust said: “TheUKcan no longer rely on theassumption that it is aconsistently wetcountry with an endlesssupplyofrain.” Read moreabout thistopic on www.towpathtalk.co.uk
The remainsofthe boat in Kelston Lock. BOTH PHOTOS: RCR
PHOTO: LUCY WOOD
Preparing tolift theboat out of the water
Fifteen yearstograbaunique steamycanal image
This yearmarks Railway200, the 200th anniversaryofthe modern railway, when the Stockton &Darlington Railway commenced operations in 1825.
IN what wasone of the biggest railway events of recenttimes, TheGreatestGatheringat Derbysaw the 150-ton SR Merchant Navy ClassNo. 35028 Clan Line twicerouted over Grand Union Canalat FennyStratford, acouple of miles east of Bletchleyonthe Bedfordline,whichcrosses the canalonalow bridge by lock 22 –and narrowboater Phil Marshmade sure he wasthere to catchits journeyoncamera.
“Photographically,this is agreat location,”hesaid. “Lockgates,swing bridge, alockkeeper’scottage and arailway,and for a long-standing professional railwayphotographer,it offersa greatcanvas. It just required asteamlocomotive
to completethe picture.The waterlevel changesbyless than afootatlock22and local folkloresuggests this shallow waterlevel difference was purely to extracta passing toll from all boats!
“Mynarrowboatismoored aboutfivemiles north at LionheartsCruisingClub,in Milton Keynes.Afew miles furthernorth is the world’s first railwaytown, Wolverton. Here,the West CoastMain Line crossesthe GrandUnion Canal, making another great photographic location.
“In2010, severaltest photos were taken at lock 22 giventhata similar-sized steamlocomotive, aLMS Duchess, wasbookedto cross the canalafew days
later. Ireturnedfor the master shot butannoyingly, the locomotivewas diverted and went viathe Wolverton canalcrossing10milestothe north instead.”
Determined to capturethe shot this year,onAugust4, Phil arrivedatlock22.
“I spent15minutes taking test shots from allangles and locations,onthe lock gates, the swingbridge and thetowpath,aswell as ensuringthe correct camera settings.Shootingfromthe swingbridgeoffered the best panorama, and the train was trackedonline
“Unlikefairlysilentmodern trains, Clan Line couldbe heardbut notseendue to lineside treesnomorethan 10 seconds beforecrossing the canal. Some 30 images were takenona continuous burst– and the15-yearwait for such apicturewas over
“Unlike 2010 at Wolverton, disappointingly, no canal
boat of anydescription was cruisingatFennyStratford. In 2010, anarrowboatwas passing, sawmewaiting with acouple of cameras, andasked what Iwas waiting for.Iexplained that asteam locomotivewas aboutto
crossthe canalonthe bridge, and wasitbepossible to position his narrowboat in shot for me.
“This wasbeforeI’d joined the canalcommunity and didn’t knowabout the loss of steering effect at lowornospeed.But
after 15 years, Imanaged to bag that unique picture.” The technicaldetails are: Canon 5D4 with a24-105 F4 lens;shutter speed1/500th second; ISO800; exposure F8 with a+0.3 of astop compensation.
Clan Line crossesFenny StratfordGrand UnionCanal lock number 22 on August 4. Thelocomotive was built in 1948 at Eastleigh for British Railbut designed by the SouthernRailway BOTH PHOTOS: PHIL MARSH
LMSPrincess Royal class locomotive No. 6201 Princess Elizabeth crosses the Grand Union Canal at Wolverton on March 3, 2010.
Improvedtowpath to create greener and safer routetotown’sstation
Residents and commutersin Mirfield, West Yorkshire, are benefiting from aresurfaced towpathand upgradedfootpath.
THE official openingmarkedthe fourth completed Firstand Last Mile project delivered by the Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU), Kirklees Council and the Canal& RiverTrust,partofa wider initiativetoimprove connections to and from railway stations
Canalusers areenjoying1.2km of upgradedtowpath betweenStation Road, Mirfield and ShepleyMarinawhichnow provides an all-weather surface.Historic features,suchascobbledareas andcanal banks, have been restored anda new benchinstalled, while CRTvolunteers enhancedthe flowergarden. Anew route from Mirfield Station through the town’s memorialparkincludes steps to replace apreviously muddyslope,morepaths in the park,and an improved exit
Coun MosesCrook,deputyleaderof Kirklees Council and cabinet member forHousing andTransport,said: “Access betweenthe park and canaltowpath has been greatlyimproved, offeringasafe,green and welcomingroute to Mirfield Station. KimLeadbeaterMP, whoperformed aribbon-cuttingceremony, said:“These improvements help people make greener travel choices andenhance the localspace and make theareamore accessible.”
Itinerant boatdwellers’ triumph
over Smoke Control Order
this will come into effect is December1,2025.
Sean McGinley, regional directorfor the Canal&River Trust, said: “These towpathimprovements aregivingmore people the opportunitytoenjoy their canal. As acharity caring for2000 miles of canals and rivers,weare incredibly gratefulfor partnership on projects like this to improveour waterside routes and protectour 200-year-old network.”
The Transpennine RouteUpgrade is a multi-billion-poundrailway programme that will transformjourneys in thenorth, better connectingtowns and cities like Manchester, Huddersfield, Leedsand York
Anew home with a verybright future
“WE’VE moved, and the futurelooks bright,”said a triumphantTom Fulda, the restoration projectmanager forthe ShropshireUnion CanalSociety.
As previously reported in TowpathTalk,SUCSisa registeredcharity runentirely by volunteerswho arefocusing on openingupthe drysection of the MontgomeryCanal in Shropshire, linking theWelsh section with thenational
network.This summer,the work party’sefforts have concentrated on upgrading the towpathinthe area of Crickheath Wharf.
TheCrickheathSouth projectissplit into three phases,designated1A, 1B and2.1Afocuseson180mof channelsouth from Crickheath Bridge,wherebut two-thirds of the length still requires work, while 1B continues southwards throughopencountry to
SchoolhouseBridge. “During aworkparty,the main events were starting work in Phase 2and relocating theworks compound,” said Tom.
“Wealsoreceivednews that, in collaboration with the Canal&River Trust, the society will benefit from afurther UK Shared Prosperity Fund grant.”
The grantof£250,000 runs to Marchnextyear.
“Ofthis,£140,000 will be used forcontinuedrestoration work on the Montgomery Canaland on repairstoAston Lock hutbythe CRT. The balance of £110,000 is for ongoingrepairsatEllesmere Yard
“This will enable progress to continue closingthe ‘Shropshire Gap,’the last two miles of unrestoredcanal in Shropshire,”said Tom.
“Phase 2ofthe projectis the remaining270m beforewe reachSchoolhouseBridge. In order to work in this area,we have occupiedthe compound previously used to build SchoolhouseBridge. The site is quiteconstrained; much of it is in ashallowcut.Thereisnohaul road –all accesswill be made along the channel, so once again we startatthe far end and work back to the accesspoint, in this case the new compound by the bridge.”
IN avictoryfor the bargee traveller community, HackneyCouncil will not applyits proposed SmokeControl Order to moored boats.
Following representations from the National Bargee Travellers’ Association (NBTA) and its members in the council’s consultation in 2024, the authority decided not to applythe controls to boats. Akey reason was “greater recognition of the differentcircumstances that applytoboaters who don’t have accesstothe same choices for heatingasthose livingonland.”
Concerns abouthow the controls wouldfinancially impact boatersand their abilitytoheattheir homes,and alsoabout howthe controls wouldbe enforced, played aparttoo TheEnvironmentAct 2021 removedapartial exemption for vessels from the CleanAir Act1993, meaninglocal authorities have thepower to apply SmokeControl Areasto vessels moored within thoseareas
An extract from Hackney Council’s email informing NBTA of the outcome read:
“I am writingfurther to the public engagement processcarried outon proposals to introducea new SmokeControl Order within the London Borough of Hackney. Following the end of the engagement period,weconsidered all of the objections we received Thank youfor takingthe timetorespond andI wouldliketoassureyou that your comments were taken into consideration during thedecisionmaking process.
“ThenewSmokeControl Order does NOTapply to thewaterways within the borough.Welistenedto the objections that were raised,and we recognise that more time and supportisneededbefore extending thecontrolsto coverthe waterways.
“Pointswereraised by both thoseliving aboard boatsand those livingonland. The main points raised duringthe engagementare:concerns abouthow the controls would financiallyimpact boatersand their abilityto heat theirhomes;requests for moreinformation aboutthe airquality benefits that mightbe securedbyextending the smokecontrols; greater recognition of thedifferent circumstances that apply to boaterswho don’thave access to thesame choices for heatingasthoseliving on land; and concerns abouthow the controls wouldbeenforced.
“Hackneyispartnering with otherLondon boroughs on aproject to engage liveaboardboaters to findout moreabout currentheatingmethods and the challengesfaced in transitioningtocleaner fuels.Through this,and by communicatingwith DEFRA, acoordinated approach to enforcement canbeagreedwhich focusesonsecuring compliance through education rather than issuingfines.
“OnMay 19, 2025, cabinet approved anew SmokeControl Order which will applyboroughwide.Thiseffectively consolidates all of the previous historic Smoke ControlOrdersintoa single order.Thedatewhen
“Inaddition, Hackney will be seekingsources of fundingtoprovide adegree of financial supporttothose who would be affectedby theextension of smoke controls.Itisexpected that afurtherengagement processwill takeplace in the futureonce progress has been made with gathering information and securing funding.”
Take part in global angling survey
ASURVEYofanglersishappeningglobally as part of a projectlooking at declinesinaquatic insects If youhavebeenfly-fishingonyourriver for 10 years or more, the survey wantstohearfromyou;you will be askedabout your observations of aquaticinsects for research purposes.All responses areanonymous To completethe survey,visit www.surveymonkey. com/r/VXLMY89
Cuttingthe ribbon are, left to right, Heather Pritchard, TRU; Sean McGinley,CRT,MPKim Leadbeater; andMark Ferris, of Kirklees Council.
Waterways infrastructure is being left to rot as custodiansstruggle to fund repairs andmaintenance, accordingtoFundBritain’s Waterways (FBW) –asone mayor proposes a£500,000 spend to protect the RiverCam TimGreenfield
UNDER-FUNDING of the inland waterways, it says,means some rivers and canals areclosed to traffic,with tourism beinghardesthit as boatersgoelsewhere.
FBW’s1500-strong membership hasspent mostofthe year campaigningfor more cash for thenetwork –takingits fight rightintothe heartofGovernmentinMay with aflotillaof boats.
The grouprecentlysteamedupthe River CaminCambridgeshire to highlightissues whichhaveleft the cityisolatedfromvisiting boaters. Acolourful flotillaofboats travelled in convoy up theRiver Camand assembled at Baits Bite Lock to meet Charlotte Cane MP anddrawattentiontothe threatsfacing Britain’scanals and navigableriversasa result of inadequate funding.
Baits Bite Lock is one of twolocks on the RiverCam whichhavehad to be closed becauseofstructural andsafetyissues. Additionally, an ageingand failingfleetofwork vessels means that even routine operational work on maintainingthe navigation, banks, and towpathisverydifficult
Following the FBW’scampaigning, the
Fund Britain’s Waterways supporters with Charlotte CaneMP(in orange) at Baits Bite Lock on theRiver Cam in Cambridgeshire. The lock hasbeen closed since May2024, meaning boaters have been unable to visit the city of Cambridge. FBWiscalling for betterfundingfor inland waterways.
BOTH PHOTOS: KEVMASLIN/CHASINGTHE BOATS
MayororPeterborough and Cambridgeshire, Paul Bristow, pledged to ‘Savethe Cam’ –startingaproposalof£500,000 of investment from the area’s combinedauthority. “If approved,” he said, “this shouldkick-starta city-wide efforttofind therestofthe cash and save Cambridge’shistoricriver.”
In avideopostedonFacebook,the former MP forPeterborough added: “This riveris part of what makesthe cityspecial,whether it’s havingapicnic by the riverorthe punting and rowing.
“It’sa beautiful place to be,but the truth is it’s underthreat. The locksare failing, andthat would be catastrophic for the RiverCam.We need to do somethingabout this.
“Weneedthe whole city to come together, andIhopethisbig,bold offer will be the start of an efforttosavethe river. We aregoingto do this–Cambridge is special.”
PaulaSyred,British Marine Inland Committee member anddirectorofFox NarrowboatsLtd,said: “Vibrantriversand canals arenot just forboaters –theyprovide valuable wildlife habitatand arevital to preventhomes andbusinessesflooding.
“British Marine research shows tourist visitorsonboats spend about£94.50 per person pernight.Since Baits Bite Lock was closed in May2024, ourhirersfromall over theUKand abroad have taken alternative routes,missing thecityand spendingtheir money elsewhereonthe rivers
“This is notjustalocal problem. Inland waterwaysaround the UK have been chronicallyunderfundedfor years, leadingto ournavigationauthorities fightinga constant battle just to keep the network open,with no sparefunds to make atrueimprovement and leaveour rivers and canals in afitstate for the nextgeneration. This is whyweatFox Narrowboatssupportthe Fund Britain’s Waterwayscampaign.
“Wenow sitata crucialjunction where the Government canchoosetoproperly fundour wonderfulnetwork and giveitanongoing futureorberesponsiblefor itsfurther decline.”
The Conservators of the RiverCam are committedtostabilisation work at Baits Bite,but thereisnopossibilityofstabilising
JesusGreen Lock without external funding or investment, andthe risk of structural failureremains athreattoriver usersand the environment,economy, and safetyofthe cityofCambridge,highlightingthe urgent need formeaningfulinvestmentinBritain’s waterways.
Charlotte Cane,MPfor Elyand East Cambridgeshire, said: “Our waterways supportwildlife, providevital drinking and agricultural water, and offer peoplespace to stay active andconnect with nature.AsI said in my maidenspeech, ourchalk streams and watercorridors areprecious–and maintainingthem is essentialfor ourhealth, environment, and future.
“Itwas apleasuretojoin FBWontheir campaign cruisethis weekend.Beingpartof the flotillaofferedawonderful opportunity to takeinthe stunningscenery of Elyand East Cambridgeshire’sinlandwaterways.Now morethanever, it’s vital that we protectand preserve these importantnatural spaces.”
The cruisetoBaits Bite Lock wasorganised in partnership with the GreatOuseBoating Association(GOBA)aspartofFBW’s major campaign cruisefor 2025. The journey began with an initial groupofboats settingofffrom Strawberry Island Boat Club in Doncaster in March, whichgrewtoa26-strong flotilla deliveringaclear message to Government from theThames in London in May. Boats then took differentroutesnorth before meeting for arecord-breaking mass crossing of the Wash from Boston to WisbechinJune. Twoofthe original groupofboats participated in the cruisetoBaits Bite Lock, havingnow coveredwell over 1000 miles.
Riverusers ‘inlimbo’ fortwo years –but IWA celebrates victory
The length of abridge closure on one of the Thames’ busiest stretches has been reduced in responsetopressurefromthe Inland Waterways Association.
THEEnvironment Agency shut Temple Footbridge,west of Temple Lock,nearMarlow, in May2023. Asubsequent restrictionnoticeset out theplantoclose theriver completelyfor amonth,until October8
TheIWA expressedits frustrationatthe duration andtimingofthe roundthe-clockclosure,claiming it is ‘excessive,unnecessary, and disregards the impact on navigation and businesses.’
Now, in response to pressure from theIWA and others, this stoppagehas been reducedtoone week,not one month.
VernaSmith,the IWA’s SouthEastregionalchair, said:“Closingone of the mostpopular stretches of the Thamesfor amonth during
oneofbusiest timesofthe year makesnosense.It’s badfor businessesaswell as everyone else.All riverusers, includinganyonewho wants to walk theThamesPath National Trail, have been in limbofor more than twoyears
“Serious questionsneed to be asked. Howdid this structuredeteriorate so badly? Whyhas it takenso long to act? Andwhatisthe EnvironmentAgency’splan to deliver asustainable repair andmanagethe assets it is responsible for?”
The IWAcalledonthe EA to postponetheplannedremoval of the bridge untilNovember if theworks genuinely couldnot be completed within 48 hours; publish aclear timetableand firm commitment for the fullrepair
of thebridge, ensuring that future worksdonot involve prolongedriver closures; andprovide limiteddaily passagefor boatersduring theclosureperiod, especially if postponement was impossible
An agency spokesperson told TowpathTalk:“We fully acknowledgethe frustration felt by riverusers,local businesses andthe wider community.
“Wecloseditin2023 to safeguardtowpath users. Sincethen, we have carried outstructuralassessments and progressed theproject as part of theNavigation Capital Programme
“Our projectteamcontinues to respondtoenquiries andprovidesupdates at gov.uk when newinformation
becomesavailable.”
The footbridge wasclosed on May15, 2023, due to numerous structural and safety concerns.Itwas constructedin1989 from tropical hardwood,withan approximatedesignlifeof 30 years. The agency’s work involves removingthe centre span of the bridge,acomplex activity partly becausethis involves mobilisinga platform in theriver.Workmustbe completed when the riveris notfast-flowing or in flood conditions.Theside sections of thebridgewillremain in placeand fenced off to pedestrians once the central section is removed.
The RiverThames remains
closed to allriver trafficuntil 5pmonMonday, October6 so work to remove the central span cantakeplace;itis notpossiblethe pass under thesidearches. Further informationcan be found at www.gov.uk/guidance/ river-thames-restrictionsand-closures
Once thecentral arch is removed, thetemporary floating boom will be removed, andthe river restrictionnoticetoboaters will be withdrawn.
Thefootpathdiversion will remain in placeuntil the bridge is fullyrefurbished
Thisworkisongoingand there arenoconfirmeddates yet.
Once the central section is
removed, it will be inspected, andthe resultswillbe used to help determineif refurbishmentofthe bridge is aviable option. The EA has warnedthat due to the volume of tropical hardwood within the currentbridge, as well as some design improvements that canbemade, amajor refurbishmentmight notbe possible.
“Anoutline design for thebridgerefurbishment or replacementisplanned forthisfinancialyear,”the agency said.“This design will be used to determine the nextphase of designand construction.Itwill inform projectcostestimates,our partnershipfunding strategy
Decarbonisation is desirable and deliverable but will not happen without government assistance
Thegroup hasmade atwo-partsubmissionto theDfT’s call forevidence on decarbonisingsmaller vessels
Whenhigh-volume diesel engine production ceases, theseengines will notbe availabletomarinise, and
inland waterwayscraft will useelectricdrive.Most boat builderstoday offer an electric option, butuntil an adequate rechargingnetwork is installedorthereisa step change in batterytechnology, aback-up generator will be required,said the group.
It also highlightedHVO, identifiedasa sustainable ‘drop-in’substitutefor mineraldieselfor existing enginesand back-up
Work parties
Burslem Port:Friday,October 10, 10.30am-2.30pm meet at Luke Street, Burslem. Regular work party on the Burslem Arm of the Trent&Mersey Canal, run in partnership with IWA North Staffordshire&South Cheshire Branch &the Burslem Port Trust.All tools andequipment will be provided. Volunteers areadvised to wear old clothes and stout shoes,and to bring waterproofs and apacked lunchif staying all day.Please contact Dave Broome beforeattending on 07974 966253 or dave.broome45@gmail.com
CheshireLocks: Thursday, October16, 10am-3pm meet at the Broughton Arms, Rode Heath, Stokeon-Trent. Monthly work party on the CheshireLocks flightofthe Trent& Mersey Canal, between Kidsgrove and Wheelock. If you areabletostay all
generators,asa “clear technologicalpathway fordecarbonisation,” but that priceand regulatory complexity meansitisnot readilyavailable to leisure boaters.
The IWAisworking with theCruisingAssociation andother organisationsto askthe Governmenttoadopt policies that will make HVO availableatanacceptable price
day,pleasebring apacked lunchand adrink. Be suretowear oldclothes that you don’t mind getting dirty and marked with paint.Stout footwear is appropriate and bring along a waterproof in the event of rain.Contact Tony Walker on 07708 320470 or walker. tony31@gmail.com
Northampton branch volunteering dates: October 5and 21
Work parties areusually held one weekdayandoneSundayamonth,along theNorthampton Arm. Tasksusually include vegetationclearance, weeding, litter pickingand painting at locks Contact GeoffWood at geoff.wood@ waterways.org.uk
West Country Branch, Taunton and Bridgwater: Volunteer help is always welcome; contact Mike Slade on 07977 263840 or mdslade8@gmail.com
Temple Footbridge crosses the River Thames upstream of Temple Lock, near Marlow. PHOTO: EA.
