Reports from local people suggest that the situation is the worst they have seen. We have also heard from former British Waterways engineers who were dealing with the same underlying problem as far back as the 1990s. 

While Canal & River Trust (CRT), once again, must divert precious funds to dredge the Docks this winter, a long-term solution is needed to avoid this continual annual cycle of siltation and dredging.  

IWA is pressing CRT to set out what it is doing to resolve matters on a more permanent basis, instead of having to commit a significant proportion of its national dredging resources to Gloucester Docks.  This inevitably places additional pressure on dredging or repair works elsewhere across the network. 

IWA also believes that Bristol Water has an important role to play, given that its water abstraction requirements are the cause of the silt being imported into the Dock. 

Commenting, Sue O’Hare, Chair of IWA’s Navigation Committee, said: 

“IWA’s Navigation Committee has become increasingly concerned about the situation at Gloucester Docks. Two very dry summers have resulted in very large quantities of silt again being pumped into the Docks in order to maintain the drinking water supply to Bristol. Businesses, individuals, and the City of Gloucester have all been significantly affected by the ‘bottom being far too near the top’.” 

We are liaising with CRT to understand the full situation, their contractual constraints, and longer-term approach, setting out our concerns from the perspective of boaters, local businesses and the wider community that relies on Gloucester Docks. 

IWA will continue to press for action towards a long-term solution, rather than the present annual cycle of wasted resources.

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Tooley’s has a special place in IWA’s history. It was from Banbury Tom Rolt set out aboard Cressy in 1939, beginning the journey described in his book Narrow Boat. The book inspired the campaign to save Britain’s canals and led to the formation of IWA. 

Today, Tooley’s remains a working boatyard rather than simply a historic site. It is a Scheduled Monument employing eight people, including apprentices learning traditional skills. 

The prolonged closure of the Oxford Canal is putting that living heritage at risk. The canal was closed for around six months in 2025 because of drought, followed by a further two months of disruption caused by flooding. The latest drought-related closure began in August 2026, with no indication yet of when navigation will resume. 

Unlike many boatyards, Tooley’s has no permanent moorings. Its business relies on boats being able to reach the yard for docking, hull blacking and repairs. With navigation restricted, the yard has been forced to rely on work that can be carried out on boats accessible from the towpath, which is not enough to sustain its normal level of activity. 

The consequences extend beyond the immediate financial impact. Research into the yard’s history has documented a continuous sequence of operators stretching back to at least 1795, with apprenticeship at the dockyard traced to 1809. Traditional wooden boatbuilding and repair, canal art and boat painting continue to be practised at Tooley’s, with both crafts included on the Heritage Crafts Red List of Endangered Crafts. 

Matthew Armitage said: 

“I have operated Tooley’s for 24 years. There have always been stoppages and difficult periods, but I have never had to think so seriously about whether boats will be able to reach us often enough to keep the yard working. We are still taking jobs where we can, travelling to boats along the towpath and at other yards and marinas. It takes longer, and work that would be straightforward in our dock often requires another visit for a part or a tool. We have customers waiting. What we need is for their boats to be able to get here.” 

The situation highlights the wider impact that prolonged waterway closures can have on businesses, employment, skills and living heritage. 

The empty dry dock does, however, offer an opportunity. Tooley’s are hoping to restore Hardy, the last boat built by Nurser Brothers of Braunston. Tooley’s saved it from destruction in 2018, but it now needs urgent work. More information here.

IWA is supporting Tooley’s in highlighting the importance of keeping the canal network navigable and protecting the working businesses and skills that depend upon it. 

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Kaykers and paddleboarders joined historic narrow boats and a replica Dutch tug boat. The flotilla made their way to the current limit of navigation, the first powered boats to make the journey for some time, battling siltation and vegetation. 

It follows years of delays after a section of the Arm that was re-opened in 2005 has been closed while a leakage is investigated. Despite decades of volunteer effort, public investment and substantial restoration work already completed, this section of the canal remains closed, fenced off and increasingly neglected. Blocked access to the turning point also means very few boats can travel along the section that remains open. 

