You might remember that, after speaking with many of you, we published our Customer Service Facility (CSF) Policy Statement, setting out the key facilities we’ll continue to provide for boaters.
Put simply, we’re focusing on the services that you have told us matter most to you and addressing any gaps where we can.
We’ve already made a number of improvements, including rolling out contactless payment on pump-out machines, upgrading facilities to improve reliability, and making them easier to use.
At the end of the day, it’s about making the £2 million we spend on these services each year go as far as possible. The money we have saved by closing showers and toilets – which were not consistently provided across the network anyway – has enabled us to focus on keeping essential facilities such as water points, Elsan disposal points, pump-out facilities, refuse sites and recycling points open.
The introduction of a new, standardised design for Elsan disposal points and water taps across the network is a key part of improving services. As a result, we’re making these facilities easier to use for people with different access needs, while also reducing opportunities for vandalism or misuse.
We recently shared a prototype Elsan with our Navigation Advisory Group (NAG) – a panel of experienced volunteer boaters who provide advice and feedback on boating matters – before finalising the design. It’s important that boaters help shape these facilities, and the feedback we’ve received has already helped us refine the design.
Early prototype of standardised Elsan
The investment in these improved facilities will make them more reliable, robust and easier to maintain. Using standardised parts will also allow us to carry out repairs more quickly and cost-effectively when issues arise.
We know there’s been some discussion about the temporary Elsan units installed at three locations. Just to be clear, these aren’t the final design.
The new design will include a built-in flush and a dedicated tap for cleaning containers. To ensure the units meet environmental legislation, hoses will not be provided.
We also want to reassure you that we’re not removing the existing cast iron water taps that many boaters value. Instead, we’re standardising the tap components to make them more reliable and easier to maintain over time.
A guide to removing wash wall vegetation
As part of our dynamic and passionate boating community, we’d love you to get involved and help care for our canal system by giving some of your time in a way that suits, and benefits, you. Many of you have already been helping by tackling wash wall vegetation, but the text below sets out our formal ask if you’ve got a spare minute or two when moored up for the evening.
What is wash wall vegetation?
Wash wall vegetation is the build-up of weeds and small saplings growing out from the wash wall along the water’s edge. It’s a constant challenge across the canal network, as if it gets out of control it can make it difficult to moor alongside the towpath and can impede sight lines. Over time, it can also weaken the canal edge, leading to more serious (and costly) repairs.
We only recommend removing smaller growth - anything up to about thumb thickness (around 1.5cm). If it’s any bigger, it’s best to report it to us so our teams can deal with it safely.
Where do you fit in?
This is a simple, flexible task you can do whenever you’re out on the canal. Please help by doing as much or as little as you have time for. You don’t need to ask, or tell us, you’re doing it and we’d love for you to share your efforts on our Boating Facebook page.
Visit this webpage for a full guide that covers the basics, including how to use tools you might already have and how to do the job safely. Every little bit helps, and your efforts will make a real difference in keeping the canals accessible and enjoyable for everyone. Thanks!
Water, weather and what it means for your cruise
With England and Wales experiencing their warmest spring on record and two record-breaking heatwaves in the space of weeks, it’s no surprise that water levels are such a hot topic right now. As you may have seen, the biggest ever campaign to encourage the public to reduce their water use also launched earlier this week.
With that in mind, I thought it’d be useful to sit down with Dr Adam Comerford, our water expert, who lives and breathes water management every day.
Digitising canal history
With nearly 20,000 recorded artefacts, the National Waterways Museum at Ellesmere Port holds the largest inland waterways collection in the world. While we’ve always aimed to make these fascinating objects as accessible as possible, the sheer size of the collection means many items are rarely seen.
That could all be about to change, thanks to an exciting new project made possible with the generous support of players of the Postcode Lottery. In the video below you’ll learn more about photogrammetry and, importantly, where to go online to view the artefacts already recorded.
