Tardebigge Lock Flight

We're pleased to report that following a review of the water levels, conditions are looking favourable and we're optimistic that Tardebigge lock flight can operate without restrictions. The current restrictions will be lifted on Friday 5 September.

We'll continue to monitor water levels closely. If we see any significant changes, we may need to reintroduce restrictions at short notice.

Following the driest March–July period since 1921 across central England, water availability in the region remains significantly below average. To help conserve increasingly limited water resources, protect canal infrastructure and ecology, and prolong navigation elsewhere on the network, Tardebigge Lock Flight will be open under navigation restrictions from Wednesday 27th August. This date aligns with the expected completion of repairs to Tardebigge Top Lock.

Passage will be permitted between 8:30 am and 3:00 pm, with the last entry at 12:00 noon. Boaters are reminded that the final opportunity to turn around before ascending the flight is just after Lock 23.

We will continue to manage the limited water situation and will provide updates if conditions change. Despite the measures we're taking, there may be extreme local circumstances that require us to take immediate action to temporarily close some stretches to navigation.

If sufficient rainfall occurs to allow safe navigation, restrictions will be lifted immediately. However, this is likely to require sustained and prolonged rainfall over several weeks, rather than a single heavy downpour.

Thank you for your continued support in reducing water use across the network and for reporting leaks or concerns via 0303 040 4040 or our Contact Us page