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We regularly dredge Gloucester Docks and the Gloucester & Sharpness Canal to remove silt carried in when water is pumped from the River Severn to maintain canal water levels.
Exceptionally dry summers in 2025 and 2026 has led to low water levels on the river and a high intake of silt, reducing navigation depths in the Docks.
Our latest dredging programme alone is seeing us invest £4 million into removing silt. On this page you can keep up to date with the latest from the dredging campaign and our work to make improvements to the Docks and upper section of the canal.
Read our most frequently asked questions on the programme
The second phase of our recovery dredge is underway after the dredging team completed a week-long mobilisation. They mobilised to site on 4 October, spending the first week preparing the craft and equipment that’s being used during the campaign.
Dredging has started, initially focusing on the section of the Gloucester & Sharpness Canal that approaches Gloucester, removing the silt that has built up to affect navigation around the Romans Quay and Monk Meadow Marina.
A disposal site has been prepared at Parkend. The dredged material will be taken here to a lagoon before it’s spread on agricultural fields. An additional site for lorry collections is being prepared at the Docks.
Learn more about the importance of dredging
Last Edited: 23 October 2026
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