Descriptions
Update 15 September 2025, 12:45pm
Recent rainfall has begun to restore levels in the River Skell, which feeds the Ripon Canal.
To ensure continued recovery and conserve water, the following restrictions remain in place until further notice: Oxclose Lock Availability from Monday 22nd September 2025
Assisted Passage: Days: Monday – Friday (not including bank holiday) Hours: 10:30 – 12:30 Advance Notice: Minimum 48 hours Booking: Call 0303 040 4040 (Mon–Fri, 08:00–16:00)
Update 1 September 2025, 11:24am
The situation for the Ripon Canal has not changed and still remains closed to navigation.
Due to continual low rainfall in the River Skell catchment, the Environment Agency has instructed Canal and River Trust to stop abstracting water from the river to feed the Ripon Canal. As a result, Oxclose Lock is closed to navigation to reduce water use. We will provide an update on passage through Oxclose Lock once River Skell levels return to normal and the Environment Agency confirms abstraction may resume.
Update 13 August 2025, 12:59pm
Due to low rainfall in the River Skell catchment, the Environment Agency has instructed Canal and River Trust to stop abstracting water from the river to feed the Ripon Canal.
As a result, Oxclose Lock is closed to navigation to reduce water use. We will provide an update on passage through Oxclose Lock once River Skell levels return to normal and the Environment Agency confirms abstraction may resume.
Update 16 June 2025, 1:25pm
Whilst we have experienced some rainfall, it has not made a significant impact on water levels on the Ripon Canal.
The River Skell which feeds the Ripon Canal is at critical levels due to the lack of recent rainfall within the catchment area.
To assist with water management of the canal, we are closing the Ripon Canal between Rhodesfield and Oxclose locks to reduce water usage.
Without significant rainfall the Environment Agency will ask us to cease abstraction from the River Skell. We are monitoring water levels on a daily basis and will continue to do so over the next two weeks.
As water levels have not recovered adequately, this has lead to the closure of the canal to protect wildlife and moored craft.
We will provide an update when water levels in the River Skell return to normal. Please share locks to save water resources.
Update 6 June 2025, 11:38am
Whilst we have experienced some rainfall, it has not made a significant impact on water levels on the Ripon Canal.
The River Skell which feeds the Ripon Canal is at critical levels due to the lack of recent rainfall within the catchment area. To assist with water management of the canal, we are closing Rhodesfield & Bellfurrows locks to reduce water usage.
Without significant rainfall the Environment Agency will ask us to cease abstraction from the River Skell. We are monitoring water levels on a daily basis and will continue to do so over the next two weeks.
If water levels do not recover adequately, this may lead to the closure of the canal to protect wildlife and moored craft on the Ripon canal.
We will provide an update when water levels in the River Skell return to normal. Please share locks to save water resources.
Original 20 May 2025, 2:43pm
The River Skell which feeds the Ripon Canal is at critical levels due to the lack of recent rainfall within the catchment area.
To assist with water management of the canal, we are closing Rhodesfield & Bellfurrows locks to reduce water usage.
Without significant rainfall the Environment Agency will ask us to cease abstraction from the River Skell within the next two weeks.
This will lead to the closure of the canal to protect wildlife and moored craft on the Ripon canal.
We will provide an update when water levels in the River Skell return to normal. Please share locks to save water resources.
