Boaters' Update 21 May 2026

Volunteer numbers surge as support for canals continues to grow

In the year to the end of April, 8,043 volunteers supported our work—up from almost 5,500 the previous year. Our volunteers, including many of you reading this, have collectively dedicated more than three quarters of a million hours in a year, significantly expanding what our charity can achieve.

The growth continues in 2026, with over 1,000 joining us since January, after we highlighted the vital role that volunteers play in supporting our waterways.

Volunteers are integral to every aspect of our work. From repairing canal locks and removing invasive plant species, to assisting Boaters’ Update readers at locks, surveying waterway heritage, educating schoolchildren about water safety, and caring for stretches of towpath—our volunteers make a tangible difference. Many also contribute in leadership roles, including as trustees, and as advisors.

Christine Mellor, head of volunteering & safeguarding, said: “I’d like to thank our amazing volunteers, who make an extraordinary difference across so many aspects of our work.

“As we strive to keep the 250-year-old canal network open and thriving, last year volunteers gave a record amount of their time and skills. This incredible contribution reflects both their passion and commitment, and the enduring importance of canals to people’s lives and communities.

“With growing challenges—from ageing infrastructure to extreme weather—we need support now more than ever. Volunteering with the Trust is open to everyone, flexible, and rewarding. It’s a chance to make a real difference, connect with others, and support the waterways that matter to local communities.”

We are also proud to be a lead partner in this year’s Big Help Out / Big Do (5–8 June). In honour of Sir David Attenborough’s 100th birthday, the initiative is encouraging people across the UK to take action for nature in what promises to be the country’s largest celebration of community.

Around nine million people live within a ten-minute walk of a canal or river in our care, yet many don’t realise these spaces are maintained by a charity. As a boater, you can help change that—by joining in or by encouraging others to volunteer on their local canal. It’s one of the simplest and most rewarding ways to give back, meet new people, enjoy the outdoors, and make a lasting difference.

Oxford Canal repairs to improve navigation for boaters

We’re carrying out major repair works on two sections of the Oxford Canal to protect the historic waterway, reduce water loss, and improve reliability for boaters travelling along this popular cruising route.

The works

In Warwickshire, near Napton Locks, we’re strengthening a stretch of canal bank where sheet piling installed in the 1980s has deteriorated, causing erosion and narrowing the navigation channel.

Around 60 metres of old piling is being removed and replaced. The affected section of bank and towpath will then be rebuilt, restoring the full width of the channel and making it easier for boats to pass through safely. A new stone towpath surface will also be laid.

Further along the canal, near the village of Flecknoe, we’re rebuilding a section of canal bank to stop water leaking. Reducing water loss is key to maintaining stable water levels, helping boaters avoid delays, grounding, or restrictions. The repairs will restore the bank to its original height while maintaining the canal’s natural character.

The Oxford Canal, opened in stages from 1774, is one of the country’s most significant historic waterways. Today, it remains a much-valued cruising route, known for its rural setting, heritage, and connections between key destinations across the network.

Keeping boaters moving

Henriette Breukelaar, our director for the West Midlands, said: “The Oxford Canal is a favourite route for boaters, and these works are about keeping it open, navigable, and reliable.

“By strengthening the canal bank, restoring channel width, and tackling water loss, we’re making journeys smoother and more dependable for those travelling along this stretch.

“Maintaining consistent water levels and a safe navigation channel is essential for boaters, and these repairs will help reduce the risk of delays and unplanned stoppages.

“We know how important this route is, and these improvements will help ensure boaters can continue to enjoy the Oxford Canal with confidence for many years to come.”

Our five-year plan for works

We have developed a five-year plan covering the most significant projects across our canal and river network. Many of these works will require temporary closures, but this forward planning is designed to give boaters greater certainty and improve your overall experience on the water.

A key benefit of this approach is that it provides more advance notice of closures, particularly those that fall outside the traditional winter stoppage period. This allows you to plan journeys, cruising routes, and mooring arrangements with greater confidence.