Rare survivingVictorian-era boathousegranted listed status
By Lucy Wood
Aboathouse built for 19th centurypioneer
Samuel Saunders, oneof England’s leadingboatbuilders and engineers,has been listed as GradeIIinrecognition of its historic and architectural interest
THEstructure, in Goringon-Thames,Oxfordshire, is notedasa rare surviving example of alateVictorian commercial boathouse on the non-tidal River Thames.Ithas been grantedGrade II-listed status by the Department of Culture, Mediaand Sportonthe advice of Historic England Built in about1894 and still aprominentbuilding facingthe riverside and High Street,ithas been convertedovertime, with one part currently home to adental practice. Saunderscommissioned the boathousetocapitalise on the growingpopularity of this beautiful stretch of the Thames since the arrivalofthe railway in the 1840s.Goringand Streatleyweredescribed as ‘charmingplaces to stay’ in theclassic bookThree Menina Boat,written in
1889 by Jerome KJerome. The annual regattadrew largecrowdsand there wasaboomin leisu boating. Saundershadthe buildingdesigned to showcase his business to this growingaudience. He offeredboat building services and craft for hire, and it included theriverside wharf, ashowroomfacing theHighStreetand an on-sitemanager’s flat The architectwas Percy GoddardStone,who designed severalother buildingsfor thevillage includinghis ownhouse, nowdemolished. He is best known for his work on the Isle of Wight, including rebuilding thechapelat CarisbrookeCastle
Saunders’ boathouse in Goring-on-Thames, Oxfordshire. ALL PHOTOS: HISTORIC ENGLAND ARCHIVE
Aplaque from theOxfordshire BluePlaques Boardwas added to theboathouse in 2013.
Theboathouse now forms ahistorically importantgroup with other listedbuildings nearby –Goring Mill and theGoring Paddle and Rymer Weir –also Grade II-listed.
Sa ra hG ibs on, listingteamleader at Historic England, said: “The boathouse is apicturesque part of Goring-on-Thamesand aprominentlandmark. Itslistingcelebratesthe building’sdesignand its origin as the early businesspremisesof Samuel Saunders.”
First World Warpillboxes joinlisted structures
EIGHTFirst WorldWar pillboxes in NorfolkhavealsobeenGrade II-listed. The concretefortifications, builtalong theRiver Antand NorthWalshamand DilhamCanal between1916 and1918, formed part of Britain’sdefencesystemagainst a potentialGermanseaborne invasion on the vulnerable east coast. Eachpillbox exhibits the innovativeconcreteblock construction methodusedtocreate Britain’ssystematic coastal defence network duringthe war. Theystill
have their original steeldoors,gun loop shutters and white-painted interiorsthathelped soldiers operateinconfined spaces. Twoofthe structures locatedat Bradfield Common defendedthe crossing pointwhereCommon Road meetsBradfield Beck.AtBacton Wood,a rare semi-circularpillbox guardedthe canalbridgecarrying Anchor Road. At WhiteHorse Common,two circular pillboxes flanked the former EbridgeMill crossing on HappisburghRoad. A
Chance to share your memories of thisslice of Goring’shistoryvia the Missing Pieces Project
Samuel EdgarSaunders (1859–1933) wasanentrepreneur, engineerandboatbuilder.While at Goring, he developed and patented anew experimental methodfor boat building calledConsuta (meaning ‘sewntogether’inLatin). The Consutaconstructionmethod interleavedthin layers of wood with awaterproofingmaterial all stitched together with copper wire.This helped create alightweight buttough hull that allowedfor higher speeds, an improvementonthe heavy solid wood frame alternatives
In 1898, he builtthe steam launch Consuta with this technology as an umpiring boat for the HenleyRoyal Regatta. Consuta waslater used for many yearsbythe BBCfor live TV commentary of the Oxfordand CambridgeBoat Race andispreserved by the Consuta Trust. Saundersexpanded his business, and the useof Consuta,inEastCowes on the Isle of Wight. Hiscompany went on to developeverfasterand lighterpowerboats, flyingboats and aircraft.Aircraft designer andmanufacturer SirEdwin AlliottVeron Roeinvestedin Saunders’company in 1928, anditbecame Saunders
“Ithas hadmany lives sinceSaunders’ day. Goring locals may rememberthe showroom wasonceleasedtoWH Smith and then to the RoyalMail whenitwas used as asortingoffice.”
Aracingeventonthe
Thames at theGoring and Streatley Regatta, watched by crowds of spectators, dated 1900 and taken by Henry William Taunt.
circular pillbox protectedthe east side of WayfordRoad, to the north of NorthWalsham and Dilham,and twomorewerepositionedeither side of the road to the west of the bridge at Royston, whichcarries Bacton Road over the canal.
Tony Calladine,eastofEngland regional director at Historic England, said: “Thelisting of these pillboxesrecognisestheir historic significance and exceptional durability.These ingenious structures,often hidden in plain sight, areareminderofa time when determinedcommunities prepared to defend Britain during the GreatWar,using the pillboxes andwaterways to provide abarrier to invadingenemytroops.
Roe, or Saro.SaundersRoe is associated with famous designs includingSir Malcolm Campbell’s Bluebird K3 speedboat.
An OxfordshireBluePlaque wasaddedtoSaunders’ boathousein2013 to celebrate his achievements.
Historic Englandisthe publicbodythat protects and brings lifetoheritage, from community centres to cathedrals, homes to high streets, marketstomills –the extraordinarytothe everyday TheNational Heritage List for England is held and managedbyHistoricEngland on behalf of the Government and the SecretaryofState for Culture, Mediaand Sportand identifies thebuildings,sites and landscapeswhichreceive specialprotectionsotheycan be enjoyedbycurrent and futuregenerations.Thereare morethan400,000 items on the list,coveringEngland’s most valuedhistoricplaces.
English Heritage is appealing for anyone with information aboutSaunders’ boathouse to its MissingPieces Project. Photos,drawings, audio,film andtextcan be added–visit https://historicengland.org. uk/listing/missing-pieces
“Theynow form part of the historicNorfolk landscape and tell an importantstory of localand national significance.”
The side of the boathouse facingthe High Street, dated 1894-1922 and taken by Henry William Taunt.
An aerial viewofSaunders’ boathouse.
The raresemi-circular pillbox at Bacton Wood.
BOTH PHOTOS: KOLFORN– CC BY-SA4.0
Inside one of the structures at Bradfield Common.
The IWASustainable Boating Group has aregular presence at Electrika, the UK’spremier
Electricboatingonthe inland waterways
Bowman Bradley,chair of the IWA’s Sustainable Boating Group, discusses what’s probably the greatest technologicalchange since the introduction of the motorboatabout 100years ago.
WE have been monitoringthe development of electric drivefor narrowboatssince the group’sinception in 2019. We recognisethat this is arapidlydevelopingtechnology and, as predicted in our2020 visionpaper,ithas continuedtochange. Most,ifnot all,ofthe many stakeholdersinour worldwillhaveto invest not leastintrainingtomeetthe new challengesitbrings. This isa briefround-up on wherewestand in 2025.
Lithium batteries
All largebattery banks, even lead acid ones, presentrisks becauseofthe considerable amountofstoredenergy in them. They must be properly designed, installedand maintained. It is importantto differentiate betweenlithium-ion batteries –suchas thosewidelyusedinmobiles,laptops and e-scooters –and other lithium battery chemistries.Thesedevices caneasilybe broughtontoboats andwillcause problems if abused.E-scooters, particularly,have given significantproblemstothe fire services
Battery technology is developingfast, andmost, if not all, installedsystems on narrowboatstoday uselithium iron phosphatebatteries,known as LFPs, whichare significantly saferthanlithium ion batteries.They still need to be part of aproperlydesignedand installedsystem, and we would neversupportthe recycling of second-hand EV batteries into boats, nor the mixingofbattery chemistrieswithin an individual system Other potentiallysafer and further improved batterychemistries arecurrently under development.
Myths such as that lithium batteries aresusceptible to ‘dampair’are just that Similarly, batteriescharged automatically while underwayina parallel hybrid craft usingits dieselpower canbecharged at anytime,likewise, by the generator of a serial hybrid craft,includingwhenthe boat is underway, propelledbyits electric drive.
Standards, certification and insurance
Relevant ISOStandards and trainingcourses for designersand installersofelectricdrive systemsare in developmentand it maywell become necessary for electric drivesystems
to be installed(or at leastsignedoff) by a ‘competent person’– somethingthat the Sustainable BoatingGroup would support. Insurers aretakinganinterestinthis new technology,and theymay well be the catalystfor futurecertification schemes. We arenot awareofany electric boat –new or a conversion –thathas been refused insurance becausetheyhaveeither electric driveor lithiumbatteries.However,uncertainty surrounds Post Constructional Assessment (PCA). Certainly,the RecreationalCraft Regulations requireaPCA following a‘major modification,’but what comprises amajor modification is still subjecttodebate. A costlyexercise(and thereforea disincentive to retro-fittingelectric drive), we would prefer to seethiscovered by acertification scheme such as referencedabove.We would, however, urge theGovernmentto clarify regulations in thisareatoencourage conversion to zero carbon technologies.
Voltages
We arenot awareofany move to reduce thecurrent 75V lowerlimit,atwhichthe LowVoltage Regulations apply, to 24V Thiswould be contrarytocontemporary electrical industryguidanceina climate that,ifanything, favoursanincrease in thethreshold. Unlike electric vehicles, most electric drivesystems installedon boatstoday arebased on 48V DC. The rare exceptions areinthe ‘sealed’ area between the motor controller andthe motor,which again makesthe case for proper designand installation.
Forfurther,detailedinformation on electric boatingissues,visit ourIntroduction To Electric Narrowboatingguide at https:// waterways.org.uk/campaigns/sustainableboating. Firstpublished in 2023,revised in 2024, and currentlyundergoingamajor revision, the lead author has10years’ experienceindesigning,owningandcruising an electric narrowboat.TheSustainable BoatingGroup hasnocommercialinterests in thismatterand nothinginthe guide is intendedtorecommendorpromote any particular technology,equipmentsupplier or boat builder;itispurelytoassistboaters whowish to specify or purchase an electric boat to askthe rightquestions
TheBoatSafetyScheme’s stance on lithium batteries canbeviewed at www. boatsafetyscheme.org/stay-safe-advice/ lithium-ion-battery-safety, though it should be notedthatthe advice aboutinstalled batteries given therein doesn’t currently differentiatebetween lithium-ion andLFP batteries.
Electric drive now extends toa large rangeofcraft on the inland waterways. PHOTO: JONATHAN MOSSE
electric boat show. PHOTO: NEIL COCKSEDGE
Next chapter in thelife of historic boathouse
APROUD new owner hassnapped up aGrade II-listedconverted Victorianboathouse whichnumbers among themostphotographed buildings on the RiverLune
Originally constructed for theneighbouringestate, it waslater expandedintoanimpressivetwo-bedroomed riverfront home The diningroomhangs over the water, while the archwaybelow provides shelter foraboatorpassing otters
Nestledonthe serene banksofthe RiverLune,the Boat Housein Church Brow,Halton, Lancaster, wasfirstregisteredwithHistoric England in November 1983. It wasconstructed in theearly to mid-19th century,extendedtothe north-eastinthe early 20th century, and converted into ahouse usingmaterialfromHalton Hall, the grand English countryseatwhichstood in variousincarnations for severalcenturies on the right-hand riverbank beforebeing demolished in the 1930s
Historic England’s listing notesthe building’s“squaredsandstone with rock-faced blocks used for dressingsand forthe west wall, with slate roof.” On twostoreys,atthe time of itslisting status being granted, the ground floor of the original building wasstill being used to storeboats.
“Westwall haswideboathouseentrance with pointedarch, with acantedstone oriel windowabove andaone-light chamfered windowunder theapex,”the listingreads.“The gablehas shaped bargeboardswith finial and pendants.North wall hasthe present frontdoorwith plain stone surround with rock-facedrusticationand triangular head. To the rightisatwo-lightmullionedwindowwith double hollowchamfer,pointed heads to lights,and hood mould.” Forthesearchitecturalreasons and its historicalsignificance,the home hasremainedGrade II-listedeversince.
The property wasonthe market for offersabove £650,000.
Characters of theCut Electra:MiltonKeynes CommunityBoat
By AliceElgie
BACKinearly summer, achance meetingona towpathinthe city of Milton Keynes putmeintouch with awonderfulcommunityboat named Electra.Thisall-electric 12-seaternarrowboat, builtto raiseawarenessofthe Bedfordand Milton Keynes Waterway Park,isa projectrun entirelybyvolunteers
JonHudson is one of those volunteersanditwashisenthusiasm that inspired me to delvealittle deeper.Inthatchancemeeting, he shared with me howhefirstbecame involved:“Iwas walkingmydog along thecanal andsaw Electra for the first time, as well as all these happyfaces at thewindows, so I walked alongside and said to the skipper,‘What’s this about, then?’”
Apleasantconversation ensued whereJon wasabletoshare his background as aLondon firefighter and his experienceona 70ft catamaran fireboatworking on the Thames. “I wasafirefighter for nearly 30 yearsbut forthe last 12 Iwas also on thefireboat. Iwas acoxswain, whichiswhatwemight call askipper, butreallyaskipper is thecaptain of thewhole crew and voyage,whereas thecoxswainisthe person steering or controllingthe boat.”
Selected with agroup of other firefighters,Jon wassenttonaval college to be trainedtoacertain level, and as he strolledalong thetowpath talking to thecrew of Electra,itwas clearhehad somethingtooffer.“Ithought with my history on the waterand beingretired,this could be agood waytogivesomething back to the communityand helpothersenjoy the canal. My knowledge seemed wasted walkingthe dog, so it made sensetohelp out!”
Jonisnow oneof47volunteers, not all of whomcome from boating
backgrounds–but theyall sharea passion forthe waterways. Denise Taylor,volunteer chair, told me: “Thethingsvolunteersenjoy the mostare that we areaveryfriendly organisation. We enjoy cruisingthe boat,meetingpeople,helpingeach other,and of course bringingthe joy of thecanalstoasmanypeopleas possible.”
With everything from food and kids’cruises to privatechartersand chill-outtrips,visitorscomefrom all walksoflife andhop aboard for many reasons.Denisesharedhow on one cruise,aguestlookedout of the windowsilentlywatchingthe wildlife go by.“He didn’t saya word to anyone for the two-hour cruise,”she recalled, “but when the cabin host wasseeing the guests off the boat, he said, ‘That wasthe mostpleasantafternoon I’ve hadfor fiveyears’.”
Electra certainlyoffersa wonderful opportunityfor mindful momentsasguestsexplore this surprisingly nature-infused city through largepicturewindows “Weactuallysee very little of thecity andtoguestsit’sperceived as one largegreen park.Evenpeople who liveinMilton Keynes aresurprised and typicallysay,‘Inever realised it looked likethis!’”said Denise.
Beinganall-electric boat,italso offersaveryquiet environment, with the opportunity to sneakupon wildlife with very little disturbance. But, of course,this isn’t alwaysthe case.Denisealsotold me aboutthe “wonderful experience”ofhosting a groupofUkrainianswho spentmost of their cruisesingingfolk songs!
Electra is all aboutnurturing a strong senseofcommunity, and this showsinthe building of aboatwith as little impact on theenvironment as possible,through workingwith localcharities in improvingcanal infrastructuretosourcingfood and cake from localsuppliersand
usingdonations to runfreecruises for thosewho wouldn’t ordinarily have theopportunitytoaccess the canals.“We takeout asylum seekers, dementiagroups, young carers and people with learningdifficulties,as well as thoseworking as volunteers with vulnerable groups.” With wheelchair accessvia alift and a disabled toilet,it’sclear Electra is committedtoinclusivity.
Offeringthe opportunityfor as many peopleaspossible to seethe canalfromthe canalisexciting, and I’mcertain JonHudson evokes the spirit of all Electra’svolunteerswhen he shares his happiness at beinga part of such aforward-thinkingproject “I knowthe Bedford Armwon’t be completed in my lifetime,but it’s nicetoknowI’vebeena part of creatingit. Youcan’t go through life just thinkingabout yourself,it’sgood to think aboutothers and the future.” Icouldn’t agreemore, Jon! CALL-OUT! Electra is currently looking for more volunteers for avariety of roles, both on land andonboard.Contact Denise to findout more:denise.taylor@ bmkwaterway.org
Website: www.bmkwaterway.org www.mkcanals.org
Facebook: @electraboatMK
Alice Elgie is awriterwith an appreciation for nature.She shares wordsabout her narrowboat lifestyle on her blog: slowintotheseasons. substack.com
Turningatthree locks on theGUC. ALL PHOTOS: CHRISTIAN TAYLOR
Electra volunteer Jon
Happy Ukrainians participate in afreesponsored cruise. Volunteers enjoying asocial.
Volunteers constructing raised beds at Fenny Stratford.
The historicboat house on the banksofthe RiverLunein Halton, Lancashire. ALL PHOTOS: WWW.ZOOPLA.CO.UK
When an immaculate, one-third scale Clyde Puffer showeduponthe moorings beside me at Bowling, on Scotland’sForth &Clyde Canal, I’m afraidI just couldn’t helpmyself!
AS commercial carriers, Puffers have undoubtedly hadtheir day–and then some –but the presence of this perfectreplica wasmorethan excuse enough to delve into their historyand carryingcapabilities around this country’scoastsand inland waterways.
It is often remarked that nostalgia ain’t what it used to be,an observation nevertruer than when appliedtothesefloatingworkhorses, particularly as depicted in thePara Handycomedy series of 1970s and 1980s TV,whichepitomised away of life and (tongueincheek) the breed of sailor that lived it:www.youtube com/watch?v=QgmPH5t8EuI.
VitalSpark wasthe Puffer featured in theseprogrammes and became somethingofaninstitution, enjoyedbyaudiences waybeyond Scotland’s shores,although sadly probably onlyabout half adozen episodes have survived.
In real life (and the divisions have become somewhat blurredoverthe passingyears in the minds of many of the programme’s afficionados),
the ClydePuffer did the work of supplyingthe Western Isles that we takefor grantedasthe province of today’smotor lorry.
Until 1969, ferries simply carried passengers with no provisionfor motor vehicles,sogoods into an island communityand exports out (byand largewhisky!) hadtobe movedby Puffer,often unloading with their ownsteam derrick onto the beachwhen thetide wasright.
Theywereflat-bottomedcraft anddoubtlesstheir crewscoined the expression ‘beaching’ as it was very much away of life,theirarrival often met by tractor and trailer as the tidereceded,haulingawayloads of anythingfromcoaltopig meal
What of this particular vessel so recentlyberthedbeside me, though? Twenty-five yearsago, Wee Spark wasbut aheapofscrap steel in an abandonedBowling shipyard and the twinkle in the eyeofarather ingeniousheatingengineer (and hispal Archie) who,throughout his 86-year-long life,has neverlet a single projectdefeat him. Andsome
Family-run and proud, we make everymattress by hand –tailoredtoyour exactsizeand shape.
Sheisasbeautifullyfitted out inside as sheisoutside and is poweredbyasomewhat recalcitrant single-cylinder Lister engine, startedbyhand.Untied, she is just as at homeona canaltripto Edinburghasshe is on avoyage down the Clydetomeetthe tall ships’arrival at Greenock
Quiet starsofthe Scottish waterways, WeeSpark andher owner,JimmyMacfarlane,have undertaken promotional tripson behalf of the navigational authority alongthe Crinan Canaland hosted Timothy West and PrunellaScales on the Forth&Clyde Canalintheir GreatCanal Journeys series,which
aired in 2015. Indeed,noreference to WeeSpark wouldbecomplete without mention of the Purser’s Cupboard,hosttoavarietyof beveragesboth hard and harder.
In the delightfulclipunderway, featuringTim andPru,significant timeisdevoted to choosing the right tipple to accompany their watery peregrinations!
Back in the real world(andthe second ‘major disagreement’ofthe last century), the ClydePuffer– or rathera very closederivative–came into itsown again in the formofthe VictualingInshore Craft, or VICas theadmiraltydesignated the 100 vesselsitcommissioned to supply navalships at anchor
Built at Thorneonthe Stainforth & KeadbyCanal and Northwichonthe Weaver,these boatsstill employed steamengines (dieselbeing in short supplythroughoutthe conflict) and retained the independence of their ownderricksfor unloading.
Today, very few of either type of Pufferremainafloat,bethata VIC or theoriginal ‘Clyde’variety, and their numberscan be countedon thefingersofone hand. Onenotable exampleisVIC 32 whichhas along and fascinatinghistory,especially spanningthe 50 yearsthatshe has been in preservation.
Retiredbythe navy in the 1960s, shewas eventually bought in 1975 by enthusiastsNickand Rachel
Walker,inWhitby,and broughtup to the Crinan Canal.
Over the yearsshe hashad much love,careand attention lavishedonher as theprovider of trips (still steam-driven) around theHighlands andIslands, along Scotland’s West Coast.
If you want to drink in apiece of Scottishwaterways freighthistory, andenjoy aPuffer Steamboat Holiday,itiswell worthvisiting www.savethepuffer.co.uk…or simply come and chat to Jimmyon his mooringatBowling!
The author’sfirst lesson as a Puffer skipper courtesy of Nick Walker,VIC 32. ALL PHOTOS: SUPPLIED.
WeeSpark –a one-third scale replicaofaClyde Puffer –inall herglory in anew coat of paint.
Plague, war, fire. Churcheshave stood through it all. Buttheywon’t survivethe next fiveyears without you. BecomeaFriendoftheNationalChurchesTrust andsavethe900churchesatriskintheUK. Just£45ayearcanprotectbreathtakingart, architectureandstoriesthatspancenturies.
Adam Linddocumentshis daily life on his59ftnarrowboattomore than 900,000 like-minded adventurers. Now, he’swritten his first book, andfresh from recording theaudiobook version, he tells LucyWood all about it.
FROM the comfortofhis narrowboat,AdamLind greets passingboaters with acheery‘hello’aswechat abouthis new book. With his wife Lauren ColeyLind and their four-year-old Cocker Spaniel Shanti, he hasturned aonce-ordinaryvesselinto asanctuaryand astory –home to alife anchored in simplicity, community, and creativepossibility.