John Stirling, Secretary of Dunstable & District Boat Club, said: 

“Our boat club was very happy to support this. We have long said that this stretch should be re-opened. There is clear appetite for it and Saturday proved it with the number of boats, other craft and people on foot who came to send a strong message that this delay has gone on too long, and it should be re-opened.” 

According to IWA, the issue goes beyond navigation. The Wendover Arm is a significant environmental asset. Fed by rare chalk streams, it supports a rich aquatic habitat that would be almost impossible to recreate today. It also performs a vital engineering function, supplying water to the Grand Union Canal at the Tring Summit and helping keep locks operational. 

Dave Chapman, Chairman, of IWA Chiltern Branch, said: 

“The Wendover Arm represents all that is great about our inland waterways. It is an important navigation, a remarkable chalk stream environment, a public green space. and a vital part of the Grand Union Canal’s water supply. 

“Thousands of volunteer hours and significant public investment have brought the restoration close to completion. It would be unacceptable to allow all that work to deteriorate because leakage remains unresolved, and as we can see from the strength of public support, it needs to be re-opened. 

“The Canal & River Trust has both the responsibility and the opportunity to put this right. We are calling on CRT to carry out the necessary repairs and reopen the canal as quickly as possible.” 

The Wendover Arm was built in 1799 and ran for almost seven miles from Wendover through Weston Turville, Halton, Aston Clinton, Buckland Wharf, Drayton Beauchamp and Little Tring before joining the Grand Union Canal at Bulbourne Junction. 

IWA argues that the cost of resolving the current issues is modest compared with the long-term value of restoring the navigation and protecting an irreplaceable public asset. 

The charity also points to the wider public benefits of reopening the canal. As well as supporting boating and tourism, waterways encourage walking, cycling, volunteering, education and improved physical and mental wellbeing. The Wendover Arm was built in primarily to supply water to the summit level of the Grand Junction Canal.  A fully restored canal would enable it to continue this vital purpose more effectively. 

“The Government rightly invests in health and education,” added Dave Chapman. “Reopening the Wendover Arm contributes to both by creating opportunities for recreation, learning and access to nature.” 

The day demonstrated the continuing demand for navigation on the Wendover Arm.  IWA says the turnout proves there is a clear and strong appetite to see the waterway fully restored, as evidenced by the number of local walkers on the tow path who stopped the flotilla to share their stories and say the section should be re-opened. 

The campaign builds on IWA’s long-standing commitment to the Wendover Arm. The Association led the campaign that culminated in the reopening of the first restored section on Easter Monday, 28 March 2005, when Sir David Suchet, well known actor and waterways enthusiast officially opened Phase One. 

Sir David Suchet, Vice President of IWA, said of Saturday: 

“I remember having the privilege of being guest of honour in 2005 when the restored stretch was opened. It is deeply disappointing to see the current condition. IWA played a huge role advocating for this lovely section of waterway, and it is good to see robust campaigning continuing so that The Wendover Arm can be re-opened.” 

More than twenty years later, IWA is once again calling on the Canal & River Trust to work with partners to complete the restoration and return the Wendover Arm to the public. 

The post Boaters and Paddlers Unite to Re-Open the Wendover Arm with Support from Sir David Suchet appeared first on The Inland Waterways Association.

We hold our social events once a month – on the 2nd Tuesday,  from October to May. We meet at The Boat Inn, Stoke Bruerne. 

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Charlie Norman, IWA’s Campaigns & Public Affairs Director, outlined the Association’s campaigning priorities heading into 2027: continuing to develop IWA’s unique Risk Index as an evidence base for campaigning action, supporting local micro-campaigns such as the water supply to the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal and the re-opening of the Wendover Arm, along with delivering political impact through the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG). 

Before the formal proceedings, presentations were delivered on restoration achievements and the new Restoration Panel, and the Sustainable Boating Group’s new Lithium Battery Installation Guide.  