While we will continue to carry out as much work as possible during the winter, this will not always be achievable. When works do take place outside this season, it is typically because:

• the Trust has a high volume of essential replacement works, which cannot all be scheduled within the winter period (we will prioritise locations where alternative routes or twin locks help minimise disruption)
• works are required on river navigations, where attempting them in winter has led to significant disruption, delays, or aborted projects due to flooding, moving these into other seasons helps ensure they are completed more reliably and efficiently

By taking this planned and flexible approach, we aim to reduce unexpected stoppages, avoid repeat disruptions, and complete works more effectively—ultimately providing a more dependable network for boaters.

Plans will continue to evolve over the five-year period as new issues arise. This ensures we can respond quickly to emerging needs while keeping disruption to a minimum.

This dedicated page will be updated regularly with the latest timetable. We are starting by highlighting planned lock gate repairs and replacements, with further works added as they are confirmed—giving you a clearer, longer-term view of what to expect across the network.

There will also be opportunities for you to provide feedback through the annual consultation process; see bits & bobs below for more information.

Canal Boat Diaries is back!

Canal Boat Diaries is back – and this time, it’s bigger, tougher, and more adventurous than ever!

The new series follows Robbie Cumming as he sets out on one of his most ambitious journeys to date, travelling through the breathtaking landscapes of Wales and tackling some of the most beautiful and unforgiving canals in the north of England.

For the first time, Robbie takes his narrowboat into Wales, venturing into entirely new territory packed with dramatic scenery, remarkable feats of engineering, and plenty of unexpected challenges.

The journey begins in Llangollen, as Robbie joins the Llangollen Canal, part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the opening episode, he takes on one of the most iconic crossings in the canal world – the towering Pontcysyllte Aqueduct.

From there, things don’t stay calm for long. Robbie explores the tranquil Montgomery Canal before heading onto the Shropshire Union Canal and the Trent & Mersey Canal – where a misstep sees him take an unexpected plunge straight into the water.

His route winds through the historic salt towns of Middlewich and Northwich before reaching the River Weaver, where he swaps boats to take the helm of a traditional working vessel.

The journey continues along the picturesque Macclesfield Canal, but the challenges ramp up as Robbie pushes further north. On the Peak Forest Canal, a winter storm brings his progress to a halt, with fallen trees blocking his path. In Manchester, he meets a local celebrity with a personal connection to the waterways before facing a tough test.

The series culminates on the formidable Rochdale Canal – the so-called ‘Everest of the canal system’. Stretching 32 miles across the Pennines from Manchester to Sowerby Bridge, it delivers a striking mix of wild landscapes, industrial heritage, and relentless physical challenge.

As ever, the series doesn’t shy away from the realities of life afloat. From daily routines to mechanical mishaps, viewers will experience every high and low aboard Robbie’s narrowboat, Naughty Lass.

Packed with drama, humour, and stunning scenery, this new series offers a fresh, unfiltered look at Britain’s waterways and the endurance it takes to navigate them.

The new series of Canal Boat Diaries airs from 18 May on U&Yesterday.

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.

Bits & Bobs – steel stakes and last call for feedback

Safety Notice – Use of steel stakes on towpath verges

We’ve recently seen an increase in boaters driving long steel stakes into the front verge of the towpath when mooring up.

While we appreciate the need to moor safely, for safety reasons, mooring pins or stakes should be positioned as close to the water’s edge as practical, where the risk to buried utilities, such as gas, water, electricity, and communications, is typically lower.

Thank you for helping keep the network safe for everyone.

Winter works consultation – a friendly reminder

Our first round of public consultation for the winter works programme is now coming to a close.

Each winter, when waterway use is quieter, we carry out essential maintenance and repairs across the network. To do this safely, some sections of waterways—and occasionally towpaths—need to be temporarily closed.

Before finalising the programme, we invite feedback from boaters, stakeholders, and local communities. This helps us understand potential impacts and, where possible, reduce disruption.

Round one of consultation closes on 29 May If you haven’t already shared your views, this is a great time to take a look at the draft notices and let us know your thoughts.

After this date, the draft notices will be removed so we can review feedback and make any necessary updates before the second consultation round begins on 29 June.

Please remember that all works remain provisional until the final programme is published in August, and details may change following consultation.

Thank you to everyone who has already taken the time to get involved—we really value your input.