Hisfirst book, Floating Home –Lessons From ALife Less Ordinary,capturesthe quiet philosophyoflivingon the waterand what it means to redefine home on your ownterms.But it’s alsomore than this.Init, Adam explores with wisdom and humour what his life’s adventures have taughthim,from the importance of human connection and community, to gainingcontrol of the mind and achievingpeace,and the transformativepower of compassion. He also speaks with otherswho liveonthe waterwaysand shares their fascinatingpersonalstories, gently guides readers to think outside the normand begin buildingalife on their own terms.
Youmay recogniseAdam from the Channel 4television showNarrowEscapes,orhis voice from the podcasts he recordeduntil aboutthree yearsago,followedthenby documentinghis life online to thousands of followers
Buthis journey–a very intimateone he has generouslysharedinhis book
–began beforethis.After the devastatinglossofhis father,hehitchhiked across 26 countries over the course of fiveyears.WithLaurenby his side,theymet fascinating people and experienced life-changingmoments together, beforetakingtothe waterwaysofthe UK on their narrowboat, The RamanRose.
Nowthat life hasbeen explored in words– ajourney in itself thattookabout ayear from conception to fruition –and he is excited about people readingit.
“After we came back from the five-yeartrip, I’d sharerandomstories that happenedon theroadand they said Ineededtowrite them down in abook,”he explained,fromaboard The Raman Rose in Milton Keynes.“I’djournalleda lot duringmytravels and waskeentospreadthis message aboutthe kindness of strangersand allthe stuff we’d experienced. It’s so surrealthat people aregoing to be readingit–itfeels quite vulnerable.”
The mosttouchingpart, he said, wasrecalling descriptivelyabout his father’s declinethrough alcoholism anddeath.“It was so longago and is something I’ve processedand grieved, buttoget reallydescriptive aboutit, to think aboutitand writeitdown, Ididn’t think would affect me,but nowI feel that whatever little bit of grief wasthereinside me hasbeenreleased by writing
YOUTIRED OF
thebook– Ididn’t thinkthere wasany grief left.That was unexpected and reallyquite special.”
Adam andLaurentravelled the worldbeforesettlinginto boat life.Did that nomadic experience shapetheir values andvisionofwhathomeis?
“Definitely. It feltlike an unintentional research projectintohow people live,bethatparentingstyles, or friendshipdynamics, relationships…beinginside people’s homes is intimate and youobserve small traditions or rituals that we allhaveinour ownways. That begantobuild the structureofwhatI wanted my life to look like –and also aknowledge of what Ididn’t want it to look like.Itwas a privilege to be let into those spaces.Beinginsomeone’s home is often when theyare theirmostauthenticself
“I’venever reallyhad anyborders, so to speak. At university,I livedinfouror fivesharedhomes,and they were mini communities. When Iwas achild, my mum hadanopen-door policy at home,and shestilldoes today. People she’d meet in the street who were havinga tough time would be invited home for aSunday roast.
“That really instilledin me atrust in strangersand goodnessinpeople.”
Speaking of intimacy, 32-year-old Adam has managedtoachieve astrong senseofthisthrough his social mediafollowing of
MATERIAL?
Floating Home –Lessons From ALife LessOrdinaryisout now, publishedby Bloomsbury Tonic (£18.99 hardback and also available in ebook andaudiobook). Find Adam on Instagram and TikTok at @adam. floatinghome and on YouTube at @The Floating Home
–ironically–thousands of people.His genuine,honest documentation of lifeafloat, sharingthe goodand the bad, hasearnedhim many loyal fans
“Some friends will often askhow I’mhappy beingthat vulnerable,” he said, “but it doesn’t feel that waytome. It comes very naturallytometo spillmyheart outtoanyone who wantstohearit. It’s not achallenge at all.
“I alwaysshare the good andthe badbecause Idon’t want anyone idealising my life –thereare upsand downs.”
The couple, who have been together for 12 yearsand marriedfor two, decided to purchase anarrowboat becausetheyhad been so nomadic previously
“I love the lifestyle of living on boats, andthe community is abig draw,” said Adam.“After so many years, it felt scarytobe in one place We knew we wanted abas e becauseweweresickofliving outofbackpacks,and living afloat seemed likeareally goodbalance of havinga space that belongedtous, but also that we could stillmove around.
hard to concentrateon projects,likewriting the book, andLaurenloves goingtodance classes. We don’t like moving around as much as we did. We’veseen mostofthe network,but now we’restartingtofeelthere’s somethinggood about wantingtobegroundedand making deeper connections.”
Is therea bigmessage Adam hopes readerscarry with themafter reading FloatingAway?
“U lti ma te ly , throughmyjourney, if youdon’t have freedominternally, then you’llnever finditexternally –this is thecruxofthe book.You canget the biggesthouse, the biggestcar,all the money andall
thestuff, butifyou haven’t found peacewithinyourself, it will neverfill that void.
“It’snot aself-help book, or me saying I’ve figured everythingout,nor is it amemoir,where people arejustreadingabout my life.I hopepeople usemy experiences to zoom outand what theymeanand relate to them.”
“Without sounding like a cliché,the first step is to slow down.Someofusliveatsuch afastpace that we forgetto stop or pause, butit’sinthose pauses where youcan reflect and not gettothe ageof80 and think,‘Woah,whatjust happened?’and wish you’d donethings differently. Life canflyby.”
Behindthe book –Floating Home
Whereitwas written: Most of Floating Home wasdraftedonthe boats of friendsand in cafes, and athree-day writing retreat in Wales.
“Thereissuchstrength in the boatingcommunity –Ididn’t knowitwas goingtobethis strong. Ididn’t knowthere was such alifestyle andculture that goes with it.That was all alovelysurprise. I’m so interested in what led people this wayoflife, nothow.Peoplefromall walksoflife arehere–it reallyinspiresme.
“We’ve been on the boat more than fiveyears nowand areconstant cruisers, butour feelings have changedastime’s gone on.
“Itcould be age, I suppose. Butitwas also
“Whenever friends come to theboat, theyfind it the most artisticand peaceful space and just wanttocreate here,” said Adam, “buttome, it’smyhome,soI’d procrastinate alot.I’d sit down, putmusic on, and think about doingthe washing up.”
Afavourite line:
“I likethat there’s emphasis placed on not knowing everything,” he said. “I hate the constraints of right and wrong or black and white –when you become the knower,you really block yourself offfromlearning. Towards the end of the book, Isay that Ireally hope this book becomes an invitation to look inside yourself.That’s what Ireally do hope for it, and it’saline I’m proud of.”
What’snextforAdam: “I’m not afutureplanning kind of guy,”hesaid. “People ask if we’re going to liveonthe boat forever.Idon’tknow!”
The writing process: “Itdefinitelywasn’tan easy process,” he said. “It’sa commitment, and the push Ineeded came from apublisher making an approach. It started with alot of ‘wordvomit’ and different things on the page,and then it was aboutmaking it structured and into chapters.”
Author Adam Lind. PHOTO: JEN LEVERS
Georgian town at heart of canal-connected county
LINCOLNSHIRE historian StuartSizer,an expert on thecounty’scanal network, has publishedhis latest book. Louth Ships –TheStory of LouthNavigation offersinsight into the varietyofcargoes broughtintoand outofthe Georgian market town’s canalfrom1770uptoits demise. Bulk goods ranged from iron, coal and building materials to domestic requirements for Louth’s groceryshops.Thebookalsodetailsa whole network of townsin the East Midlands
interconnectedbycanal,river andestuary –all centredonLouth’s new burgeoningtrade from the Riverheadbasin
It toofeaturesstories of individual boats, from their constructioninthe canalside yardstotheir destinies,and the particular hazards that shippingfromporttoportalong thecoast brought; included in thebook aresome heartbreakingaccounts of boats, captains,crewand families lostatsea.
Many photos and drawings areincluded
depictingtheseshipsand their varietyofsail layouts
Former historyteacher Stuarttold TowpathTalk:“Oneofthe best elements of writingbooks likethis is uncovering new or surprising things aboutthe topic Researchingand writingisalwaysa journey of discovery.”
To purchase acopy, visitwww. louthnavigationtrust.org.uk for an order form.
Where the dead stillwalk: Halloween on the Thames
AS the nights draw in and the mellow days of autumn usher in Halloween, it is theideal timefor storytelling.
Former university lecturer
Pete Smith is aqualifiedand experiencedCityofLondon and Cityof Westminsterguide –and knows athingortwo aboutsupernatural waterways. He hasaplethoraofhaunting talestotell, andhereheshares his thoughts with TowpathTalk on whylocations like canals and rivers areparticularly chilling.
“The supernatural is a fascinatingsubject becauseit’s somethingscience hasyet been unable to explain,”hesaid.
“Waterways canbeveryeerie places,canals especiallybecause theyare manufactured structures that harnessthe powerofnature, meaning they areliminal spaces Theyhavebeenhighwaysfor so longand have served so many purposes
“River coursesreallydoattract spooky incidents.InLondon, for example,you areinthe middle of such hustle and bustle,and then suddenly, youcan veer off down an alleytothe water andbeentirelyalone.That can definitelyset your nerveson edge.”
Pete took early retirementto establish London City Walks (https://londoncitywalks.co.uk) and is this year hostinganalready sold-out walk as part of London
Monthofthe Dead (https:// londonmonthofthedead.com), an annual festival of deathand the arts;heisrepeatingthe walksvia London CityWalks on November 8and 29 andvisit his websitefor moreupcoming Halloween-themed walks. On November 6, Pete presents a new talk,A FewCases of Spirits, at Guildhall Library, wherehe will introduce some of the city’s
favouritespooks
Thereare quitea few stories relatingtothe RiverThames that make hisspine tingle.
“The Thames wasthere long beforeLondon existed,”he explained, “and it’s powerful andawesome; to be feared and appeased.Thereare mysterious andthreateningriver mists, the danger of flooding, tragic drownings,murders and even
Water in the publishing spotlight
THERE’Splentyoffresh material on offer for avid readers at the moment, as new publicationsjoin the growinglibrary of waterwaysbooks available forthose who love to read.
TheUK’sinaugural CanalLaureate, Jo Bell, has writtenBoater–ALife on England’s Waterways. After decades of calm aboard England’s historic canals, aturbulentrelationship sees Jo embark on ayear-longodyssey navigatingthe country’scanals.Exploring the past and present, Boater is both her storyand that of thelivingwaterways, usingher experienceasanarchaeologist to guide readersthrough the floatingworld. OriginallyfromSheffieldand raised on the edgesofDerbyshire’sPeakDistrict, Jo hasspent the past 20 yearslivinga life afloatonthe waterwaysofEngland. Boater is published by HarperNorth and is currentlyavailable in hardback,e-book andaudiobook.
executions –atExecution Dock, pirates were hanged,pegged outonthe foreshore, and left for three tides to wash over them
“Thereare locations that seem to attract more than their share of supernatural activity.Atthe TowerofLondon, on the edge of the river, in 1815 at Martin Tower, thespectreofbearwas the subjectofa bayonetchargebya sentry.Thebayonetpassedright throughthe figureofthe animal. Thereweretwo witnesses, and the sentry wasawake and sober!
“Duringthe Second World War, asentryguardingthe main gate reported aprocession approachingfromTower Hill, the sceneofexecutions for treason–hesaw aheadlessbody on astretcher! Yeoman warders claim to have seen amalefigure in 1940s clothingnearthe old shootingrange where executions by firingsquad took place.”
Finally, if Pete could meet aghost, whowould it be?
“Sir Walter Raleigh,afellow Devonshire manwho would have some wonderful stories of a life of adventureand exploration, butinthe end my vote would have to go to that bear.Ineed a good marmalade recipe.”
In the next issueof Towpath Talk,author Nick Ford shares a tale from hisbookCanal Ghosts andWater-Wights: The Spiritsof Britain’s Waterways.
MovingtoScotland andajourney along the RiverTay with author and illustrator Robin ACrawfordinhis new book,The SoundofManyWaters. With thewidestcatchment area of anyriver in Britain, the Taydrains much of the lowerHighlands of Scotland. Avastnetwork of lochsand smaller bodiesofwater feed the Isla,Garry,Tummel, Almond andEarn, which all flowintothismighty river. As Robinwalksalong its banks, we delveintothe history of this landscape andhis personal connection with it,and theriver’s history too. It is publishedbyBirlinn Ltd, currently in hardback ande-book.
With an introduction by respectednature writer and activistRobertMacfarlane,an urgent and evocativecollection of writing is containedinThirst –InSearchof Freshwater.Thehardbackpublishedbythe Wellcome Collection features 20 writers includingOliviaLaing, Elif Shafak,Rebecca Solnitand OceanVuong, celebratingthe source of alllife and one of ourmost precious resources –and expressinghope for ecologicalabundanceand restorative planetaryjustice
And youngstersare not leftout thanks to wildlife cameraman andStrictlyCome Dancing championHamza Yassin.Aimed at sixto10-year-olds, hisnew book, Hamza’sWild World, exploresthe animal kingdom in adyslexic-friendlylayout publishedbyMacmillan Children’sBooks in paperbackthissummer.Hamza was thespecial guestatarecentCanal &River TrustExplorerssession in the Olympic Park,London, wherehesharedtips with schoolchildrenfor spottingthe huge variety of wildlife alonginnercitywaterways and told some fascinatingstories abouthis ownadventures as aconservationistand cameraman.
Author and historianStuart Sizer (front) with Louth Navigation Trust secretaryPaula Hunt andfellow trustmembers at the launch of his new book. PHOTO:LUCY WOOD
Pete Smith, of London City Walks. PHOTO: SUPPLIED
Amoody River Thames, with London Bridge in the distance. PHOTO:DIONHINCHCLIFFE –CCBY-CA 2.0.
Exploring your canal ancestry: how railway archivescan keep your research on track
In the latest in herfamily historyseries, Nicola Lisle investigates the potential of railway archives
THIS year marksthe bicentenary of the Stockton &Darlington Railway,home to the first steam locomotives and the cradle ofthe railway revolution. As thecountry wasgraduallytransformedby an ever-growing rail network, so began the long, slow decline of the canals, whichstruggledtocompete with the speed and efficiencyofthe new trains.For many canalworkers, the dawn of the steamage hada profoundeffect on theirway of life, and many were eventuallyforcedto seek alternativeemployment. Oneofthe earliesteffects of the railwaysonthe canal communitieswas areduction in earnings as canalcompanies were forcedtolower their charges in an attempttocompete with therailways. To cope with this hardship,manyboatingfamilies swappedtheir land-based dwellings foracramped life on board, wherewives and even young children would help outas crew. As the boatwomanrecalls in SheilaStewart’s Ramlin Rose:The Boatwoman’sStory,“Most boatchildren comedearly to steerin’ Steerin’ comednat’ral, part of yer, likebreathin.’You wasnever really children, you wasanother pair of hands.”
Anew floating community emergedasboatingfamilies struggleddeterminedlyon, with many managing to find ways of supplementingtheir income. Otherseventuallyabandoned thecanalsfor morestable, fulltime employment. Oneofthose alternativesources of employment mightwell have been with one or moreofthe new railway companies.Canal navvies also readily foundnew employment as railway navvies, while those employed in canaloffices mayhave foundsimilar work with the railway companies
If yourresearchintoany of your canalancestors hashit abrick wall, therailway archives mightprovide thesolution Companyrecords from before Nationalisationin1947are held by TheNationalArchives (www.nationalarchives.gov. uk)inthe RAIL series.Agood startingpointisthis research guide –www.nationalarchives gov.uk/help-with-your-research/ re se ar ch -g uides/ ra ilw ayworkers#3-what-records-do-wehold –whichgives research advice, details of holdingsand useful links, includingtoemployment records from 1833-1956 via Ancestry (www.ancestry.co.uk/search/ collections/1728/?redirectFor=db.aspx).
So,whatkindofrecords canyou hope to findonAncestry, andwhat details canyou glean from them?
Holdingsinclude:
•Staffregisters
•Salaryregisters
•Attendance logs
• Registers of leaversand joiners
Holdings aremainlyfromthe larger railway companies,such as the variousLondon companies (RAIL397, 410, 411, 414, 415 and 426), as well as the GreatCentral Railway Company(RAIL226), theManchester,Sheffield and LincolnshireRailway Company (RAIL463), and theMidland Railway Company(RAIL491).
Records coverarange of office and manual occupations,but sadlyfew have survived for railway navvies and casual employees.
Youcan search the records by name,birth year,station or company,oryou canbrowseby collection. SearchingonAncestry is free,but youneed an Ancestry account to browse and view records
•Sickness records
•Pension records
•Accidentreports
•Apprenticeship records
•Disciplinaryrecords
•Station transfers
• Staff associations and trade unions
•Memoranda
From these, youmay finddetails such as:
•Yourancestor’sfull name
•Dateofbirth
•Nextofkin
•Place(s) of work
•Position(s)
•Salaryand bonuspayments
•Dates of service
• Sicknessand disciplinary records
• Previous occupations
• Military service
• Trade union membership
The National Archives also holds original records, and to view these you will need
to visit the archives at Kewororder copies online if youhaveadocument reference.Thereisnocentral index for employees,soyou will need to knowwhichcompany your ancestor worked for, theiroccupationand residence or place of employment
Additional details,suchasdates of birth, deathand employment are also helpful. Youwillfind much moreuseful details andlinksinthe research guide, including potted historiesofeachofthe railway companies.
Anotherpotentially useful resource is theNationalRailway Museum in York (www.nrm.org.uk) –markingits 50th anniversary this year –whichhas an extensivecollection of recordsand memorabilia, covering more than 300 yearsof railway history. Holdings include drivers’ diaries,log books,training records and service papers,aswell as the BoardofTrade accidentreport archivefrom1855 onwards(www. railwaysarchive.co.uk/index.php) Thereisalsodetailedfamilyhistory advice on the website
Records for some canal and railway companies were deposited with regional archives, so if you know which company your ancestor worked for, or the region where he worked, this might be another useful resource
Canal families like the one depicted by this life-sized model at the London Canal Museumweregreatly affected by theadventofthe railway.
PHOTO: NICOLALISLE
Inside Coronis at the London Canal Museum,showing the cramped conditions endured by boating families when they all lived on board. PHOTO: NICOLA LISLE
The opening of the Stockton&Darlington Railway on September 27, 1825, as painted by John Dobbin. The dawn of thesteam age was bad news for those living andworkingonthe canals. This painting is heldbythe NRM, York. IMAGE: WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
Robert Stephenson’s Locomotion No.1. IMAGE: WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
Canal navvies like this model at Foxton Locks had no difficulty finding similar work on the railways PHOTO: NICOLALISLE
Opening screen of Ancestry’sarchive of railway employees. PHOTO: ANCESTRY/NICOLA LISLE
Race is ontofind new homesfor artefacts followingmuseum closure
New custodians are beingsought forthe extensivecollection housed at the River & Rowing Museum, in Henley-on-Thames,which is closingdue to ongoing financial difficulties.
THE venue’slasthurrah wasonSeptember21, whichcoincidedwith the annual Heritage Open Day initiative, and sawvisitors enjoyits heritage artefacts in that settingfor the final time.Almostall of the team left shortlyafter that date, and patrons and annual pass-holdersare in the processofbeingcontacted Now, the focusofthe few remainingteammembers is to find new homes for the museum’s extensive collections.“We areinthe processofreachingout to all lendersofcollection items,” said astatement. “The four corecollections –Henley, River, Rowing and John Piper –amounttomore than 35,000 physicalitems. TheHenley collection consists of some 6000 items –about 15%ofthe total, while thelargest collection is theinternational rowing collection, with 13,000-plus items.”
Thelossofboth jobs and avitaleducational and cultural resource in the area hasseentributes paid to the hard-working and passionateteamof employees and volunteers who kept the museum afloat since it openedin 1998, and supporters have reacted with dismay and compassion.Fearshavealso been expressedthat the loss will leaveasignificantgap in educationalprovision for schools in Oxfordshire, the Thames Valley, andbeyond. As reported,the decision wasannounced by the
Foundation of theRiver &RowingMuseum –the charity whichunderpins itseducational work –following awell-publicised struggle to achieve financial sustainability. With an endowmentdepleted by essentialbuildingworks andsignificantincreases inthe cost of operation, recentnet losseshave averaged £1 million a year.Consequently, the foundationtrusteestook the‘extremelydifficult’ decision to closethe attraction while therewere stillsufficient fundsto do so in an orderly manner
“A keyfactorbehindthe failureofthe enterprise hasbeenthe scale of the building and the subsequentcostto maintain it,which is way beyond that of aspecialist museum in asmall market town.Thetotal floor area of the museum’s buildings equal almostanacre, excludingthe carpark,” read the statement.
“Goingforward,a new usefor thebuildingneeds to be foundurgently. Anew museum could occupy part of it,but such amuseum cannot itself supportthe buildingormanageit goingforward.Ifthis is approached pragmatically, the foundation could have the funds to help create a new, butmuchsmaller, HenleyMuseum
“Optionsare alsobeing explored to see if curriculumfocussed river
educationcan continue to be delivered viaoutreach programmes in schools and alternativevenues, continuingthe awardwinningand very popular programme we have developed over the past 25 years. The museum inspires 4000 school children annually, including350 with specialeducational needs and disabilities (SEND).”
