Regional Round-up North - May 2025

A deep clean in West Yorkshire 

In March, volunteers braved the icy waters of the Rochdale Canal to give Tuel Lane Lock, the deepest single lock in the UK, its much-needed spring clean ahead of the new boating season. This annual event shines a light on the importance of volunteers in keeping the canal network going.

Opened in 1996, Tuel Lane Lock, in Sowerby Bridge, is a masterpiece of engineering, raising and lowering boats a staggering 20 feet. The lock was the final link in the restoration of the Rochdale Canal and was built to replace two original Victorian locks, enabling the canal to flow under the road. To keep it functioning properly, West Yorkshire’s iconic lock needs to be cleared every year, by hand. 

“Because it has a concrete base, it fills up with leaves and rubbish,” says lead volunteer, Peter Burton. “It just builds and builds and if we didn’t intervene, eventually, boats would struggle to get passage, so we need to give it a good scrape.” 

Donning hard hats and waders, our plucky volunteers step into the drained lock, working in shifts to remove leaves, litter, debris, and even the odd shopping trolley. “When I took part for the first time two years ago, I’d never worn a pair of waders before, let alone been waist-high in water,” says volunteer, Maureen Readle, “but here I am.” 

Thanks to the hard work and dedication of volunteers like Maureen and Peter, the UK’s deepest lock is ready for another busy boating season.

Anderton Boat Lift refurbishment update   

In November 2022, we secured funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund for the Anderton Boat Lift and Visitor Centre to support the development of a major refurbishment project. This supported design and planning work ahead of our larger multi-million pounds grant application to carry out the work required.  However, due to increased costs which are primarily inflationary, we now need to apply for a larger amount than originally anticipated. Unfortunately, this means that the starting date for the works has had to be delayed.

Anderton Boat Lift is one of only two working boat lifts in the country. Built in 1875, it was the first of its kind anywhere in the world. It transports boats between the River Weaver Navigation and the Trent & Mersey Canal, hoisting them an incredible 50 feet into the air. After shutting down in 1983, the lift was reopened to glorious fanfare at the turn of the millennium. Sadly, time, once again, has taken its toll, and Cheshire’s famous ‘Cathedral of the Canals’ is in dire need of repair. 

Thanks to the initial round of funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and kind donations to our Anderton appeal, some preparatory work has already been carried out, including essential repairs on the lift itself.  The site will be open as usual during the 2025 and 2026 visitor seasons and for our exciting 150th anniversary celebrations this year, which will be centred round a new Victorian Fair over the weekend of 26th and 27th July. 

We’re currently having positive discussions with the National Lottery Heritage Fund regarding next steps, but it looks like it could be 12 to 18 months before work resumes to preserve this iconic piece of living history.  

New platforms hook anglers into Drayton Reservoir 

Dug into rural fields in the late 18th Century to supply the newly built Grand Union Canal, Drayton Reservoir now sits just outside Daventry and is one of the busiest fishing spots on our network.

In 1992 the reservoir was restocked with small carp, averaging only a few ounces in weight. These fish have now grown on, and the reservoir now has a reputation as a leading fishery for specimen carp known as a ‘Runs Water’. On average anglers can hook a carp between 14 to 18lb, with many weighing in at over 20lb. The lake record to date is 35lb. 

However, time has taken its toll on the wooden walkways and platforms that surround the lake and give anglers an ideal peg. That’s why we’ve just invested £100,000 to update and upgrade them. As our local Fisheries & Angling Specialist, Nick Baggaley, explains, “This kind of fishing takes place over hours, overnight or over an entire weekend, so the new walkways and platforms give specimen anglers plenty of space for all their rods, bait, tackle plus their chairs, bivvy tents, food and drink.  

Some literally bring everything including the kitchen sink! We’ve even designed these really generous social platforms, some up to 10m wide that can accommodate groups of two or three friends who want to fish together.” 

It’s a sound investment that Nick says should pay back within five years, as anglers continue to flock to Drayton Reservoir, and our charity earns an income from every peg spot sold.