Celebrating 230 years of Braunston Tunnel
When you reach 230 years old, you’d expect at least a few words in your honour – so here’s to Braunston Tunnel.
Opened in 1796, this historic structure is a key part of the canal network. At 2,042 yards (1.16 miles) long, it was engineered by William Jessop and James Barnes for the Grand Junction Canal Company, helping to create a direct trade route between London and the industrial Midlands.
The challenges of construction
Building the tunnel in the late 18th century was no small task. Navvies worked by candlelight, excavating through difficult, and dangerous, ground conditions. Three vertical shafts were sunk to provide ventilation and remove fumes, while also being used to haul spoil to the surface using horse-driven winches.
The ground itself proved challenging, with heavy soil movement and pockets of quicksand. This led to a well-known alignment issue during construction, creating a permanent “kink” or gentle S-bend within the tunnel — something boaters still experience when navigating through today.
The era of legging
Braunston Tunnel was built wider than many of its contemporaries, at around 15.7 feet, allowing boats to pass each other. However, like many tunnels of its time, it was constructed without a towpath. Horses were taken over the hill above while boats made their way through the tunnel under their own power.
This was done by “legging”, where boaters lay on their backs on boards and pushed themselves along the tunnel walls with their feet. It was tough, physical work and could be slow going, especially when traffic was busy.
Braunston from the air
Modernisation and legacy
Legging continued into the late 19th century until it was replaced by more efficient methods. After an unsuccessful trial using a steam-powered wire rope in 1870, a steam tug was introduced in 1871 to pull boats through the tunnel.
In 1929, the Grand Junction Canal became part of the Grand Union Canal network. Much later, between 1982 and 1984, the tunnel underwent major repairs, with sections reinforced using concrete lining.
Today, Braunston Tunnel remains a favourite stretch for many boaters – a chance to experience a remarkable piece of canal history first-hand.
Notes for boating the tunnel
Wide beam boats must book in advance, as the tunnel needs to be closed to other traffic during passage. This is managed by colleagues or volunteers at either end.
Wide beam passages are typically available on Tuesdays and Thursdays, with space for up to four boats (two in each direction). Other days may be possible depending on availability.
You can book online or by calling 0303 040 4040 (select the East Midlands team). Please allow at least 48 hours’ notice.
A wide beam journey through the tunnel takes around 45 minutes. Conditions inside can be wet, particularly towards the northern end.
Before entering, you’ll be asked to:
Raise your fenders to avoid snagging on the tunnel walls and losing one (which will likely foul another’s propellor!)
Show a working tunnel light
Demonstrate clear visibility to safely steer
Please arrive at the correct portal in good time. There are waiting moorings at the southern end, and usually space available at the northern portal.
Maintenance, repair and restoration work this weekend
As someone who’s on or by the water more than most, you’ll know that things don’t always go to plan — and sometimes we have to step in and fix things that have unexpectedly broken.
When that happens, or we need to carry out a quick repair, we’ll get an update on our website as soon as we can. It’s always worth having a quick check when you’re planning your cruise, and again just before you set off. You can also find out how to get stoppage alerts straight to your smartphone in this article.
You can see where navigation is closed this weekend here.
If you’ve got a question about a specific closure, or you spot something that doesn’t look quite right, just get in touch — we’re happy to help.
Winter works consultation now open
As mentioned in the last edition, the second phase of the winter works consultation has started. This second round of consultation opened on 29 June, when updated plans were published. This is your next opportunity to check the proposals, see what’s changed, and have your say before anything is finalised.
If you’re planning winter cruising, continuous cruising routes, or mooring moves, this is a key moment to make sure the programme works for you as much as possible.
What happens next
24 July – Consultation closes
10 August – Final winter programme confirmed
Until the final programme is published, all works remain provisional and may change based on feedback from boaters like you.
Why your input matters
Your feedback helps us:
Reduce disruption to cruising plans
Better coordinate closures across the network
Prioritise works that matter most to boaters
Last Edited: 2 July 2026
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