Major dredging project
We began a major dredging project to make it easier for boats to move through the flight which includes the second deepest lock in the country.
Dredging can bring down the levels of dissolved oxygen in the water – which could impact the hundreds of fish that live in the canal. So, our first task was to safeguard species including bream, dace, roach and pike in a ‘fish rescue' that moved them to a safe location further along the canal.
The rescue
The ‘rescue' involved a specialist team putting a low-level electric pulse through the water, which temporarily stuns the fish. The fish were then carefully netted and moved to another part of the canal, well away from the dredging.
We also kept a close watch on other wildlife in the area, including daily checks to ensure the dredging activity didn't disturb any nesting birds along the canal.
Making it easier for boaters
Mark Evans, our director for Wales & South West explains: “Bath Flight takes boats through the centre of this World Heritage Site and includes the country's second deepest lock. It is one of the busiest sections of the Kennet & Avon Canal, with up to 3,000 boats passing through it each year. Our dredging work will make it easier for boats to move through the locks.
“In addition to keeping the canal open and available for people to use and enjoy, the wildlife that lives in and around the canal is front and centre of this important project. From the fish rescue and bird surveys to the reuse of the 3,000m3 of nutrient-rich dredged sediment onto local farmers' fields. The safety of our colleagues also remains a priority, with this project specifically designed to be safely carried out within the Government's coronavirus guidance.
The dredging work, which stretches along just under a mile of canal, began on 21 May and lasted until mid-July.
