Progress on the better boating plan: Getting the basics right

We'll fix all outstanding paddles

We’ll fix all outstanding broken paddles by spring 2026, and set a target from April 2025 to repair any paddle faults arising as soon as possible (but no longer than four weeks).

This dashboard will be updated at the end of each month. Please note, there can be a time delay between when faults are identified and them appearing on this dashboard, so numbers of outstanding and new broken paddles will fluctuate.

We are developing the dates for clearance of the backlog plan – as we firm these up they will be reflected in the detailed list of notifications. If you spot an omission, please let us know.

You can interact with our dashboard below. Select your region to find out how many paddles have been repaired near you.

We'll target more planned preventative maintenance

We'll target more resources on planned preventative maintenance (PPM), prioritising re-greasing and clearing vegetation at locks and swing/lift bridges in the spring and early summer ahead of the busier time of the year for boating.

This dashboard will be updated every month.

We'll improve grass cutting

We'll spend more delivering improved grass-cutting in 2025/26. We will also review where and when we cut grass – ensuring grass is cut at locks and mooring sites and cutting more towpaths to the water's edge, making it easier for boaters.

This dashboard will be updated every month.

We'll update our tree management standards

We’ll update our tree management standards and programmes to increase tree surveys. This will inform more winter tree works and assign higher priority to the clearance of fallen trees blocking navigation and towpaths.