In February, themuseum issued arallyingcallfor its future, explaininghow it wasembarking on a significantrestructuring that would likelyend in theclosure of theattraction in its currentform– with hopes of emergingas amoreaffordable and sustainable model
Althoughprogresswas made on increasing visitor nu mb er s an d pr ov idin g astable in come stream from leasingoffice space to businesses, this failed to achieve theincome required to stabilisethe museum.
BL ACKCountry-based waterwaysphotographer is determinedthatthe currentwater crisis will notcurtail hisactivities anytime soon. He hasbeenbusy on ourwaterways takingimages for his nextcalendar,which features familiar locations up and down the country.
and trustees wroteanopen letter appealingfor support.
“Thismuseummeans so much more than bricks and mortar to us whowork here,”itread. “It’saplace wherelearning is brought to life for thousands of children,and wherehistory, sportand the environment arebroughttogether.We don’t want to loseit.”
ChairoftrusteesDavid Worthington said: “The qualityofthe original conceptcannot be underestimated;however, ultimatelythe venturewas just tooambitious –six galleries,multiple public spaces,atwo-classroom school, a5000 sq ft storage facilityand acollection of 35,000-plus objects.Itwas just toomuch.
“I want to givethanks and paytribute to the thousands of hoursof commitment, heavyliftingand simple belief that have comefromthe leadership, employees and thevolunteers, from patrons,members, sponsors, trustees and more.Everyone hastried to make it work –and on one levelwehave. It hasbeen agreat museum,lauded when opened, enjoyed by well over twomillion people,and remembered by second and third generations andmorethan 100,000 schoolchildren. Butinthe end, however exciting it mighthave been, whatever changes mighthavebeenmade, thefinancialchallengewas simply toogreat.”
“I reallyfeelfor boatersand,in particular,waterside businesses that rely on aconsistent turnoverofwaterborne customerstomaketheir living. We don’t knowhow longthis will continue,but thetypical good old British weather needs to kick in sharpish,”hesaid.
Kev, whospecialises in capturinghistoricnarrowboats, travelsthe countryinsearchof images to include in acalendar he hasproducedsince2017.
“The2026 edition is already available,but with the nextone markingthe 10th anniversary of this popularpublication,I’d like it to be somethingextra special,” he continued.
“Fortunately,Ihavealarge library of usable pictures,but I alwaysliketomakethe contents as currentand freshaspossible.”
The2026 Historic Narrow Boatscalendar features 14 colourful craft (includingtwo pairs) in 12 unique locations on 10 individual waterways.
TheShropshireUnion and Grand Union canals appear twice.Eachboathas its own background story, including theFeĺlows,Morton&Clayton
motor on thefront cover, which wasoriginallybuilt at Saltleyin 1904 as horse boat Germany.It wasre-registered and renamed England at theoutbreakof the FirstWorld Warasitwas consideredinappropriate for it to be namedafter the enemy. The 2026 calendar comesin double A4,which foldsout to A3,and aslimline version which is very useful where space is at apremium. “One of the historic boat owners suggestedthe slimline version to me because theyhadn’t gotspace to hang the larger calendar in their small back cabin,”explained Kev, who lives in Tipton. Orderthe double A4 at www.canalshop.co.uk andthe slimline version at chasingtheboats.sumupstore com.You will alsospotitin selected canalside outlets, includingthe Boat Shop at BraunstonBottomLock.
Narrowboat Whitby at Fradley is November’smodel.
The 2026 calendar cover featuring England
Black Country-based waterways photographer Kev Maslin PHOTOS: SUPPLIED
Henley-on-Thames has lost amuch-loved educational resource. PHOTOS: RRM
TowpathTalk writer Nicola Lisle bid a sad farewell to the museum.
Shouldwaterwaysbeafforded personhood?
Around the world, agrowing Rights of theRiver movement seeks to protectrivers by declaring them living beings entitledto fundamental rights akin to individuals, and it is gaining traction among waterways inEngland. LucyWood reports.
ECOLOGICAL health and governance,aframeworkfor environmental protection, and pollution-free waterways… these andmoreyou’d expectasstandard when it comes to lookingafter our rivers.But do environmental laws go far enough to preventthe erosion of one of ourmostprecious natural resources –orare theymerely regulatingthe rate of erosion?
Thisdebateisatthe heartofthe Rights of the Rivermovement, drawingoninternational models whereriversare recognisedas legalentities, with rights informed by the UniversalDeclaration of the Rights of Rivers.Theseinclude the righttoflow,toperformessential ecological functions, to remain free from pollution and to supportnative biodiversity
LewesDistrict Council wasthe first localauthorityinEngland to recogniseriver rights,setting aprecedent nowfollowedin Hampshire, and takingthisconcept further areprominentfigures includingnaturewriterRobert Macfarlane
Stateofplay
Waterwaysand nature in England do not have legalpersonhood –rights akin to an individual, with the correspondingright to sueorbe sued –but the question of whether theyshould is in the spotlight. Macfarlane asks if rivers areliving entities and deserve to be treatedassuch, while othersare activelypetitioning governments to provide aprotection theysay would be transformativefor riverhealth
Butfirst, to Sussex Thejourneyhere began in February 2023, when Lewes
District Council passed amotion that agreed thedevelopmentofa Declarationonthe Rights of the RiverOuse; essentially, exploring ways of assertingthe rights of the waterway.The resultingcharter took twoyears to develop,led by Love OurOuseand whichreceived probono legalsupportfromthe EnvironmentalLaw Foundation viabarrister MonicaFeria-Tinta and lawfirm HoganLovells
The Charterfor the Rights of the RiverOusewas formallysupported in full in February, the first time a localcouncil in England has acknowledgedthe inherentrights of ariver.Eight principles include arecognition that the Ouse is essentialfor ensuring life,including humanlife,and hasaright to native biodiversity
LewesDistrict Councilhas worked with partners foryears to makethe landscape in the Ouse catchment more resilient, including reducingpeakflowsusing natural flood management measures.Most notably, the council andOuseand Adur Rivers Trustdelivered the award-winningrestoration of the Cockshutchalk stream and the creationofsix hectares of wetland.
Coun EmilyO’Brien, cabinet memberfor nature,climateand food systems at LewesDistrict Council,said: “I hope oursupport will mark another step on the journey to change theconversation, so that one dayachange in thelaw will mean the interestsofnatureare fully recognised.”
Historic, yes. Pioneering, mostcertainly. Note that this does not constitute legalrightsfor the river,
as some media outlets reported, butit’sa bigstep forthe Rights of the River movement.
Next in line
In Maythis year, Basingstokeand DeaneBorough Council took asimilar step. Amotionhas committedthe council to develop afull Declaration on the Rights of the Riverby spring 2026.
Coun Kate Tuck,who put forwardthe motion, said: “Not asingleriver in ourborough is in overall‘good’condition–the currentsystemjustisn’t working andhasn’t for alongtime.Weneed to change if we valuenatureand want to seethingsimprove.This motion is the start.”
Southampton CityCouncil andTestValleyBorough Council followedinJuly; Test ValleyBorough Council supported amotion to acknowledge the ‘intrinsicrights’ of waterways, while Southampton CityCouncil, which helpsmanagethe rivers Test and Itchen, backedanalmostidentical motion.
The InternationalBar Association soughttoclarify Rights of Nature in an articleauthoredbyEmily Julier andYasmin Waljee,both of Hogan Lovells,London. It is this leading global lawfirm whichsupported LewesDistrict Council in initiating aCharter for the Rights of the River Ouse.
“RightsofNatureisnot a new concept,” theywrite on the InternationalBar Association’s website. “Manyindigenous peoples have alongtradition of conservation and believe that non-human beings aredeservingofthe same legalrightsashumans. Thereare a growingnumberofexampleswhere Rights of Nature have been legally recognised globally. Examples
areconsidering following suit,orat leastwatchingwithinterest. What should happen now?
The future?
“For the Rights of Nature movement to grow,there needsto be recognition of Rights of Nature across England.” EmilyJulierand Yasmin Waljee,ofHogan Lovells, again; you canget in touchwith HoganLovells or the Environmental LawFoundationifyou arelooking to draft acharter for natureinyour localjurisdiction.
include the rights of theVilcabamba Riverbeing re co gn is ed by courts in Ecuador, the Atrato Riverbeing recognised as alegal person with rights to ‘p ro te ction, cons er va tion , ma in te na nce , and restoration’ in Colombia, and NewZealand’s Wh an ga nu i Riverbeinggiven legalstandingto sueand be sued in its ownright.”
“Isrecognising rights for rivers a bit of astretch?” they ask. “Itisnot thefirsttime that non-humans have been given legalpersonhood –companies have enjoyed legalpersonhood with the abilitytosue and be sued since the establishmentofthe conceptof the corporation under Romanlaw. Recognisingthatlivingthings and ecosystems have inherentrights separate to humans is morelogical than mightfirstbeimagined
“But whyare Rights of Nature needed?One mightargue that England hasanever-growingbody of environmental lawtoprotect rivers andwaterways and therefore novelsolutions areunnecessary. As described in the motion on river rights for LewesDistrict Council, environmentallawsseemtosimply be regulating the rate of destruction of nature, rather than preventingit.
“Acknowledgingthatnaturehas inherentlegal rights offersanew (orperhaps ancient) waytoprotect nature in England. Movingbeyond the environmental protection regulatory frameworkrecognises the dependence of humans on natureand ecosystems andthe inherentright of nature to co-exist with humans.”
The authoritiesinSussexand Hampshire have donewhat they cantoensurethattheir rivers have avoice,now and in the future, and no doubtcouncilsaround theUK
“Ultimately, Rights of Nature need tobeenshrinedinEnglishlawasthey have been in Colombia and Ecuador and many other countries. There aremanyinternational examples of guardianship structures which givenatureavoice wheretheir rights mightbeaffected,including an individual representativeor citizen committees supportedby advisorygroups,aseatfor nature on boards andcouncils and making nature ashareholder or a stakeholder in privateand public sector organisations.”
Today, campaignersaround the countryare pushingfor rivers to be grantedthe same rights as people; indeed,anEngland-wide petition hasbeenlaunchedtoargue the case, demandingthat legalguardians areappointedtoour rivers to give themavoice (you canfind it at https://petition.parliament.uk/ petitions/731397).
Novelist LouiseWelsh,who is leadingapetition to grantlegal personhood to the RiverClyde, in Scotland, broughtthe concept to an audience at this year’s Edinburgh Book Festival. She wasjoinedbyRobertMacfarlane, whoselatestbookisa passionate treatise supporting this idea, and MonicaFeria-Tinta,the pioneeringbarrister at the forefront of the climatejustice movement in aperspective-shiftingpanelchaired by The Guardian’senvironmental editor,JonathanWatts
Speaking at the festival abouthis newestbook, Is ARiver Alive?, which waslaunchedearlier this year at London CanalMuseum,Macfarlane said: “Wehaveinstrumentalised waterinthis countryand acrossthe globefor very good reasons –water is resource…water is ‘stuff’…water canbeweaponised
“But rivers arelifelines who –and Isay who –haveshapedhistory all of ourlives and theycontinue to do so everyday.Thereisa disconnect betweenhow rivers give liveand enliven and the ways in which politics, in effect, recognises them.” So,should waterwaysbeafforded personhood?With campaignerson global stages and localauthorities in this countrytakingupthe mantle andproviding inspiration to everycommunityconnected to ariver through their progressive approaches,the futurewillsurely provide an answer.
The River Test, south of Andover. PHOTO: MIKECATTELL –CCBY2.0
Naturewriter Robert Macfarlaneisamong agrowing number of campaigners who believe rivers should have legal rights akin to people.
PHOTO: WILLIAM WATERWORTH
Robert Macfarlane’s new book, Is ARiver Alive?
PHOTO: PENGUINRANDOM HOUSE
New national partnership for UK river resiliencemarks a‘pivotalmoment’
TheRivers Trust has made an impassioned call forthe Governmenttobegin implementingthe Independent Water Commission’s recommendations forreformto improvethe watersector regulatorysysteminEngland and Wales –and is playingits ownpart inriver health by announcing anew collaboration.
By Lucy Wood
IN astatementrespondingtothe report publishedbycommission, ledbySir JonCunliffe,the Rivers Trustsaid: “The review provides averyclear-eyedanalysis ofits keyfailings:lackofasystems approach;too many siloes and plans; lack of attention to polluters other than the watercompanies; short-term,blinkered planning; weak,confusingand conflicting regulations;poorstrategic direction from government; too much focusonkeepingcustomer bills lowhistorically; and an absence of aclear pathwayto deliveryofplans.The report makes some excellentand wide-ranging recommendations,some of which we particularly want to highlight:
• Calls for increase in funding for CatchmentPartnerships and thecreation of new regional planningbodies,as part of asystems approach to managing waterwith clearer strategic directionfrom government.
• Demands that aclear path for deliveryofplans is createdto avoid plans beingwritten but not deliveringchange.
• Greaterclarity aboutthe roles of regulators and regulations,with proposals for simplification ofthe frameworkinwhich watercompanies operate by integratingthe water functions of severalregulators into asingle regulator.
• Recommendations for ending Operator-Self-Monitoring by watercompanies and improvements to monitoring waterquality, including continuous monitoringand incorporatingcontributions from citizen science
• Recognition that sewage pollution is only part of the problem,and that parallel action is required to tackle pollutionfromagriculture and highways.
• Recommendations forgreater assessmentofthe health of, and investment in,water company assets and sensible changestothe ways in which theseare assessed for cost benefit by regulators
• Incorporation of public health in waterstandardsaspartof
areview of national targets butensuringthatthereisno weakeningofambition.
• Calls for morenature-based solutions that have broader outcomes rather than hardengineeringapproaches that only achieveone objective.
• Proposes new mechanisms forfundingwater treatment with extendedproducer responsibilities that could seechemicals and pharmaceutical companies payingtoprevent their products pollutingrivers.
• Recommendations for constraints on the business models of ownersofwater companies to preventthem prioritisingshort-term gain and profits andcreatinga new public purposefor the industry.
“Now that thislandmark review is complete, theGovernmentmust takeurgentaction to act on Sir JonCunliffe’srecommendations Forexample,steps to improve regional governance canstart rightawaythrough the existing structureofthe CatchmentBased Approach, and we canbring muchneeded improvements to water monitoringbybringingtogether government, industry,and citizen
science initiatives,asper the recommendations of the Catchment Systems ThinkingCooperative. Let’s keep up this senseofurgencyto startthe vital processofreforming ourstumblingwater sector and restoringtrust in it.”
Now, the trusthas announced anationwide partnershipwith AdditiveCatchments,a civic infrastructureplatformrestoring trustinenvironmental systems, with the goal of equipping communities,regulatorsand utilities with thetrusted data and informationneededtorestore river health at scale
The Rivers Trustwilluse the nationallyheldreal-time data from AdditiveCatchments’ CMaaS platform, includingupstream anddownstreammonitoringof combinedsewer overflows, to engage with communities through its 60-plus membertrusts, enabling morelocallytargeteddecisions to be made on riverrestoration and watergovernance
“This is apivotalmomentfor UK rivers,” said Mark Lloyd, CEOof The Rivers Trust. “Weneedbetter diagnostics to understand the root causes of problems,and we need shared tools to act together Thispartnership is aboutturning insightintoaction, from the catchmentup.”
“The partnership builds on theUK’snational Section 82 programme of the Environment Act, theworld’s largestcatchment monitoringinitiative, and reflects the public’s demand for independent, transparent and trustworthysources of riverdata,” atrust statementread. “Additive Catchmentsprovidesreal-time diagnostics acrossentireriver systems,linking high-frequency
sensor data with earlywarnings, public dashboards,and compliance-grade reports.
“Rather than operatingasa stand-alone technology, the solution is designed to be shared, trusted, and publicly beneficial, with TheRiversTrust helping ensure theinsightsare used meaningfullyonthe ground, includingwith their citizen science networks.”
RobPassmore, CEOof AdditiveCatchments,said:“The Cunliffe Review calls for anew eraoftransparencyand public confidence in howwemanage water. Thispartnershipresponds directlytothatcall –not by buildinganother reportinglayer, butbycreatinginfrastructurethat joins the dots
“With The Rivers Trust, we are connecting real-time diagnostics with trustedlocal delivery, so that everyone,fromregulatorsto citizens,can seewhat’shappening and act with confidence.”
Thepartnership will help operationalisethe RiverHealth Index, anew measurefor public trust, combiningenvironmental data with communitysentiment, designed to tracklegitimacyand progress in watergovernance
“Thisisabout long-term commitment, grounded in trust and guidedbydata,”MrPassmore added. “Together, we aresettinga new standardfor riverstewardship in the UK –one that supports thriving ecosystems,stronger communities,and alegacyofclean, resilientwatersfor generations to come.”
Ofwatwill be abolishedinbiggest overhaul of water since privatisation
IN the biggest overhaul of thewater sector since privatisation, Ofwatwill be merged with water functions across the Environment Agency,Natural England and the Drinking Water Inspectorate to form anew single, powerful regulator Steve Reed,the Secretary of State for the Environment, pledged to strengthen regulation, clean up the country’srivers and protect the public from soaring water bills. He also made acommitment to cutting sewage pollution from water companiesinhalf by 2030, working to make our rivers the cleanest sincerecords began. He said: “Ourwater industry is broken.Asingle, powerful regulatorresponsible for the entirewater sector will stand firmly on the side of customers, investors, and the environment andprevent the abuses of the past.”
Theproposalswill be consulted on this autumn and form the basis of anew Water Reform Bill. Atotal of £104 billion is being invested to upgrade crumblingpipes and build sewage treatment works around England, ensuring communities can once again take prideintheir rivers, lakes and beaches. TheGovernment will also work closely with the Welsh Government to devolve economic regulationofwater to Wales.
The newpartnership between TheRivers Trust and Additive Catchments will strengthen the resilience of ourrivers. Picturedhereisthe River Wharfe, running through the Yorkshiretown of Wetherby. PHOTO: LUCY WOOD
The Rivers Trust’s chief executive, Mark Lloyd. PHOTO: THERIVERS TRUST
Strikingviews findnew homes
Rivers, lakes, lochsand the Broadsfeatured strongly in three auctionsheld over the summer,with prices ranging from £21upto wellinto four figures. Geoff Courtneyreports
MOREofthe four-figure item later, butfirstlytoa colourfulline-up of four railway carriageprintsthat attracted interest at aMainLine RailwayanaauctiononJune2-8. The quartetcomprised ariverside scene at Bolton AbbeyinWharfedale, NorthYorkshire, whichwentfor £21, and three at £25 each illustrating Horstead Mill in Suffolk,the River Orwell at Ipswich, and Felixstowe ferry abouttoset sail towardsa flotillaofyachts.
Paperchase Auctions followed the maritime theme at its July 14-29 sale with acirca 1920s LMSguide bookbyPercy ParmintertitledThe English Lakes,with adistinctive coverbyMontagueBlack showing rock formations,that sold for £28, another guide bookonthe same subjectpublishedbythe LNWR in 1907 that fetched £5,and two eight-page GWRleaflets dated 1935 and 1938 promotingRiver
The English Lakes was the subject of an LMS guidebook that sold for £28 at auction in July. PHOTO: PAPERCHASE AUCTIONS
Dart sailings that sold as asingle lot for £18.
The thirdauction wasatwo-day 1000-lot GW Railwayanasaleheld on July 19-20 that includedthe four-figure artefact and aselection of fiveposters of interesttoinland waterwaysenthusiasts.Thefourfiguresuccesswas an Oulton Broad South station platformsignwhich
This LNERposter of awindmill and yachts on theNorfolk Broads sold for £400 at a two-day auction on July 19-20.
went under the hammer for£3600. This former GreatEastern Railway station, on the Lowestoft to Ipswich line,isone of twoserving Oulton Broad, apopular yachtingcentre that is the mostsoutherly area of open waterinthe system
An LNER Norfolk Broads poster by Alison McKenzie featuringa windmill also caught theeye of a
Clothing dumped in river sparks environmentalconcerns
Areminder about environmental responsibilityhas been sounded after 15 bags of clothes were dumped by a riverbank.
VOLUNTEERSfrom RiverCareGrantham, in Lincolnshire,weredismayed to discoverclothingdumped alongthe bank of the River Witham and alsointhe water.
“A huge thank-you goes out to the vigilantlocal resident whoreportedthisincident,” said the group. “Weswiftly respondedand spentan hour diligently collectingthe discardedclothing, fillingan astounding15bags.
“Discarded clothing dumpedinariver hasa varietyofnegativeeffects on the aquatic environment. This act of littering is astark reminder of the ongoing need for environmental
responsibility. Let’scontinue to work together to protect ourbeautiful greenspaces and waterways.”
Thegroup issued a breakdownofthe keyissues: Dyes andchemicals: Textiles areoften treated with awide rangeof chemicals,includingdyes, bleaches,softeners,and flame retardants. When theseclothes aresubmerged in water, these chemicals can leachout into the river. Many of thesesubstancesare toxic
to aquaticlife,disruptingtheir hormonal systems,causing developmental issues,and even leadingtodeath
Microplastics: Synthetic fabrics likepolyester,nylon, and acrylic areessentially plastics.Astheseclothes breakdowninthe water, theyreleasetinyfibres known as microplastics. These microplastics areamajor environmental concern. They areingestedbyfish,insects, and other aquatic organisms, and canaccumulateintheir digestivesystems,causing blockages, starvation, anda hostofother health problems
The microplasticscan also absorb other toxins from the water, becoming tinytoxic carriersthatmoveupthe food chain,eventuallyimpacting humanhealth through the consumption of seafood
Flow blockage: Large piles of clothingcan physically block the flowofthe river, especially in smaller streams orduringperiodsoflowwater.
