news & events

Find out what's happening on the inland waterways. From interesting or relevant snippets of news, to all the organised events which take place throughout the year. Find out about festivals, boat rallies, historic boat gatherings, floating markets and Canal Open Days. A regularly updated guide.

News

RCR calls for boaters to stop polluting the waterways

River Canal Rescue (RCR) is urging boat owners to take action to stop accidentally spilling over 120,000* litres of fuel and oil into the inland waterway system every year, contaminating 120 billion** litres of water - the equivalent of the entire UK daily water supply or 48,000 Olympic size swimming pools.

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RHS Garden Bridgewater

This 156 acre garden on the site and grounds of Worsley New Hall, has been described as the biggest gardening project in Europe. Its border lies alongside the Bridgewater Canal between Boothstown and Worsley...

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water fern (azolla filculoides) on the southern stretches of lancaster canal

This invasive plant from North & Central America has almost entirely taken over the waters of the Lancaster canal between UCLAN sports arena and the locks at the top of Savick Brook. At this time of year the pant has died back, making it look as though the canal is filled with sand. C&RT are confident however that they can get the plant under control by introducing plant eating weevils during the spring and summer.

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official statement on bread by the queen's swan marker

The Swan Sanctuary have published a statement by the Queen's Swan Marker, David Barber MVO. In it Mr Barber states emphatically that the feeding of bread to swans, while probably not offering them the most nutritious diet, is beneficial especially in winter. This is contrary to everything we have been told in recent years, where the feeding of bread to water fowl has been decried.

Read more @ theswansanctuary.org.uk

canal & river trust announces changes to short term licences

Following the national licensing consultation last year, the Canal & River Trust is announcing changes to the short-term licences the charity offers to visiting boaters.

The Trust will continue to offer short term licences for visitors and those who have boats off the water and will remove the daily licence. Provision will be made for discounts for legitimate cruising clubs who host events that require one day licences. The revised prices are available via the Trust’s Useful downloads, application forms and licence fees webpage.

bss press release - carbon monoxide alarms

co alarms mandatory from 1st april

From 1 April at least one carbon monoxide (CO) alarm became a requirement on nearly all private and non-private boats in scope of the Boat Safety Scheme (BSS) Requirements. BSS Certifications will not be issued to boats without alarms..

The BSS has just published a new handout as an essential guide to all the new requirements and background information.