For decades, ageing lock gates and paddles have quietly moved water and help boats on their way. Canal banks have reliably supported waterside moorings and offered precious habitats for wildlife. Bridges, tunnels and other structures have withstood consistant useage.
But our 250-year-old canal network can't thrive on its own. Our charity provides constant upkeep and investment so that it can remain open and safe for everyone, which means carrying out repairs and maintenance all year round.
Why we have winter works
Every year, our winter works programme tackles some of the major works needed across our 2,000 mile network. Our teams carry out this work when usage is lower, in order to keep disruption to a minimum. This year, we currently have 108 maintenance projects across 33 nagivtions planned between November 2026 and March 2027.
As part of this, we will be replacing 136 lock gate leaves, alongside a wide range of maintenance, restoration and infrastructure improvement projects. Each lock gate is made to measure by skilled craftspeople at our specialist workshops in Bradley and Stanley Ferry.
Among the largest structures being replaced are the safety gates at Purton on the Gloucester & Sharpness Canal. Each gate leaf stands more than six metres high and six metres wide, which is roughly the size of a semi-detached house.
Winter works in your area
Find out more about winter works scheduled for your area, and how you can help support our work.