Abid of £18 at auction in July secured these two GWR River Dart leaflets from 1935 and 1938. PHOTO: PAPERCHASEAUCTIONS
collector,who paid £400 for this item of railway artwork, while a Monsal Dale Peak District poster issued by BR in 1958 illustrating aviaduct abovethe windingriver realised £550, anotherBRexample, of abridgeoverthe RiverEden at Bolton near ApplebyinCumbria achieved£220, and aBRposter illustrating the ‘Bonnie banksof LochLomond’ went under the hammer for £190. Finally, abid
This canleadtolocalised floodingupstreamand alack of waterdownstream.
Oxygen depletion: The decaying organicmaterials in naturalfibres (likecotton and wool) consumeoxygen as theydecompose.This process, known as biological oxygen demand (BOD), cansignificantly deplete thedissolved oxygen in the water. Lowoxygenlevels,or hypoxia, canbelethalfor fish and other organismsthatrely on oxygen to breathe
of the same price securedacirca 1930 ‘Perth the Fair City’ poster that comprised astrikingview by therenowned Scottish-born artist William MillerFrazer(1864-1961) of the river, city,and distanthills Thepricesquotedexclude buyer’spremium of 15% at the Main Line Railwayanaauction, 12.5% at the Paperchase auction, and 15% (plus VAT) at the GW Railwayanasale.
plants and disruptingthe habitatsofbottom-dwelling organismslikeinsects, crustaceans,and snails. This canhaveacascadingeffect on theentirefood web, as theseorganisms areafood source for fishand other animals.
Suffocationanddrowning: Animals canget tangledin fabric,restrictingmovement andmakingthem vulnerable to predators. Birds, turtles, and other animals canget caughtinsleeves or pant legs, leadingtoinjury, suffocation, or drowning.
Ingestion: In addition to microplastics,animals may
mistakepieces of clothingfor food,leadingtoblockages in theirdigestive systemsand starvation.
“Discarded clothingina riverisnot just an aesthetic problem,”the groupadded. “It’sacomplexformof pollution that introduces harmful chemicalsand microplastics,physically disrupts theecosystem, depletes oxygen, and posesa directthreattothe health and survival of aquatic wildlife.”
Meanwhile,the group marked its 150th river clean-up anddiscovereda submergedsofa,whichhad to be taken apartinsitu.
PHOTO: GW RAILWAYANA
The pile of clothes dumped in the water and on theriverbank. PHOTO: DAVIDMARTIN/GRANTHAM RIVERCARE
The clothing being removed. PHOTO:JULIA PETTEE/ GRANTHAM RIVERCARE
The retrieved clothing, ready for responsible disposal. PHOTO: JULIA PETTEE/GRANTHAM RIVERCARE
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Fitfor royalty –aregal craft’s remarkableheritage
Atowpath stroll introduced Joanne Gilligan and her partner Mark Benntoa boatwith afascinatingtale to tell. Sally Clifford finds out more.
THERE’Sa touchofirony in the chance find Jo Gilliganand partner Mark Benn made on atowpath stroll. Beingkeeperofacastle for her profession –she is the first and only female live-in site officer at Pontefract Castle,partofthe duchy whichis managedbyWakefield Council– it was, perhaps, fate that thecouple discoveredaboat’sroyal connection.
TheElizabeth wasaworkin progresswhen theysaw it on a privatemooring in Rawcliffe,near Doncaster. Subsequent inquiriesled them to the owner “We’ddonea lotofwalks with the dogs and hadseenboats for sale. The owner haditasaproject,but he wasgetting older,” said Jo,whose love of waterstems from family canalboatholidaysasa child.“As soon as we stepped on it,I said, ‘I need this boat!’”
The couple made the decision to buy The Elizabeth beforediscovering
its importantpast. “I knew it had character,and the owner explained it hadbeenonthe QE2.Wewere alreadyfascinated with the QE2 and Titanic.Weknew the QE2 wasdocked in Dubai, butwefound outa lot more informationabout it,” said Jo.
Launched in 1967 by the late QueenElizabeth II, the QE2 was built for the Cunard Line and worked as atransatlantic liner and cruiseshipuntil itsretirementin 2008 when it became afloating hotel. The Elizabeth is believedto be one of onlytwo of its surviving tender boats.
“Itwas built in 1967, butthey changedthe boatsin1975,”said Mark.Thecouple areunsureofits historyafter that and have been tryingtopiece together itspast. An album compiledbyJochartsthe boat’s restoration in pictures
Such is the couple’s fascination with TheElizabeth,theyhave sourcedmemorabiliarelatingto its time transportingguests to the islands andports while working with the QE2.Among the wellpreservedsouvenirs sourcedfrom online marketplaces aremenus, luggage tags,tea towels,travel documents and abar of chocolate in itsoriginal wrapping.
Inside the cosycabin of the 40ft fibreglassboat, thecouplehave fashioneda comfortable holiday home,although theyadmit it has been aworkinprogresssince they
purchaseditsix yearsago
Thecomfortable sittingroom boasts twobeds, one of which doubles up as aseatingarea– the wooden side panel, Jo explained, wasrepurposedfromthe tender’s original benchseats
Reclaimedpallets around
the cabin, incorporatingsitting room,snugand bathroom, arein keepingwith thecouple’s interest in sustainability. “Webuy secondhand or upcycle. In the bathroom, oneofthe shelves is from abread board. Thekitchen doorswere refreshedwith new handles and chalkpaintbecause Ibelieve there is no pointbuyinganythingnew if youdon’t have to –reuseit,”said Jo Anchor-printed curtains in the kitchen and scattercushions arranged on the seatingareainthe snug reflect the nautical theme. The wooden structureencasing the wheelhousewas an addition beforetheyboughtthe boat,and a removable hood covering the stern hascreated aseatingareatobe enjoyed whatever the weather
ForJoand Mark,getting theboat to this stagehas been alabourof love,but changesintheir working arrangements limits the amountof time theycan spend on The Elizabeth Their mostmemorabletripwas an intendedholiday to Thorne which endedjustafew milesfromFairies Hill wheretheywerepreviously moored
“Itisadeepbottomedboat, three-and-a-half foot draft, and we didn’t knowhow shallowitwas at Knottingley. The prop shaft got snarledupwithweeds,but because it’s asea boat it hasn’t gota weed hatch likeacanal boat,” said Mark Fortunately, his pal’sbrother is adeep-seadiver and came to the rescue –“three dives and he gotus untangled.”
However, it wasfar from plain sailingwhen theydiscoveredthe
weedshad damagedthe seal on thestern gland. Once repaired,they were on their wayagain.
Jo hasdocumented other successful trips in adiary dedicated to this specialcraft.Thecouple aremoored in Castlefordand arereluctantly consideringselling The Elizabeth: “Wehaven’t used it as we should have done.Weare at thepoint of selling it to someone who canget moreuse outofitbecause we are restricted with shifts.”
Buttheywould certainlymiss thefloating life.“Ilovewakingup on the boat and lookingout at the waterand theducks comingalong,” said Jo
“When youare chugging along and the sunisout and youcan hear the watersplashing,this is the life,” addedMark.
Bygone times: The Elizabeth inoriginal redand white livery before coming into Jo and Mark’spossession. PHOTO:JOGILLIGAN
The Elizabeth is one of the surviving tenders from the QE2. PHOTO: SALLYCLIFFORD
Labour of love: Jo Gilligan and Mark Benn. PHOTO: SALLYCLIFFORD
The welcomingplaque onboard The Elizabeth. PHOTO: SALLYCLIFFORD
Jo by thestern, wherethe seatingareacan be enjoyed whatever theweather PHOTO: SALLYCLIFFORD
TheMidlands-based operator’s CEO, Steve de Polo,said: “Weare delightedtoannounce the acquisition of thesethree NorthWest-basedmarinas whichare in excellent locations,complementary to ourexistingnetwork of 29 marinas.
“Wepride ourselveson investinginour marinasand waterside teams,ensuring that ourcustomers’ lives by thewater aremadeaseasy as possible.I am looking forward to workingwith the moorersatthesethree new locations to further improve theirmarinaexperience as we bringtheminto the Aquavista network.”
Meanwhile, Tingdene Grouphas announcedits first expansion into Scottish waters with the acquisition of Holy Loch Marina,in Sandbank,nearDunoon, on Scotland’s CowalPeninsula –the company’ssecond such acquisition of 2025.
Holy Loch is akey boating destinationonthe Firth of Clyde, offering more than 200fully serviced berths,visitor berths,a well-equipped boatyard with hoistand slipway,
on-sitefueland shoreside services includingmarine engineering, chandlery and hospitalitybusinesses.
“HolyLochMarinais anatural andwelcome addition to ourgrowing marina portfolio,”saidthe group’smanagingdirector, IanCollier.“Itsstunning location,established reputation,and strong berth holder communitymakeit an idealfitfor thegroup We’reexcited to continue thegreat work already happeninghere.”
EthanZone,strategy directoratTingdene Group, added: “This is asignificant acquisition and distinctive milestone forthe business as it is ourfirstinvestment outside of England bringingusintoone of the UK’smosticonic boating
regions.Broadening our operation to Scotlandand specificallyHolyLoch Marina providesuswith anew base for learning and growth creating exciting opportunities and challengesahead.”
The Downsfamilyran Holy Loch Marina for morethan25 years, originallydeveloped by thelateMatthew Downs. His children, Alison Allanand StuartDowns,haveplayed akey role in running the marina in recentyears and will continue to be actively involved under Tingdene’s ownership.
“This marina hasbeena huge part of ourlives,” said Alison. “It’smorethanjust aplace—it’s acommunity that reflects ourfather’s vision. While it’s time for us to hand over ownership,
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WHETHER on wateroronthe road, adivision of afamily-run businessishelpingtravellers sleepbetter.
Boat Mattress Direct specialises in custom-made mattresses designedtofit the irregularspaces of boats, yachts,and narrowboats, wherestandard sizesoften fall short. From roundedcorners to anglededges,every mattress is cuttomeasure, ensuring a perfectfitand lastingcomfort.
Thecompany,whichis part of the family-run Nada Home UK,alsosupplies bespokemattressesfor caravans,motorhomes,and campervans,and each product is manufactured in the UK, allowing for quick delivery.
we’reproud to continue workinghereand excited aboutwhatthe futureholds under Tingdene.”
Stuartadded: “There’sa real comfortinknowing the marina is movingforward with people who value what’s been builthere. We look forward to beingpart of thisnextchapter.”
Tingdene Marinas recognises the potential forfurther development at the site and is already exploringwaystoenhance andexpandthe facilities in line with customer needs and theunique character of the location.
“Atthe heartofevery successfulmarinaisa strong senseofcommunity, andHolyLochMarina is ashiningexample of that,” said SteveArber, operationsdirectorat Tingdene Marinas. “We areincredibly proudto become part of this wellestablishedboating family and deeply respectful of the legacy built here over the past 25 years.
“Our focuswill be on listeningtoberth holders, supportingthe existing team,and ensuringthat the marina continues to be awelcoming, vibranthub for both locals andvisitors. We believeingrowing with communities,not just operatingwithinthem.”
The acquisitionhas seen the firm’smarinanetwork grow to 12 UK locations spanning inland and coastalwaters.
Customer care is at the heart of the business,which prides itself on beingapproachable and supportive. “We’re never toobusytohelp or giveadvice,” the team said.
With areputation for craftsmanship, practical guidance, and genuine service, Boat Mattress Directhas become atrusted name for
EP RO PU LS IO N, agloballeaderin electric marine propulsion systems andservices, has announced that itsco-founderand CEO, DannyTao, hasbeennamed in FortuneChina’s 2025 ‘40Under 40’ list,recognising influentialand visionaryyoung leaders shapingthe futureofbusiness.
Mr Ta o’s selection reflects hispioneering work in drivingthe marine industry’s transition from fossil fuelstoclean electric propulsion. Hisvisionfor asustainable maritime future beganoveradecade agowhile studying me ch anic al engineering at the Hong Kong University of Science and Te ch nolo gy Witnessing the en vir onmen tal
impact of traditional marine engines,Tao sawanopportunity to co mb in e advanced electric motor technology with the boating industry’sneed for cleaner,more efficientsolutions In 2012, together with agroup of like-minded university peers, Taoco-founded ePropulsion with the missionofmaking boatingmore
sustainable without co mp ro mi si ng pe rf or ma nc e. From itsfirst prototypeelectric outboard motorto acomprehensive po rt fo lio of ou tb oa rd s, poddrivesand inboardsystems, ePropulsionhas grownintoaglobally recognised brand with customers in more than 100 countries,including theUK.
PHOTO: SUPPLIED
Danny Tao, co-founder and CEOof ePropulsion. PHOTO: SUPPLIED
Furness Vale Marina, near Stockport. PHOTO: AQUAVISTA
Fettlers Wharf Marina, near Ormskirk. PHOTO: AQUAVISTA
Celebrating 60 years of innovation andservice across theSolent
HOVERTRAVEL, theworld’s longest-running commercialhovercraftoperatorand the only year-round scheduledpassenger hovercraft outsideJapan,has been officially recognised by theNationalTransport Trustwiththe unveilingoftwo prestigiousRed Wheel plaques at itsSouthsea andRydeterminals.
These accoladescelebrateHovertravel’s pioneeringrole in British transport history and itsunique contribution to connecting communities acrossthe Solentsince1965.
FoundedonJuly24, 1965,the firm beganoperationswithtwo 38-seat SR.N6 hovercraft leased from the British Hovercraft Corporation, offering servicesbetween Ryde,Southsea,and Stokes Bay. Originally intended as aseasonaltourist attraction, the service quicklygainedpopularityamong commuters andlocals, evolvingintoavital year-round link betweenthe Isle of Wight andthe mainland.
Today, Hovertraveloperatestwo 12000TD hovercraft – SolentFlyer and Island Flyer –providingthe fastest ferry serviceacrossthe Solent, completing the journey in under 10 minutes.
The RedWheel scheme, administered by theNational TransportTrust, commemorates sitesofsignificant importance in the history of transport in the UK.Hovertravel’s inclusion in this
scheme underscoresits status as aunique and enduringpartofthe nation’stransport heritage
LorettaLale,headofmarketing at Hovertravel, said: “Weare incrediblyproud to receivethis recognition from the National TransportTrust.For 60 years, Hovertravel hasbeenmorethanjusta mode of transport; it hasbeena lifeline forcommunities,a draw for tourists,and asymbolofBritish innovation.
“TheseRed Wheelplaques areatestament to the dedication of ourteamand the enduringsupportofour passengers.”
StuartWilkinson, chair of theNational TransportTrust,added: “Weare delightedto add thesetwo RedWheels to the 191 already awarded. Theyserve to highlightthe rich and fascinatinghistory of UK transport,and the Solent’shovercraft arebrilliantexamples of a transportsolution stillserving people either side of the water60years later.
“It’sahistory that we hopewillinspire young people to consider acareerin transport and engineeringand maybethere is ayoung person outthere whoseideawill become as importantinthe futureasthese hovercraft routes aretoday.”
TheRed Wheelplaques will be permanently displayedatboth Hovertravel’s Southsea and Ryde terminals.
Unearthing
StaffordRiverway Link’shistory
ARTEFACTS unearthedby StaffordRiverwayLink(SRL) volunteersatthe Stafford Branch CanalsiteatBaswich areondisplay in the town Organised by SRL, aselection of items discovered whileclearing and excavating thesiteare on shownow at Stafford Library, in Staffordshire Place, TippingStreet, Stafford ST16 2DH until
Saturday,November8
Many of the discoveries can be attributed to the former inhabitants of the Lock Houseand others mayhave been discarded when the navigation wasopen.
The waterway,alsoknown as the RiverSow Navigation, wasinuse from 1816 until the1920s,and theLock Housewas occupied until 1956.
Thedisplay alsogives some information about theBaswich lock keepers and theirwives. Thedisplay is open Monday-Thursday10am6pm;Friday, 10am-5pm; Saturday,9am-4pm;and Sunday,1pm-4pm In nextmonth’s Towpath Talk,SRL volunteerstell us moreabout what they discovered.
Capt SteveAttrill,director of Hovertravel Limited (left),with National Transport Trust chairman StuartWilkinson at the presentation of Hovertravel’sRed Wheel Plaque
Inland waterways showcase at 56th international festival
THERE is still time to enjoy the Southampton International Boat Show. The 10-dayboating and watersportsfestival draws to acloseonSeptember28.
Theextravaganza alwayspromises to be an unmissable experience for marine enthusiaststobuy their dreamboat, discover new technologies, enhance their on-thewaterskills,shop for the latest kitand gadgets,and getinspired by the boats
on display at Europe’s largestpurpose-built show marina. More than 300 crafts of all shapes and sizesare therethis year And best of all, there’s aDiscoverBritain’s Inland Waterwaysstand, celebratingcanal culture, community, and life afloat –and showcasing a60ft narrowboat.
“Britain’sinland waterwaysare aliving, breathingpiece of our national heritage, a
tranquil yetvibrant network of canals and rivers stretching2000 miles around the country,” said stand sponsor GJW Direct. “This hidden world offersnot just scenic beauty and leisure opportunities, butalsoa strongsenseofcommunity and aslower, more sustainable wayoflife.
“Attheheartofthestand is the show-stopping 60ft narrowboat,expertly crafted by OvationBoats,
offeringvisitorsa rare chance to step aboard andexperience lifeafloat. Whether you’redreaming of aliveaboardlifestyle or simply curiousabout exploringbywater,thisis amust-see.
“But it’s more than just abeautiful boat.It’sa chance to connect with the passionate businesses and individuals who arehelpingthe inland waterwaysthrive. From boat builders and marine
serviceproviders to heritage groups and cruisingclubs,you’ll meet the people who arekeeping canalcultureevolving.
“Our sponsorship is part of ourcommitment to nurturingBritain’s rich waterway heritage andencouragingmore people to discoverthe unique joyofcanal life.”
Areyou at the show? Send in asnapofyou having fun to editorial@ towpathtalk.co.uk
Going underground –and over it too!
THEIWA Lichfield branchisorganisinga walk and atalkinNovember.
On Thursday, November 6, a3¼-mile circular walk of StokeGoldingand the Ashby Canalistakingplace from 10.45am,meeting at The George &Dragon, Station Road, Stoke Golding, LeicestershireCV136EZ.Contact clive.walker@waterways.org.uk for details GoingUnderground, an illustratedtalk by PeterSimpson, principal engineer for tunnels and culverts at the Canal& River Trust, is taking placeonFriday, November 21 from 7.30pmatDarwinHall, Heathcot Place,Lichfield WS13 6RQ. Non-members arewelcome.
Spotlight on canal artist Alan Firth
THE life of canalartistAlanFirth is the topic of an upcomingtalk for the Northampton branchofthe Inland WaterwaysAssociation. TimCoghlan,the managing directorof BraunstonMarinaLtd and regular Towpath Talk writer,isgivingthe talk titledAlan Firthand OtherCanal Artists IHaveKnown on Tuesday, October14from7.30pm at the Boat Inn, StokeBruerne.
Alan wasoncedescribed by theIWA as ‘probablyBritian’sbestknown waterwaysartist’ and is the subjectofafeature writtenbyTim appearingnextmonth’s issueofTowpath Talk
Wherewatersmeet and people gather
WITH theCanal &River Trust as our guide, we exploreYorkshireand theNorth East. What delightscan this region offerupto people looking for aday out –oralonger stay –with awaterways theme?Thanksto thetrust’s free Places To Visit guides, we can getstuck in…
Canals and waterwaysare aplace for everyone to connect with nature andthe past,and Yorkshireand the NorthEastquite happilyticktheseboxes.There’strendy Hebden Bridge,wherepopular TV drama HappyValleywas filmed,the urbandelights of SteelCityitself,Sheffield, and much more to discover.
BingleyFiveRise: Welcome to thesteepest lock staircase in Britain! The most spectacular featureofthe Leeds&LiverpoolCanal, it can takeboats 45 minutes to go up theGrade I-listedlocks and 30 minutes to go down Things to seeand do: visitthe viewing area at the topofthe locksand takein theAire Valley’sbeautiful views
Leedswaterfront: Thiscreativeurban space wasonce amajor hubofactivity betweenthe Atlantic Oceanat Liverpooland theNorth SeaatHull. TheLeeds&Liverpool Canalisthe longest in Britain, stretchingfor 127miles andittook46years to complete. Thingstosee anddo: catch awater taxifrom LeedsDocktoGranary Wharf; soak up history at the RoyalArmouries;and visit The Tetley, astunningArt Deco buildingthatwas the headquarters of TetleyBrewery and is nowa family-friendlycontemporaryart gallerywith acafe and under-fivesplayzone
PocklingtonCanal: Most of thiscanal is locatedwithin aSiteofSpecial Scientific
Interest,meaningit’sone of the best places to spot birds, insects,small mammalsand plants –pipistrelle bats,redshank,kingfishersand dragonflies areregularly seen here. Thingsto seeand do:visit Melbourneand boarda boat trip runbythe PocklingtonCanal Amenity Society(Sundaysand bank holidays AprilOctober); and stroll alongthe canaltoChurch Bridge and SwingBridge, both of which have been fullyrestoredthankstograntsfromthe Heritage LotteryFund.
