We invite you to our Winter Open Day on the Chesterfield Canal

We've replaced two sets of lock gates on the narrow beam lock and is inviting members of the local community to a special open day, to see behind the scenes of the works, on Saturday 21 February 2026. Each lock gate measures around four metres high and 1.6 metres wide and weighs between 850 and 1.2kg, roughly the same as a small family car, and local people will have the chance to see the new gates in situ before the lock is refilled with water. 

Ahead of the Open Day, We've released images to document the team’s efforts to replace the large lock gates at Stret Lock ready for the busier boating months returning from spring.  

The Open Day

The Winter Open Day will also give visitors the chance to meet our experts and volunteers, and to learn how historic structures such as lock gates, aqueducts, lock flights and humpback bridges are repaired and protected.   

Set on one of the most peaceful and picturesque stretches of the Chesterfield Canal, visitors can take part in a guided walk, spot wildlife and learn more about the canal’s history, while experiencing the mental and physical benefits of being by water. 

Volunteers play a vital role in caring for our network of 2,000-miles of waterways, including the Chesterfield Canal. There will be opportunities on the day to meet volunteers, hear about their experiences and find out how to get involved. 

Carrying out the repairs

Putting their four decades of experience into practice on the waterways, the project on the Chesterfield Canal has been overseen by Julian Rasen, one of our construction managers, with site supervisor Colin Storey managing teams on the ground. 

Julian is well versed in the site, having assisted with the lock widening scheme at Stret Lock 15 years ago, after it was discovered that ground pressure had forced the walls inwards over 240 years. He explained: “Each lock gate is unique and handcrafted from oak using centuries-old techniques by our skilled team at two specialist sites — Stanley Ferry in West Yorkshire and Bradley in the West Midlands. With lock gates needing to be replaced every 20-25 years it’s not something that people get to see that often, which is why we’re opening the works up to the local community. 

“Winter is the time of year when there is less boating traffic and we carry out larger maintenance and engineering projects. But carrying out these complex repairs at this time of year is becoming increasingly challenging as the extreme weather conditions impact on when, and how, we carry out crane lifts and use heavy machinery.” 

Keeping them in good condition

Our Winter Open Day takes place on Saturday 21 February 2026, 10am–3pm, at Stret Lock (Lock 48), Chesterfield Canal, Worksop S80 1TJ. Parking will be available at The Lockkeeper pub nearby, where visitors can also enjoy refreshments and meet members of the Chesterfield Canal Society. 

Julie Sharman, our chief operating officer, added: “Canals are centuries-old working heritage and, with rising costs, climate pressures and more extreme weather events, the challenge of keeping them in good condition for navigation has never been greater. We can’t do it without the support of boaters, our volunteers, supporters and the wider public.”