RiponCanal: Linedwith treesand wildflowers,thisoncederelict stretch is now awell-knownbeautyspot– andit’sall thanks to the tirelessefforts of the volunteersofRipon CanalSociety. Things to seeand do: if you fancysome trulyquiet time,sit in one of the birdhides sitedalongthe canalfor awhile and seewhatyou canspot; take aboattripfrom
RiponCanal basin; andmarvelatRipon’s medieval cathedralinRipon –a church has been on this site since672AD Saltaire: Atruly unique place,Saltaire–whichhas UNESCOWorld Heritage Status –was built by wool baronSir TitusSalt to househis textileworkers.Heboughtland alongside the Leeds&LiverpoolCanal to create anew communityfor hisworkforce, wheretheycould be healthier, happierand moreproductive–a far cryfromthe Bradford slumstheyleft behind. Things to seeand do: indulge in apicnic in RobertsPark on thebanksofthe RiverAire– keep an eyeout for otters;visit Salt Mills,home to one of the largestcollections of work by Bradford-born DavidHockney; andthere’s aseven-arch aqueduct,justa shortwalk or cyclealongthe towpathatHirst Wood. Sheffield VictoriaQuays: On the Sheffield& TinsleyCanal,you’ll findcafes and bars,and don’t forgettocheck out the annual Waterfront Festival,organised by the Canal& RiverTrust.Things to seeand do: tryyourhandatstand-up paddleboardingorcanoeing.
Skipton: The Leeds& LiverpoolCanal runs through Skipton,agreat place to spend the daywith plenty to keep you occupied. Things to seeand do: learn all aboutthe canalona boat trip; cycleto Greenberfield Locks, the summit of the canaland border with Lancashire; and visit Skipton Castle,one of the mostcomplete and best-preserved medievalcastles in England.
SowerbyBridge: At the junction of the Calder and Hebble Navigation andthe
Rochdale Canal, the locksonthe former are shorterthanthoseonthe latter.Thecanal basinand warehouses wherethe canals meet arelistedbuildings.Things to seeand do: visit WainhouseTower,the tallestfollyin the world, and take alookatthe UK’sdeepest lock at Tuel Lane
The Canal&River Trust’sPlaces To Visit guides areavailable to download forfree online at www.canalrivertrust.org.uk/ free-guide
Ascene from last year’s Southampton InternationalBoat Show
Bingley Five Rise. PHOTO: MGSPILLER –CCBY-SA 2.0
How to winterise your narrowboat
AS ourseasons become more extreme,inaddition to wetter summers, ourwinters could get colder.While the consensus is that climatechangewill bringwarmer winters, aBBC report (February25 –Could theUKactuallyget colder with global warming?) said some scientists predict the UK and northwest Europe could buck the global warmingtrend and face plunging temperatures and freezingwinters. Here, RiverCanal Rescue advises howtowinterise your narrowboat and avoid costlyrepair bills
Coolingsystems
Any‘closed loop’coolingsystem needsanti-freeze addedand replaced (per manufacturer’s guidelines). This minimises the risk of splits or fracturesdue to freezing waterand engine corrosion, plus improves the engine’s coolingefficiency.
If it’s araw water(drawnfromthe river) coolingsystem, drain down by brieflyrunningthe enginewhen outofthe watertoempty thesystem. If afloat,‘shut off’the inlet valve (seacock)and drain as much water from the system as possible. Wherenodrain plug is available, disconnect ahose, drainthe waterfromthe system and leave disconnected.Although this will not emptythe system completely, it will allowfor expansion should the waterfreeze, reducingthe risk of ruptured pipes. Insulate anyaccessible tightbendsasthis is wherefluid collects,evenafter draining. Once you startcruising again, reconnect anypipes,refill the system and open the seacock If the engine’s winterised or seacock’s closed,clearly mark the engine and its controls;itshould preventaccidental operation.
General checks
Checklockers,cockpit and other
As the colder weather approaches, it’salways best to be prepared. PHOTO:SUPPLIED
areastoensureall drain holes and plugs areclear of debris,leaves, dirt and so on. Theseareas blockeasily and in heavyorprolongedrain can causea vessel to take on water, causingcorrosion wherethe water’s left sitting–orevenworse,sinking
Test the bilge pump and if possible invest in an automatic one –it’smore reliable than amanual. An automatic bilge pump immediatelyresponds to wateringress with thefloatswitch dictatingwhenitshould pump
Should aleakdevelop from the coolingsystem, hull or other source (orthere’sa build-up of rain water), this will keep your vessel safe. Waterina boat will causeittobe lowerinthe water, placingoutlets such as thosefor ashower, sink or air vent nearer to the waterlevel (leading to catastrophic results!).
Checkbattery charge levels beforeleavingthe boat and when you return or before alongjourney. Heavyrainfall, leakingstern glands andweedhatch issues canresultin wateringress that quicklyfills the boat, causingit to sink.Ifbatteries go flatatacritical point, it canbe devastating.
Grease thestern tube before leavingthe boat as thiswill prevent water ingress. Although moststern glands leakoncethe propeller turns, the grease acts likea seal while not inuse.
Ensure boat mooringpinsand ropesare secure yetslack enough to deal with thenormalriseorfall of waterlevels. Wherepossible, attachalongropetoatreeor higher ground so that if flooding occurs or the boat becomesloose in high winds,the additional rope provides amuch-needed safetyline. In extreme weather or prolonged rainfall,visit theboatregularly to adjustmooring ropesand check bilge pumpsand batteriesare copingwiththe situation.
Runthe engine for an hour every time you visit as thispushes oil around the engine andprevents rusting, plus it tops up the battery if left running long enough (beware of doingthisifyou’vedrainedthe cooling system!).
Sprayterminals with asiliconefree lubricant, grease allavailable grease points on the engine and drive, plus electrical connectors, and lubricatelinkagesand gear/ throttle slides;thisprevents rusting/corrosion andgives these components alongerlife
Generators
If notinuse,store in agas-tight locker –the same regulations as liquid petroleum gas(LPG) apply.
Water and heating
Freezing temperatures cancause
Winaplace on an RCR maintenancecourse
TO celebrateRiver Canal Rescue’s 25th anniversary, managingdirectorStephanie Horton is givingawayprizes everymonth,throughout the year.InOctober,Towpath Talk readerscan winaplace on one of RCR’sboatand engine maintenance courses, worth£315. The two-day course covers howtomaintain diesel engines andthe systems within anarrowboat, such as propulsion, cooling, engine servicingand fault finding, and isledbyRCR’sKerryHortonand Dave Bull. You’ll alsoreceivea certificateand aNarrowBoat Engine Maintenance and Repair book. Held at RCR’sStafford HQ,the course runs twicea month, with datesavailable throu gho ut the year. Foryour chance to secure your place,simplyemail your name,addressand phone number to TTcompetition@ rivercanalrescue.co.uk, writing ‘October maintenancecourse’ in the subjectline and you’ll be enteredintothe prizedraw. Entries closeat 23.59 on 31/10/25 and thewinner
will be drawnon 01/11/25. The winner will be notified within 14 days of the closeof entries.Thedraw is final, and no correspondence will be entered into.Entry is free andopentoresidents of the UK aged over 18. Only one entrypermitted perperson, thereisnocash alternative, and the prizeis not transferable.Byentering, youagree to be bound by all the rules and agreethat your name and county maybe released if you win.
splitorfractured pipes which, if left over agradual period,can lead to complete or partialflooding.
Drain down the watersystem (includingdrinkingwater and cistern) and leavetapsinthe open position. Most waterheaters have ascrew plug at theirbaseand can accommodate an old-fashioned cyclepumpwhich makesthe emptyingofwater that much quicker.
Taps should be left open so if any waterisleft in the system and it freezes, the pressure on the pipes will be less due to air comingout of the taps
An unnoticedpipesplit and floodingwillalmostcertainly lead to sinkingwhich maynot be coveredbyinsurers(notall coverfrost damage anda gradual incursion of watermay notbe classedasaccidental). If covered, insurancepolicies normally insist‘machineryiswinterised accordingtomanufacturers’ recommendations.’Ifunavailable, the advice of aqualifiedengineer should be sought.
Laghot and cold pipes and topupanti-freeze in keel cooling andother sealed heatingsystems such as radiatorsconnected to the boiler. Thisisthe single most importantthing to do whetheryour narrowboat is beingusedoverthe winter period or not
Protecting possessions
Remove or hide outofsight any alcohol, valuable and electrical items.This mightnot be such an issueifyou have asecuremooring, butifindoubt,takeitout
Invest in decent locks–your insurance policy requires thisand it’s morelikelytodeter thieves. Ensure allwindows andaccess points arefirmly closed and locked beforeleavingthe vessel and visit
regularly. Preventthe theft of external items likemushroomvents, solarpanelsand chimneys by fixing with extra-strength sealantand invest in security shearnuts. Ask neighbouring boatstocall if they have anyconcerns
Diesel treatment
Excessive waterinthe tank canlead to waterfeedingthrough thefuel system.Toprevent this,regularly checkyourfillercap seal and replace if worn,cracked or damaged. The capsitslower than thedecksoif it’s been raining, wipe away excess waterbeforeopeningthe cap. To reduce casesofsticky fuel –unrelated to the usual fuel contaminants,causing injection pump rackstoseize, fuel injector and filter head plungers to fail, and return lines to block–leave tanks emptyand upon return, drain off anywater build-up,treat the remainingfuel, and thenadd fresh
As chemicals starttobreak down in afueltreatmentwithin six months (the beliefisthisisone of the contributingfactors to sticky fuel), useitwithin sixto12months of purchase.
Acommon denominator in all reported casesofsticky fuel is the useoffuel treatments.Theyin themselvesare not at fault,but when stored for awhile,their chemical breakdownmay impact the fuel.
Freezing weather and ice
If the boat’s encased in ice and you’reworried aboutthe effects on the hull, takecare… breaking theice canresult in moredamage than leavingit. Theonlytime the ice should be broken is if you need to move,and thisshould be undertakenwithcaution.Thestress on thehullfroma largesurface area of ice is huge andataminimum will causedamagetothe blacking.
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Ireland, John McDonagh, welcomedInfrastructure MinisterLiz Kimmins to the Ulster CanalatClones to view Phase2 of the redevelopmentprogramme. Thesecondphase,which opened in June 2024, includes anew marina, 1km of restored canaland a1.5km walk alongthe routeofthe OldUlster Canal. MinisterKimmins heardabout the economic and recreational benefits of the cross-border Ulster Canalproject andthe UsterCanal projectteam, ledbyPaulRodgers, briefed her on the ongoing
preparatoryworks for Phase3.Thelargest phase of theoverall restoration of the Ulster Canal, itruns from Castle Saunderson to Clonfad, about10km Once completed, this will allownavigationall theway from Clones in Monaghan to themouth of the Shannon in Limerick. Work on the construction of the Ulster Canalbegan in 1841and within the year it wasopentocommercial traffic.The navigation combiningriver and canalwas about93km long,passing through Counties Fermanagh,
Cavan, Monaghan, Tyrone andArmagh. It was, however, short-lived; the last tradingboattouse thecanal wasin1929 and it officially closed in 1931.
In 2007, following a meetingofthe North South Ministerial Council, therestoration project wasadded to Waterways Ireland’sremit.The organisation is tasked with restoringthe section from LoughErneinCo. FermanaghtoClonesin Co.Monaghan, astretch of about14.5km
Theproject is being delivered in three phases due to planningand
availabilityofcapital. The thirdstage is divided into four sub-phases,to include 10km of new and refurbishednavigable canal and towpathwith alooped walk andamenityarea, a sustainable watersource, adoublelockchamber and amarinaatGortnacarrow. Keyinfrastructureincludes sevennew bridges(one will be alifting bridge), asmall footbridge,the refurbishmentofthree existing masonryarch bridges, culvertand drainagerepairs, stop gates,provision of anew serviceblock facilityand carparking.
Grand Canaltowntobecome decarbonising zone
AVISION for the Grand CanaltownofTullamoreto become the decarbonising zone for Co.Offaly wasfirst announcedin2024. Now, OffalyCountyCouncil has officiallylaunchedthe flagship initiativeunder Offaly’sClimateAction Plan 2024-2029, signallingits commitmenttoleadership in climateaction at alocal leveland activatingand supportingcommunities in their decarbonising journeys.
Adecarbonising zone (DZ) is definedasaspatial area,chosen by each local authorityareainIreland, in whicharange of climate change mitigationmeasures areidentifiedtocontribute to meetingnational climate action targets.
“Our vision is abold one –tobecome aclimate resilient, biodiversity rich and environmentally sustainable county Tullamore, as our designateddecarbonising zone,iscentral to achieving that vision. TheDZis morethanjustalabel;
it is aworking,living commitmenttotackling thechallengesofclimate change at theheart of ourcommunity,”stated CathaoirleachCounJohn Leahyatthe official launch.
TheOffalyClimate ActionPlan2024-2029 sets bindingtargets of reducing greenhousegas emissions by 51% and increasing energy efficiencyby50% by the year 2030.
Thecountycouncil is already collaboratingwith communitypartnersand investinginprogrammes includingthe Tullamore Wetlands Projecttoimprove biodiversity,water quality, and localfloodresilience in the heartofTullamore
Thetownischanging rapidlyand fast becominga ‘must-watch’ foraddressing climatechangeand incorporatingsustainability into developments. Last year,anambitious plan to transformthe Grand Canalharbour area was announcedasthe canal continues to play avital role in
andheritage. Plans are beingmonitored by boatingclubs,groups and associations as the town
races towardsanexciting new future –inthe hope that it does not forgetit’s intrinsiclinks to the past
PEOPLE of all ages were invited to divedeepinto aweekend of free funin celebration of Belfast’srich maritime past and innovative future alongthe Maritime Mile –fromDonegall Quay to HMS Caroline –duringthe recent Belfast Maritime Festival
The Lord MayorofBelfast, Coun TraceyKelly, said “Itis undoubtedly oneofthe city’s mostpopular family-friendly events,attractingresidents from rightacrossthe cityand drawing visitors from farand wide to enjoy entertainmentinspired by ourproud maritime heritage and traditions.”
Festivalgoershopped on boarda fleet of ships docked at Queen’sQuayand Belfast HarbourMarina, including Spanish galleon replica
Andalucia, and meet the crews to getaglimpseoflife at sea. Youngervisitorsenjoyed arts andcrafts,acircus, dance and pirateplaytime at theKid’s Cove at Queen’sQuay. Hamilton Dock Maritime Villagecelebrated thepast andfuturewith immersive technology,interactive exhibits,boatbuilding exhibitions andmore, while hungry tummies were satisfied at the Street Food Market. Therewereplenty of musical performances,including an eveninggig on the worldfamousTitanic Slipways headlinedbythe Hothouse Flowers, giving visitorsa taste of what to expectin2026 when Belfast hosts the Fleadh,the world’slargest celebrationof Irishmusic and culture.
Funding to benefit BoatTrips.ie expansion on the Barrow
FÁILTE Ireland has announcedthata further24projects have been awarded fundingworth more than €3.6 million under its Investment Grant-AidScheme for Privateand CommunitySMEs Amongthem is Waterwaysbusiness BoatTrips.ie,which will receive€48,000 for the expansion of theopentour boat fleetonthe RiverBarrow. Thenew vessels will operatefrom Athy,Co. Kildare, and enhancethe acquisition and refurbishment of all-weather barge SaoirsearanUisce (Freedom on the Water) recently made by Boatrips ie and operatingat the same location It canbeused independentlyand in conjunction with the newly proposed op en bo at s, accommodating
up to 12 people inc lu din g wheelchair users andthosewith mobilityissues.
Cliff Reid, owner managerofBoatrips. ie,told Towpath Talk:“Ourplans include operating twopurpose-built boatsfromAthy, offeringvisitors guidedtours that bringlocal history, ecologyand the stories of our waterwaystolife.
“Fromthe Vikings andthe Normans to theconstruction of thecanal system
250 yearsago,guests will discover the rich heritage of the area,alongside the diverse wildlife and plantlife that call the rivernetwork home.” Part of the EU Just Transition Fund programme co-fundedbythe Governmentof Ireland and the European Union, this is the fourth announcementof successful projects under the initiative. Thefinal tranche is expected to be announced later this year
Waterfront fun at Belfast Maritime Festival. PHOTO: SUPPLIED
Minister Liz Kimmins with Waterways IrelandCEO John McDonagh and members of the Ulster Canal Projectteam. PHOTO: SUPPLIED
The Ulster Canal at Clones. PHOTO: SUPPLIED
Owner manager of BoatTrips.ie, Cliff Reid, on the River NoreatKilkenny. PHOTO: SUPPLIED
the town’s history
Tullamore Wetlands. PHOTO: SUPPLIED
Grand Canal, Tullamore. PHOTO: SUPPLIED
Getting up closeand personal withriverflies
THE winnersofaphotography competition organised by the Riverfly Partnership have been announced.
“Earlier this year,welaunched aphotography competition on the theme of riverflies,meaning up-wingflies,caddisfliesand stoneflies,” said the trust. “The responsewas fantastic,with 90 eligible photos puttoour judging panel. After much deliberation, two runners-up and one winner were settledupon.”
Thewinningimage by David Haines is of an adult baetid mayfly on afence post in Stoer, Sutherland, up in the Highlands
He said:“IliveinAssynton the west coastofSutherland, havingmoved permanentlyfrom Dunfermlinein2013. My wife and Ifirstvisited theareain1987 and probably knew then that we wanted to livehere. Ourmain interest was and still is birds butbeinghere
openedthe door to so many other areasofwildlife to watch, record and photograph
“Weare both enthusiastic riverfly volunteersatthe one suitable site in thearea. Thisimage wasone of only twoI wasable to takeofthe mayfly on the daybeforeitflew off “Itwas taken on aCanon EOS5D MKIVusing aCanon 100mm macro lens.Thesettings were 1/1250thsec/ f7.1/ISO400.
“The location wasthe fence around the Assynt CroftersTrust
Gardening Afloat
LeeSenior (Instagram: lee_senior_gardening)
AUTUMN is well and trulyaround thecorneronce thenightsinevitably draw in. Thereisanexciting arrayof spring flowering bulbs availablenow in garden centres and through mail
office in Stoer. Ihad actually been takingphotos of thefantastic wildflowermeadowand the visiting pollinatorsinthe fencedareaatthe time.That ledtoa newrecordthis century and possiblythe second onlyinAssyntofthe Pied Hoverfly, scaeva pyrastri.”
David Warriner’s imageofa casedcaddis wasrewardedasa runner-up.Heisavolunteer with the BoxMoorTrust andcarries outriverfly monitoringand other conservation and engagement activities.Hesaid: “This unusual caddis wasfound in achannel in the old Gadespringcress bedsite in Hemel Hempstead. The Box Moor Trustownsthissiteand is nowmanaged as awildlife site.It is home to an increasing rangeof species andhosts awide variety of aquatic invertebrates.”
Alsointhe runner-up category is freshwaterbiologistPaul Fraser’s close-up,ofwhichhe said: “This takes havingeyeson the topofyourheadtoa whole new level!”
“I’vealwaysloved workingwith freshwaterinvertebrates and a fewyears agoIdecidedtotake up macro-photographytolearn howtoshowcasethemtoa wider audience,” he added. “I love the awe andwonderment thesefascinating creaturesdemand when seen through the lensofa camera.”
Thejudgingpanel wasmade up of Simon Johnsonand Louise Lavictoire, respectively executivedirectorand head of science at the FreshwaterBiological
Association,and SteveBrooks, co-chair of the RiverflyPartnership Allentries canbeviewed online at www.riverflies.org/ riverfly-photo-gallery
Rare species recoverysuccess –and more research
AFTERnearlytwoyearsofdetermined fieldworkand thecombinedefforts of volunteers,researchersand conservationists, the Crystal Moss Animal Species Recovery Projecthas officiallywrapped up Lophopus crystallinus,or thecrystal mossanimal, is one of theUK’srarefreshwater invertebrates, living in hidden blowwells,ponds andrivers. It is currentlyendangered, and the Lincolnshire Chalk Streams Projectwas awardedfundingby NaturalEngland to help protect this minuteaquatic animal.
is coming
likeeDNAsampling, we’vefound evidence of L. crystallinusin12 separate locations in eightcounties –a hopeful sign that this overlooked speciesmight not be as lostaswe once feared.Wehavedeveloped a species-specificDNA test,identified potentialnew habitats and historic strongholdsand launchedcaptive rearingtrials.”
“Thisspecies deservesits moment in the spotlight. It is an invertebrate which hasseena decline in the UK duetolossofhabitats,” said the project. “Despiteits tiny size,ithelps play amightyrole in freshwater ecosystems,but until now, we had no idea howmanymight stillbeout there. Thankstonew techniques
Fresh funding hasbeensecured for future research including genetic studiestounderstandthe crystal moss animal’spopulations better, carefullyplannedtranslocation trials andmorepublic engagement and field surveys. This programme is oneof63inEngland to be awarded ashare of £14.5million through NaturalEngland’s Species Recovery Programme.The overall potof moneyfromNatural England is goingtowards breeding programmes andimproving habitatsfor anumber of differentspecies
GUARANTEE
order.They canbeplanted up until the end of Octoberor, in the case of tulips,until the end of November. To lift ourspirits,winterhanging baskets and windowboxes canlook greatduringthe darker months and areaworthwhile option for replacingsummer baskets thatare becoming stragglyand increasingly tired now.
Seasonal beddingplants such as polyanthus,winter pansies,violas andbellis daisies will providewelcome splashes of colour during milder spells.The main backbone of winter baskets aredwarf perennialssuch as ericaheather (whichare limetolerant), euonymus and hebe.Perennial herbs such as rosemary and purplesagecan go in too– anddon’t forget
aboutsnowdrops,dwarf daffodils (suchasteteatete) and other smallspringfloweringbulbs such as crocus,which enhancehanging basketsorwindowboxes forvery little cost
Practical tasks
Tomatoes arecomingtoan end, and anygreen fruits canbe removedand takenindoors. Iuse the classictrick of placingthem near bananasina drawer;they seem to assist the tomatoeswith ripening…but don’t forgettoeat your bananas!
Seasonal jobs at this time of year include removing dead, decaying vegetation, and tidyingcontainers. In the veggarden,autumn is when to plantoverwintergarlic and Japaneseonions, both of which will survivethe winter in pots or raised beds
Finally, thereisstill time to sow seedsofwintersalad leaves such as mizuna, rocket andloose-leaf lettuce foracrunchy snack.
Aplayonbirds
has been acontinuous
KENNorman
cruiser on NB Dædalus since December 2021. He has worked variously as banker, trainingconsultant, groundskeeper and comedy promoter. After afew hours’ cruising each day,Ken enjoys creating these frivolous cartoons; see moreonInstagram:@play_on_birds
Paul Fraser’swinning submission. PHOTO: PAUL FRASER/RIVERFLYPARTNERSHIP
The winning image of the Riverfly Partnership’sphotography competition. PHOTO: DAVIDHAINES/RIVERFLYPARTNERSHIP
David Warriner’s photograph, taken at the Box Moor Trust’s Gadespring site in Hemel Hempstead. PHOTO: DAVIDWARRINER/RIVERFLYPARTNERSHIP
Gallus ideas, lastinglegacies
Thereare fewsights more striking on Scotland’scanal network than the Kelpies, two horse headsrising 30 metres abovethe easternend of the Forth&Clyde Canal. For Richard Millar, chiefoperating officeratScottish Canals, they are asymbol of howbold ideas can transform derelict land into adestination forlocals andthose from further afield, giving new purpose to Scotland’scanals.
WITH adegreeincivil engineeringand aMasters in ecological design, RichardMillar joined Scottish Canals in 1999. His first tasks were anything butsimple –rebuilding the Union Canalthrough Wester Hailes on the outskirts of Edinburgh,wherethe waterway hadbeenfilled in and anew town built on top. From therehe movedtothe Forth&Clyde Canal, restoringlocks, clearing obstructionsand buildingbridges eastwards from Falkirk, part of the Millennium Link project.
It wasabaptism of fire, recalls Richard, butalsoan excitingtime for ayoung engineer,working with a close-knit team to achieve whatmanythoughtwas impossible.Atthe ageof27, he wasappointedtothe role of lowland canalmanager, leading50staff and overseeingthe operational side of the newly reopened canals.Sincethen, Richard hasbeenbehind many of the projects that have transformedthe oncederelict waterways.
“Accept that notevery projectwill come off,” he says,“butifyou cansell the bigger picture, people respond positivelytoa gallus,excitingidea.”
The Kelpies beganwith a sketch.Richard remembers sittingdownwithsculptor AndyScottin2004, when Scottmade his initial drawingoftwo enormous horses’heads.Working on the junction of the Forth& Clydewith theRiver Carron,
Richardled the Helix Park project, together with Falkirk Council, transformingacres of underused industrial land into apopularpark, with alagoon, new stretches of canaland theKelpies watching over it all.
Pinkston Watersports in Glasgowisanother example of Richard’s philos oph yt ha t regeneration should be ambitious and communitybased. Built on the site of the former Pinkston PowerStation, it’s now home to Scotland’sonly urbanartificial whitewater paddlingcourse. Used dailybyclubs,schools andcommunitygroups, it alsohosts competitions –regeneration at its best, keeping canals relevant andgivingpeople areason to getactiveand engaged.
Mo re re cen tl y, Stockingfield Bridge in northGlasgow has embodied hisbeliefinthe powerofbig ideas.First proposed in 2008,the projectsurvived recession,
delaysand pandemic shutdowns. Openedin2022, the bridge nowreconnects communities divided sincethe 18th century and completes asafe,traffic-free routebetweenEdinburgh and Glasgow.Surrounding it aregreen spaces and artworkincludingBellathe Beithir,amythical serpent sculpture, decorated with thousands of mosaic tiles createdbylocals.
Askedabout the secret of success, Richardshares: “These things takeyears,and not everyideacomes off.But if youcan showpurpose, sell the vision, and getbuy-in from communities and funders, ateamthatbelieves in the projectcan deliver the impossible.”
Communication, he adds,isasimportantas engineering–not only to convince potential funders, butingettinglocal communities engagedand excited aboutthe projects Glasgow’s SmartCanal, combiningthe canalwith 21st-century technology,
Ceilidh @The Kelpies
THE Kelpieswill hostanevening of dancingahead of St Andrew’s Daywhen Scottish Canals and FalkirkCouncil hold their first open-air eveningceilidh.
manageswater levels, reduces flood risk and unlockslandfor housing. ForRichard,it’san example of howthe canals canbeadapted to modern challenges whilerespecting their 250-year-old heritage. About120 people nowlive on the canals through the LivingonWater project, bringingcommunityto the waterways, which also supporthealth, regeneration, biodiversity and climateaction. “We knowwhatclosuredid to the canals in the 1960s and we can’t go back there,”he warns.
Just as this issueof TowpathTalk is published, Richardwill be in Buffalo, NewYork, speaking at the WorldCanals Conference and tellingScotland’s canal storyona global stage. He takes pride in thefactthat, despiteits small size,the network“punches well aboveits weight –orlength!” And hisfavourite canal? Diplomatic as ever,hesays he lovesthemall. Pressed, he admitshis spiritual home is the Falkirkflight on theForth &Clyde,once the domainofindustryand Pufferscarryingwhisky from Rosebank Distillery.“From a rubbish-strewn channel to a thrivingcanal in the heartof the town,it’sthe storyofour transformation in one place.”
•Towpath Talk enjoys a dayout in Edinburgh and sees theMillennium Link projectfirst-hand– page 66.
Ceilidh @TheKelpies will takeplace on Friday,November 28,promising an eveningof traditional Scottish music, dancing andcommunityspirit under theopensky People of all ages and experiencelevelsareencouraged to join in the Scottish dancing, accompaniedbyScotland’s chart-topping ceilidh band,
Whisky Kiss.Dancerswill be guidedthrough each dance, with theentertainmentstarting at 7pm.
The eveningalsomarks the first anniversaryofthe Kelpies Experience,whereparticipants climbsafely inside to the top of thehorse’s mouth. Thishas raised about£700,000 in its first year In for ma tion an d tickets areavailable from falkirkleisureandculture. or g/wh at s- on/ ceilidh-at-the-kelpies
Sea2Sea –aworld record attempt
AFORMERprofessionalrugby union player hasteamedupwith Scottish Canals to attemptan ambitious challenge while settingaworld record.
HavingstartedonSeptember 15, former GlasgowWarriorsand EdinburghRugby flanker Iain Sinclair is attemptingtobecome the first person to swim thefull 60 miles of theCaledonian Canal, including all 29 locks. For 48-year-old Iain, this isn’t just an endurance test over 10 days –he’s usingthe epic challenge to raise awarenessand funds forthree charities that holdpersonal significance: Crohn’s& Colitis UK,British HeartFoundation, and mental health charity Mikeysline
The challengewill alsomake historyasitisthe first time Scottish Canals hasgranted
permission fora swimmerto pass through the canallocks, with robust safetyprecautions in place,allowing foracontinuous swim from Fort William to Inverness, making it atrueworld first.Find outmoreand donate at sea2sea.co.uk
Ceilidh @The Kelpies will take place in front of the Kelpies sculptures in Helix Park. PHOTO: SCOTTISH CANALS
Iain Sinclair in the Caledonian Canal at the launch of his epic Sea2Sea challenge. PHOTO: SCOTTISH CANALS
Former Watsonians and Edinburgh Rugby teammate ScottHastings joined Scottish Canals CEO John Patterson and Iain Sinclair to announce details of Iain’sepic challenge.
PHOTO: SCOTTISH CANALS
Richardatacanal event, wherehealways takes the opportunity to chat to boaters and visitors. ALL PHOTO: SCOTTISH CANALS
Bella the Beithir’shead, at Stockingfield Bridge.
Stockingfield Bridge, spanning the Forth&Clyde Canal.
Days Out:Edinburgh
Ancientcastle –tick. World’slargest performing artsfestival–tick. Extinct volcano –tick. Edinburgh has itsfamous tourist hotspots, but few seem to knowabout itspeaceful waterwaysright in theheart of thecity, reports LucyWood in words and pictures, following on from last issue’s jaunt to Inverness.
APOSTERinthe window of ashopoffthe RoyalMilethatcaughtmyeye.Yours for somethinglike£60 wasa lavishlyillustrated listofEdinburgh’slegendarysights. Greyfriars Bobby, Usher Hall, the Fringe,DeanVillage, theScott Monument,HolyroodPalace, the botanicalgardens…all theusual suspects were presentand correct (includingCaltonHill butspelt incorrectlyasCarlton –oops, we’ll notdwell on that!) –and quiteright, too. It’s abeautiful cityI’m very familiar with,having spentmoreyears than Icaretorecordvisiting the festivalevery August,bar thepandemic, andenjoyingitinother seasons,too.That it’s centreisentirelywalkable –and what acentre, at that, steepedinhistory and architecture that still makesmestopand stare– is abig plus, nevermind it hasall the entertainmentontap you’dexpectofScotland’scapital.Infinitely morevisitable than other cities,inmybook, andalwayssomething newtodiscover– or somethingfamiliar to rediscover.
We travelledfromour base in Lincolnshire by train, up the scenicEastCoast Main Line to arrive at Edinburgh Waverley,and ingood weather too. Exit,turn left,and left againover NorthBridgetowards The Mound. We were on amission: to resist the lureofAuldReekie’s traditional delights and findEdinburghQuay, the city’sterminus of the Union Canal. Visitors lookingfor apeacefulalternativetothe betterknown places canleave thebustlingPrinces Street behind,dodge throughthe pretty much always busy RoyalMileand,within
aboutamile of thehistoricGrassmarket,find themselves at thestart of this greenwaterways haven. Plan it for just after lunchand you’ll hear thetime-settingone o’clockgun being fired at the castle,aspectacle datingbackto 1861 that often surprises theshoppersbelow.
We’d been well fedand wateredonthe train, so no messing about– straight to thewater.It’s about30minutes on foot,but Iwish I’dtrusted my internal sat-navinstead of Google Maps IknowEdinburgh very well butwas unsure of the exact location of thequay, so Iplaced my trustintechnology.Theshortest route, it said, wasuphill –and down!–overTheMound, takinginsteep flights of stairsthrough some thecity’sfamous closes,ontoTheRoyal Mile, then Grassmarket, then roundWestPortto thequay. It wastiring. The skymay have been grey,but it waswarm, foroncenot raining, andconstantlyside-stepping othertourists made ahalf-hour routemorelikeanhour. I shouldhaveignored it;the simplestway from the station, in my opinion, is over NorthBridge anddowntoCowgate.Fromthere, it’s aflatter, step-freeroute to Grassmarketand beyond.But hey, we liveand learn! Ourroute did, at least, takeusright up to the castle entrance,afforded some amazingviews, and demandedascoop or twoofice cream(from Mary’s Milk Barin Grassmarket–worth waitinginthe queue for, every time) to seeusthrough…and Iclocked the second-hand bookshops on West Port for a happystop-off on the wayback. The quay itself is tucked behind towering
UNIONCANAL TIMELINE
1793: Idea is formedtobuild acanal to transport coal to Edinburgh from the west coast.
buildings on Fountainbridge, just beyond West Port,and comes as quitethe surprise. We cut through agap betweenthe offices andshops andthere,all of asudden, is an expanseof water. We hadarrived!
Linedwith glass-frontedhigh-rise buildings, thequayisultra-modern, having been transformedbackintouse from aderelict area since canaltrade ceased in about1920, eventually closingtonavigationin1965. LochrinBasin wasredeveloped in 2001 to unlock thecanal –originallybuilt to transport coal from the west coast–and return it to a livingand workingwaterwaythrough to meet the Forth&Clyde CanalFalkirk.Fromhere, it travels31miles to just abovethe Falkirk Wheel, the world’sfirstrotatingboatlift.Itis possible to cruise, walk and cycleits length,
1817: Construction is approved and begins the following year.Burke andHare, Edinburgh’s notorious murderers, worked as navvies.
1822: The canalopens.
1842: The rail link betweenEdinburgh andGlasgow hasbynow reduced the canal’susefulnessand it enters yearsof decline 1848: Passengerservices cease. c1920: Trade ceases 1921: Infillingand culvertingofsections for road and housebuildingbegins. 1965: The canalisclosed to navigation. 2000/1: The Union Canalisreopened as part of the £84 million Millennium Link project, one of the largestcanal restorations in Europe 2002: TheFalkirk Wheelopens, connecting the Forth&Clyde and Union canals for the first time in morethan70 years.
otherkey landmarks beingthe Avon, Almond andSlateford aqueducts,but forthistrip, we stayed pretty central
Abevyofswans greets visitors –bronze, youunderstand– whoflank thewater’s edge.Created by ShonaKinloch,these heavy specimens areone of many,manypieces of public artinthe city.Lookbeyondand you will seethe Four SistersBoatel, permanently moored in LochrinBasin.While we were gettingour bearings,a familyarrived to check in, their youngchildren yellingindelightatthe sightoftheir temporaryhome.Theway they trippedupthe gangwaywas lovely to see, a nice reminder that youcan stay here forlonger than just aday out. We struck off on thetowpath towardsthe Leamington Lift Bridge,visible ashortdistance away,but wassoondivertedbya rowoffences
Edinburgh Quay. ALL PHOTOS: LUCYWOOD.
Aview of Lochrin Basin at Edinburgh Quay.
The Four Sisters Boatel is permanently moored in the basin.
Shona Kinloch’sbronze swans.
The Leamington Lift Bridge.
colourfulshops on Victoria
beingthe
The Towpath Anggler
Our monthly look at the angling scene
By DavidKent
IBEGAN last month talking aboutthe massiveimpact the long hot,dry summer has hadonall ourwaterways and stillwaters. Very lowlevels, high temperatures and often very lowdissolved oxygen levels have caused seriousissues and quiterecently, as we have seen, some sectionsofour canals have nowhad to be closed principally duetothe reservoirsthat feed them beingdangerously low. If,assomeexperts claim,these areall further examplesofthe effects of climatechangewhich will increasingly become more ‘normal’ in the future, thena greatdealofrevised planning will become necessary.Noneof us are– or will be –exemptfrom the effects of climatechange so much morecollaboration betweenthe Canal&River Trust and allits userswillcertainly need to become the norm.
shieldingbuildingwork. There was atowpath closureinplace;a quick Google told us the work should have beenfinishedbythe time of ourvisit, butthata 200-year-oldwallhad been discoveredand delayed matters.The £1.15 million worksweretoimprove theexperienceofactivetraveland leisureusers alongthe towpath, whichispartofthe popularNational CycleNetwork connectingcoast to coastand citytocity.
Happily,the stretchisnow open once more ,but no matter in our case,for soon enough we were at the bridgelift,asourceoffascinationfor my travellingpartner.
Installedinabout 1906, it replaced aprevious1869-built structurebut wasmoved when thecanal was shortenedin1922tomakeLochrin Basinthe terminus.Ithas stood here ever since, having replaced a wooden drawbridge,and weathered the downturn of the canal’sfortunes to eventually be resorted to full workingorder.Today it sports aRed Wheelplaquefromthe National TransportTrust,identifying it as a site of significantinteresttotransport heritage –the first bridge on aScottish canaltobeawarded such an honour As with the likes of railway bridges, walls and such,ithas graffiti. Some call them artists, others vandals… regardless,I wasamazedthatthe person (orpeople) concerned
managedtoclimb thebridgeand placetheir mark so high above ground!
Theweather,remarkablyfor Edinburgh, washeating up,sowe decidedtotakeagentle stroll along John Muir Way, the immensecoast-tocoastpaththatstretches for 134 miles acrossScotland’scentre. Needlessto say, we took inonlyacouple of miles and then did an abrupt turn back to thequay, butcor,whata waythat wouldbetosee Scotland’s heart. It’s onthe list!
Fellowwalkers,joggers and cyclists joined us,but very few– in fact,thereweretimeswhen we were completelyalone,and it felt like the buildingsand vesselsweredevoid of humanlifetoo.Admittedly, the area is still under development, with much construction work ongoing. Many of theunits andapartments around LochrinBasin appeared vacant or hadToLet signsonthem, and while we whiledawayapleasant afternoon strollingand gongoozling, therewasn’tmuchgoing on.But I supposethatwas preciselythe point of ourtrip–toescapethe hustle and bustle–sowegot what we wanted.If youwanttovisit in busier times, the Annual Edinburgh CanalFestival is alwaysonthe thirdSaturdayinJune, the nextone beingJune 20, 2026. In need of refreshments,weheaded back into theheart of thecity, but
near to thedistricts of Bruntsfield andTollcross,there areplentyof otherdistractionsifyou strayoff thetowpath,suchasthe gloriously gothic DalryCemetery, whichfirst openedin1846 and is nowawildlife haven. Instead, we returned the waywecame, stopping of at said second-handbookshops (thisisa UNESCOCityofLiterature, after all), cooingatthe cats luxuriating in the windowsofthe delightfully named Masion de Moggypettingcafé,and stoppedfor sustenance at The Last Drop,somacabrely namedbecause it is built on thesiteofwherepublic executionswereheld in Grassmarket. It apparently harbours theghostofa younggirl– not unusualinEdinburgh, as pretty much everybuildinghas aresidentspook –who wasabsent duringour visit…orjusttransparent? Anyhow,witha gloriously blue sky overhead (it rainedonlyonce during ourentiretrip), we raised aglass to theUnion Canaland headedonour way. The castle maybethe city’snumber onetourist attraction accordingto TripAdvisor, followedbyArthur’s Seat andthe RoyalYacht Britannia. All deservetheir placesonthatlist, of course,but thecanal doesn’t make thetop 10 –selfish maybe, but perhapsagoodthing, becausethen we cankeepthislittle gemofaday outall to ourselves.
Onthesubjectofcollaboration, thosewho have read anyof thesearticlesoverthe years will be awarethatthis hasbeen one of my ‘hobbyhorse’issues since dayone of writingbackin 2008. None of us should assume that we areuniqueorhavethe proverbial divine righttodo or assume anythingwithout full consultation.Thesaying ‘for everycause,thereisan effect’ is,inmyview, extremely relevant on ourwaterways, whichweare all expectedto share. There is no place or no time for anyofustocompete for exclusivity. Thisrarelyleads to a satisfactorylong-term solution. Consultation and discussion are much moreeffective, whatever the situation.
Iregularly mentionthe brilliantLet’s Fish initiativeand the National Celebrationwhich hasprettymuchbeenaspin-off.
The fisheries and anglingteam hasacquired some significant support, particularly from the anglingtrade,sothe event should be better than ever this year;Iunderstand that entries arenow in excessof450. Again, thetrust at thehighestlevel must recognisethatthisstrandofits businessisstill growingrapidly and should do allitcan to ensure that this continues We arenow officially in autumn. Thankfully, the weather seemstohavebecomemore seasonal too– less settled, butcooler andfresher.Sadly, though,therehas been no significantrainfall in most places,soall waters remain very low. There is some rain in the forecastinthe comingweeks,so fingers crossedthatthe situation starts to improve.
the sportgreatly.Our rivers are generallystill struggling. Some canals arefaringalittlebetter andsome of the commercial stillwatershaveseensome greatsport both in matches and with casual angling. The fish in thesewatersare generallymore tolerant of high temperatures so have continuedtofeed reasonablywell.Mymaincontact in South Yorkshirefishedonthe Aire and Calder Canalrecently andwon his section with just 1lb 2oz. Apparently,therewere numerous blanks. By contrast, oneofmyold matesfishedon theBeeston Canaljustoutside Nottingham and weighed6lb of mainly perchwhich, it seems, wasthe main species caught in thematch.Asalways, the Shroppie retainssome decent form.Ihavealsoseenresults from athree-day festival on the Staffs&Worcester wheregood breamfigured in catches to more than 20lb On apersonalnote, Ihave still been strugglingabit, catchingfish reasonably well everywherebut failing to make anyimpression on the prize list. As an example,earlierin August Iran the annual teams of fiveevent for my old company. Whilethere were some excellent weightsfromthe ‘good’ areas, many people found it quite tough.I drew in an ‘all right’ area andfinishedwith 45lb, just missing the section prize literallybyone fish.However, this last weekendI have hada first and asecond with 82lb and 101lb respectively. Letushope this is asignofabetterperiod to come
With the possible exception of rivers,all venues seem to be improvingnow,soitcould be areallygoodtimetoget outand grab afew hours. That said, anglersare reportingvery differentstories aboutfeeding. Some sayheavy feedingisthe order of the day, while others remain more cautious. It is acase of trialand errorbut,asalways, remember that once youhave fedheavily, youcannot takeit out. Wherever yougo, enjoy, butbesafe. Tightlines.
Vessels moored on John Muir Way.
Afamily of real-life swans come to say hello.
Perhaps one of the most photographed views of Edinburgh Castle,frombelow in Grassmarket.
Aview of Grassmarket and the historic Long Drop pub.
Atram passes by the Scott Memorial on Princes Street.
The
Street, famousfor
inspirationbehindDiagon Alley in the Harry Potter books.
Canal hubwins GreenFlagnumber nine
THE Chesterfield CanalTrust is celebratingafter receiving a GreenFlagAward for its home,the HollingwoodHub,for the ninthyear in arow.
It is one of 10 sitesinChesterfieldto achieve the award, the international quality mark forparks andgreen spaces
JimBower,who leadsthe trust’s gardeningteamatthe hub, said: “Weare delightedtobeawarded a GreenFlagagain. We getappreciative comments from very many members of the public,but it is especially pleasingtoget official recognition.”
The hubhousesagarden, the trust’sinformationcentreand shop, Katey’s CoffeeShop,and alarge car park.
The trustruns regularpublic trips and chartercruises on its trip boat Madeline,while CJBTraining& Adventureruns paddlesportshire aidedbytrust volunteers
All 31 miles of the eastern section of the Chesterfield Canal, from Kiveton Park to the RiverTrent at West Stockwith,whichisowned and managedbythe Canal& RiverTrust, alsoreceived aGreen Flag.Paul Todd, managerfor the GreenFlag
awardscheme,whichisrun by Keep Britain Tidy,said: “Hollingwood Hub is avital greenspace for communities in Chesterfield to enjoy nature, and duringthe ongoingcost-of-living crisis it is afreeand safe space for families to socialise. It also provides importantopportunities forlocal people and visitorstoreapthe physicaland mental health benefits of greenspace.”
As previously reported,the Chesterfield CanalTrust is currently managing the restoration of the canal at Staveley, part of theStaveleyTown Deal
Balsam basherstacklingthe threat of invasivespecies
As summer issued itslast hurrah, workingparties around the countrywere busy removinginvasive HimalayanBalsam from our riverbanks.
By Lucy Wood
THE non-nativespecies is damaging to the environmentand illegalto spread under UK law, and every summer teams of hardyvolunteers gather to fight the perpetual threat.
In Lincolnshire, the East Mercia Rivers Trust(EMRT) hasbeen clearingbalsam from the banks of the RiverBain, in Horncastle. It said: “Himalayan Balsam might look beautiful, butitcausesserious problems.Itoutcompetesnative plants,threateningbiodiversity, destabilises riverbanks by increasingerosion and flood risk anddisrupts pollinator patterns, dominating nectar sources. It dies back in winter,leaving bare soil that washes into rivers,harming water quality, especiallyinour rare chalk streams hereinLincolnshire.
“Under the Wildlife and Countryside Act1981, it is an offence to plantorcause Himalayan Balsam to grow in thewild. That means we all have arole to play in helpingtocontrol and remove
it.AtEastMerciaRiversTrust,we aretacklingthis invasive species through ourHorncastle Riverscape EnhancementProject,and people areinvited to join ourvolunteer work parties.Makeadifference andhelp protectyourlocal environment!”
Other groups around the country have joinedthe balsam bashingarmy, includingthe Pocklington Canal AmenitySociety, Eden Rivers Trust, theCanal &River Trust’sAdlington Taskforce,WestCumbria Rivers Trust, LancashireWildlife Trust, the South EastWales Rivers Trust communitylitter-picking groups and many morelocal organisations
Also in Lincolnshire,volunteers at RiverCare Grantham,partof
the wider RiverCare&BeachCare organisation,havetoo been tackling theimmensechallengeofkeeping balsam at bayontheiradopted stretch of the RiverWitham.
“Summer means morethanjust litter picks. Since late May, we’ve been deep into HimalayanBalsam surveysand ‘bashing’ –acritical fight to protectour rivers,” said thegroup “Years of effortatQueen Elizabeth Park and the National Trust’sBelton Estate have seen asignificantdrop in balsam populations, making control moremanageable.This year we have expandedour reach from Harrowby Weir to the Belton Estate,successfullyengagingwith four landownersfor surveysand pulling efforts –a greatstart! One recentsession aloneinvolvedfive hoursofdedicated bashing.”
In County Durham,the Wear RiversTrust encountered2m-tall balsam at arecentclearingsession, when Durham Wildlife Trustjoined volunteers. It washeldaspartofthe LinksWithNatureproject,designed to connect people andnatureinthe area.
The £2.2million initiativebegan in Maythankstofundingfromthe National LotteryHeritage Fund andSunderland CityCounty, the NorthEastCommunityForestand Northumbrian Water’sBluespaces programme Floating pennywortisanother species originally introducedby
biodiversity,and ourcanalsand rivers,” said the trust.
“This four-yearproject enabledus to trialground-breaking methodsof eradication to find moresustainable, cost-effectiveand longer-lasting solutions
theaquatic nurserytrade that grows into largefloating mats of dense foliagebyupto20cm aday.Similar to balsam,inthe UK it is illegalto causeittogrowinthe wild,and it hasbeenbannedfromsale.
The Canal& RiverTrust ranthe ecologyaward-winning Invasive SpeciesEradicationProject,which endedthis year,focusingontackling four plants that aredamagingcanals, destroying habitats andharming wildlife It wasthe largestinvasivespecies eradicationproject on UK inland waterways.
“Invasivenon-nativespecies are one of the largestglobalthreats to
“We were able to useweevils to help eradicate floatingpennywort and waterfern, for example.These plant-munchers effectively reduced vast quantities in amatterofweeks, offeringanatural alternativeto chemical sprays.”
Although the projecthas ended, the trust’sworkinthis area is not over:“The team will participate in National FloatingPennywort strategy groups to buildonour successesand identify additional opportunities to tackle this particular plant.
“With alargely successful weevil release, we will also continue this eradication methodinall regions and monitor the progress.”
Apacked Madeline at the Hollingwood Hub. PHOTO: SUPPLIED.
The balsam bashers at Grantham RiverCareget stuck in. PHOTO: DAVID MARTIN/GRANTHAM RIVERCARE
Volunteers from the EastMercia Rivers Trusttackle balsam on the River BaininHorncastle, Lincolnshire. PHOTO: EMRT.
The product of ahardday’s work in Lincolnshire. PHOTO: EMRT.
Apassage in time
TO facilitate an efficient canal network, about 42 miles of tunnels were constructed in England and Wales, of whichabout half are still open. This is more thanthe combined lengthofall other canal tunnels in the world –and doesn’tinclude theextra approximately 47 miles of undergroundcanal at Worsley as part of theBridgewaterCanal.
Aswell as 583 locks, 2963 bridgesand 337 aqueducts, thereare also 55 tunnels ranging in length from just25yards to morethan three miles along the2000-plus milesofour inland waterways. Let’s take alook at this month’s offering.
OXFORD CANAL
FennyCompton
tunnel –336yds/307m and452yd/413m, completed 1778, now opened out.
THEtunnelwas originally conceived as beingof one continuous length of 1138yds/1041m.Work startedin1776 and because of difficultconstruction conditions the tunnel was restricted to beingonly 9ft 4in wide and 12in high which, combined with its length and leggingbeing the main formofpassage, caused considerable problems with trafficdelays. Thiswas partly solved when, in 1838, the land abovethe tunnel wasboughtbythe canalcompany.Asa result of this purchase in 1840, the roof of the tunnel was removedinthe middle and a central155yd/142m passing place wascreated with the tworemainingsections of tunnel on eitherside.
However, the delaysstill remained,soeventually
both remainingtunnels were openedout,with the southern tunnel roof removedinJune 1868 and thenortherntunnel roof in August 1870, thereby creatinga steep-sided cutting.
The length is still referred to as ‘TheTunnel’despite the openingout,and all that remains of theexisting tunnels is the aptlynamed Tunnel Bridge137 at the northern end.
Newbold tunnel –250yds/229m, two towpaths, completed 1834.
WHEN the canalwas originallybuilt,the straight-linedistancefrom Hawkesbury to Napton Junction was16miles, butdue to the contourfollowing natureof the canal, the distance by boat was44miles! In 1834, primarilyinresponseto concerns over aproposal in 1827 for aLondon & Birmingham Junction wide gaugecanal whichdidn’t in fact actuallyhappen, the OxfordCanal changes
were still implemented, and 14 miles were removed from the canalnorth of Braunstontostraightenit up and therebyspeed up travel. Because of this,the existingtunnel is not the one originally built,with the first one beingonly 125yds/114m longand with one towpathwhichformed part of the very winding northern OxfordCanal.
Once the canalhad been ‘straightened,’the new tunnel wasthen builtwith amaximum headroomof 14ft 4in, awidth of 24in, and towpaths measuring3ft 8in on either side.Itistwice as longasthe original tunnel and sits at rightangles to the positioningofthe old one
At one time the canal hadaninteriorlight display duringthe daywhich was switched off at nightinorder not to disturbroostingbats. The portals of the old tunnel were subsequentlybricked up to preventaccess, but small holeswereleft in the brickworktoallowaccess for bats,and the south entrance canstillbeseen at the edge of St Botolph’s Churchyard.
TALKBACK
Your chance to write to us on anytowpath topic: Towpath Talk,POBox 99, Horncastle, LincsLN9 6LZ or email editorial@towpathtalk.co.uk
Handy tips that work for John –and might for you!
My boat is ‘not as youngas it used to be,’ so Itend to suffer from steering bias –left unrestricted,thereisa definitebiaswhich steers the boat slowly butsurely to the port side.Couple thiswiththe engine running,the prop bias, wind direction andforce andwherever the current decides to take you,and youcan have your hands full.
Iran aground thisyear, on the RiverTrent. I’d forgotten to closethe taps to my calorifier for my hot water, so Idropped the revs,steered the boat central on the riverand nipped smartlyintothe boat,closed twotaps, then arapid turnabout, popped my head up through the hatch, andhey,presto, I’mheadingintothe bank! Then Ispent almost an hour waitingfor atug off, as the boat wasn’t moving off under itsown power. Isulked abit,asyou do, then decidedtotry to improvethe handling on my ‘seatofthe pants’ fix from last year
Idrilledahole near the end of the tiller,then used twobungeecords to hook into thishole and then clipped them onto aweight–about 10 kilos. Itried it out, anditmade an immediatedifference
My 45ft narrowboat became easier to steer. No wanderingand adefinite drop in the vibrations comingfromthe tiller Butthe biggestbenefit wasinthe improvement to directional steering.A bit of delicate adjustment –aquick kick the weight –quickly adjusts to correctthe prop bias as the prop speed increases or decreases. And Ican centralise, drop the revs andnip into the boat (as a single-handler), and leave the tiller safe(er) while Inip in to the boat…it worksfor me!
John Hallam
‘Radical’ changes areneeded to canal network
PeterBraybrook,the general secretaryofthe
National Association of Boat Owners(NABO), mentionedatthe end of his article (‘High and dry on the Cut’ –Towpath Talk, September2025) about concerns aboutcanoeists wantingtoexperience the PontcysyllteAquaduct and must agree. About fiveyears ago, we walked over and struggled to keep upright,onlyto watchinhorroranumber of Duke of Edinburgh paddleboardersheading that way. Ispoke to the leader and warnedhim againstcrossing, and he just said theyhad permission from the Canal and RiverTrust As an ex-lecturer who arranged many trips, we hadtodorigorous risk assessments, and I certainlywould not have entertainedthatcrossing on that day. Iremember when Iwas amemberof the CRTadvisoryteam discussingfillinginthe bars on the fencingafter a child fell off the aqueduct and died.
Idobelieve therehas to be radical changestothe canalnetwork.While this is controversial,seeingit as aNational Waterways Park,itwould surely benefit gettingfunding. So many differentusers get health benefitsfromusing it,but many aren’t paying anythingtowards it.
BelindaDavenport
•Turntopage70to read this month’sNABO updates.
Aturf traveller’stale…
TowpathTalkreader
Mickey Fleck, knownas The Master SheepFarmer, haswritten to sharean EP with us.Sheep City Shindig– Four Bleats to the Baaisatribute to two very specialhorsesofrecent times,hesays, designedin their racingcoloursand
with aportraitofMickey’s very ownprize ram. Horses,ofcourse, arelinked historically with canals, andnot only do we love all animalshereatTowpath Talk,wealsolovehearing aboutour readers. Thanks to The Master Sheep Farmer fortellingusall aboutit!
Do youappreciate abit of nostalgia? Well, way back in 1986 when Carlisle United were still actually afootballleagueclub,I used to watch themon aregular basis. Idid not attend all of the games though, due to the fact that it wasa 120-mile round trip to BruntonParkfrom whereIformerly lived, and also becauseIama keen followerofhorse racing and lovedvisiting the smalljumps venues such as Plumpton, Market Rasenand Bangor-on-Dee. Operatingona limited budget,Ihad to plan everything well ahead. In 1986, IbackedWest Tiptowin the Grand National, and the following TuesdayCUFCjust happenedtohaveagame in hand to play at Fulham The winnings were not enoughtoafford atrain ticketora London hotel butwould covercoach travel and aguesthouse, so at about12.30pm on that Aprilafternoon, following afive-hourcoach journey, Ifound myself standingin abar near Sloane Square –prettysurreal,but us WarwickRoadenders have always hada touch of class!
Fast-forwardtothe evening and we wonthe match at Craven Cottage 1-0. This racing/football double hasnow become what Irefer to as the Sheep CityShindig. Idecidedto keep the memoryalive by writingatrack aboutit and puttingthe occasion on aCD, whichIhave giventhe title Four Bleats to the Baa. Thisisa totally independentproject,so if anyofyou would liketo listentosomethingjusta weebit different, acopy canonlybeobtainedfrom: Maccrannoch,Seaport Marina,InvernessIV3 5LE (cheques/postal ordersfor £9 payabletoMFleck).
Crating Barge Beagle –insicknessand in health
AGOODstart to theyearsaw Barge Beagle and crew enjoy amonth away from base.Theearly sunshine waswelcomed but, likesomany have experiencedthis year,lackof dredging combined with lowwater levels soon caused issues and ultimatelyresulted in restriction to the marina for the better part of theseason.
It wasnot longafter the initial return to base that BargeBeagle developed ahaematomainhis rightear,and so began morethan fivelongmonths of veterinary visits,constantcareand attention, not to mention afair shareofworry,whichculminated in an operation. When it came time to putpen to paperfor this column, many subjects were mulledover but, in the end, it wasthe dog cratesittinginacorner of the bargewhichaidedBarge Beagle’s recovery and recuperation that became the subjectmatter. In some ways,confinementto the bargewas ablessing;itenabledthe crew to keep closetabsonBarge Beagle and preventedhim from over-exertion. During the worse times, recovery from anaesthetic beingone of them,Barge Beagle soughtrefugefromthe worldby
re-establishinghis trusty travel crateashis safe haven. Forthose embarkingonlifewith adog,Icannot praisecrate training enough and if startedatthe puppy stage, it will paydividends time and time again. Acrate canbe used for many differentreasons andfor thisdog-mad boatingcrew hasdefinitely proved aworthy investment.Itisabrilliantway
to toilet trainapuppy, on Bonfire Nightitcan be asafe retreatfrom thenoisybangs and bright flashes of fireworks,and if youneedto operatelocks or swingbridges, knowingyourdog is safe and secure will help youfully focus on the taskwithoutthe worryof whereyourdog is or what he is doing. Take it in yourcar,use it on holidays… thelistisendless–and,
when notinuse,mostcrateswill fold flatallowing for easy stowage. Dogcratesare readilyavailable from petshops and online stores Trywww.doghealth.co.uk,which stocks awide rangeofcrates and travel boxes. If lookingfor somethingmoreluxurious,visit Lordsand Labradors(www. lordsandlabradors.co.uk)to view its extensiverange of crates, includingalovelywooden version with slidingdoor, as well as
accessories includingcushions, bumpersand covers.For thoseon abudgetorneedingatemporary retreatfor their dog, alarge sturdy cardboardbox with soft bedding canserve asimilar purpose. As we glide into autumn,weplan to holdeachother close, remember that in sickness and in health we areone team,and thank ourlucky starsthat allthe crew, including thosewith four legs,are fit and well enough to boat anotherday!
CoulditbeDecemberbeforereservoir levels recover?
NABO general secretary Peter Braybrook comments on some moretopical issues.
AS Iwrite today, alarge chunk of the inland waterwaysunder the control of Canaland River Trustofficiallyclosed for navigation becauseofa lack of water. The driestsummer in livingmemorydraws to a closeand thereservoirsare beinglikenedtomudflats as feedersdry up.Marinas areinstalling stop planks to retain what little waterthere is under the residentcraft.
Businessesare under threat as we wait for rain. Outlocal boatyard cannot getboats in or outofthe drydocknow as theycannot getoverthe cill. I certainlycannotremembera summer whenI have looked at everyweather forecast andhoped that an Atlantic depression would come acrossthe country, bringing much-neededwater.There is nothingwecan do about it.When theydocome,the weather systemsall appear to veer northand leavethe mainland of Britain without more than the occasional shower. Thatisnot sufficient to enable arecovery, or even to startit. If ‘normal’ rainfall startedtoday,itis still very unlikelythat there will be enough waterinthe reservoirs to reopen my local canalbeforeDecember. The sunisshiningthrough the open patiodoor. Thoseboats that were able to do so have nowheaded back to their home marinas and moorings.Thosethat couldn’tare moored up as near to essentialservices as theycan.Unfortunately, however, the essential
services arenot proving as reliable as they could be,withmanyreports of overflowing recycling bins and failedpumpout facilities.Personally, our boat is nowa 90-minute driveawayfromour home instead of afive-minute walk.Itismooredonlya half-hour cruisefroma customer servicefacility, but when we gottoitrecentlythe pump outdid not work.We didget apromptrefund, and to be fair to the trust, it was repaired withinafew days. Unfortunately, we were back home by then. It is notonlycanals that arehavingproblems.Many usuallynavigable rivers too arenow not useable safely. The rivers areathistoriclow levels.Boatingwould be foolhardy. It is very strange that some rivers where boatingwas restricted by frequentfloodingare now dryasa bone Festivals and gatherings on the canals areagreat waytohighlight the value of canals and boatingto localpeople.Thesummer months areusuallyfull of
them.But as boatscannot gettothem, many have hadtotakethe pragmatic decision to postpone.To carryonwould bringtoo much additional strain on the small amountofwater that remains. Everylockfull is nowavaluable resource. Each boat movement takes up to 20 tons of waterthat will not be replaced. It is not everyflight of lockswhere the waterispumpedback up
There aretrading boats that depend on festivalsand gatherings fortheirliving. I waspleased to read that floatingmarkets hadgone aheadatEllesmereand Milton Keynes with some success. The warm weather encourages the public to visit the canal, andthe presence of boatsisakey factor in theirenjoyment. Thecanoe activity adventuresacrossthe PontcysyllteAqueductstill concernus.NABOhasalways been concernedabout the interaction between unpoweredcraft and narrowboatsintunnels and other places where canoes
canbecome obscuredto the steereronthe rear deck of the boat.Theaqueduct onlyhas anavigation width of alittle over sevenfeet, so one-waytraffic is necessary for boatsand canoes.There arenotraffic lights or other control of the direction of traffic.Narrowboats following canoes is arisky business, particularly if the steererisanovice.Theboats do not have brakes,and if a canoeistahead decides to stop foraselfieinthe middle of the passage, an accident could easily happen.Weare calling for better supervision andmarshallingofparties of canoes in this very constrainedspace.Yes,itis good to sharethe space,but care must be takenbyboth boat and unpoweredcraft Other places where the navigation width is becomingdangerously limited arewhere reed beds have been allowedtogrow acrossthe canal. There are nowmanyplaces where thenavigation is limited to aboatwidth.Thetrust hassaid that it hasnot plantedthesereeds,but
reedsand sedgeare among the waterside plants that areembeddedinthe coir rolls that have proliferated alongthe waterwaysto encouragewater voles. Ourconcern is aboutthe lack of management of thisvegetation. As boat owners, we arealways concernedabout vegetation of all typesthatimpinge on the navigation width It causes damage to boats and inconvenience as a minimum andintroduces thepossibilityofa collision at worst.
Vegetation growth is onething that hotweather and warm waterincreases, particularly of the many invasive species that outgrowand smother the nativespecies.NABOwants to seebettermanagement of these. Openingthe weed hatch shouldbeaonce-in-awhile eventand notone that occurs every10minutes or so.Ofcourse, it all comes down to the same problem It costs moneytotakecare of the navigation, and, like water, thereisnot alot of that aboutatthe moment.
Barge Beagle with hiscrate. ALL PHOTOS: ALISON ALDERTON
Dual-opening doors on the side and end provide options for placement in small spaces. Carry handles make moving easier.