AGM Business 

Members approved the minutes of the 2025 AGM, received an update on financial statements, and confirmed the reappointments of existing Trustees Peter Marlow and Paul Strudwick as well as welcoming six new Trustees: Alexander Barty, Tiffany Gale-Haynes, Christopher Knell, David Morgan, Matthew Rogers, and Jess Van der Drift. 

National Chair Mike Wills said “While IWA is 80 years old, it looks forward with pride and purpose. The diversity of ages, backgrounds, and the variety of experiences, offered by our new trustees will add a fresh perspective our approach. It is an exciting time to be part of IWA.” 

Recognising Excellence 

The AGM also hosted the presentation of the IWA/Towpath Talk Sustainable Boating Awards and IWA National Awards. 

IWA/Towpath Talk Sustainable Boating Awards 2026 

Non-Commercial Award: Fulham Reach Boat Club – or undertaking a range of environmental and sustainability initiatives including introducing electrically propelled coaching and safety boats, running a water quality testing programme and organising river clean-ups. 

Commercial Award: Landamores Ltd – For being the leading constructors, converters and maintainers of electric boats on the Broads for some years and introducing sustainable propulsion and other innovations into a very traditional boat building market. 

Highly Commended: Circular Revolution Co-Op: For pioneering the collection and disposal of solid waste from separator toilets on boats. 

IWA National Awards 

Richard Bird Medals: Tony Clarke, George Rogers, Andrew Shepherd, Debbie Shepherd 

Christopher Power Prize: David Carter 

Branch Achievement Award: IWA South Wales Branch 

John Heap Salver: Bob Williams 

Cyril Styring Trophy: Paul Waddington 

CLICK FOR FULL AWARD DETAILS

“These individuals and groups exemplify the knowledge and dedication that keep our waterways alive,” said Wills. 

Attendees also enjoyed an afternoon visit to Diglis Island to learn about the history of this man-made island in the River Severn, the impact of the river’s industrial use on wildlife, and the work being undertaken to restore river connectivity for migrating fish. 

IWA extends its thanks to everyone who joined this year’s AGM and to the volunteers who made the event a success. 

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The results of the awards are as follows:

Sustainable Boating Awards:

NON-COMMERCIAL AWARD 2026

Awarded to the individual, charity or community organisation that, in the opinion of the judges, has made the most valuable contribution to sustainable boating during the last twelve months.  

Fulham Reach Boat Club

For undertaking a range of environmental and sustainability initiatives including introducing electrically propelled coaching and safety boats, running a water quality testing programme and organising river clean-ups.

COMMERCIAL AWARD 2026

Awarded to the business that, in the opinion of the judges, has made the most valuable contribution to sustainable boating during the last twelve months. 

Landamores Ltd 

For being the leading constructors, converters and maintainers of electric boats on the Broads for some years and introducing sustainable propulsion and other innovations into a very traditional boat building market. v

[Details of the Awards are at https://waterways.org.uk/campaigns/sustainable-boating#award]

HIGHLY COMMENDED:

Circular Revolution Co-Op: For pioneering the collection and disposal of solid waste from separator toilets on boats. 

IWA NATIONAL AWARDS

RICHARD BIRD MEDALS 

For members of the Association whose efforts and support are considered to have brought significant benefit to the Association over a sustained period. 

•             Tony Clarke

Tony has been a dedicated Northampton Branch Committee member for many years and, for more than 15 years, has been the Editor of its quarterly magazine, Endeavour, keeping members informed, connected and engaged, while making a valuable contribution to the Branch.

•            George Rogers 

George has spent much of his life around canals and restoration. A civil and structural design engineer by training, he is Development Manager for the Chesterfield Canal Trust.

His contribution as a volunteer is equally impressive. George has led, cooked or volunteered on more than 60 WRG week-long camps and festivals and is currently a WRG Director. He has also been a Trustee of the Friends of the Cromford Canal, where he established and chaired its Strategic Restoration Committee, as well as serving as work party organiser and webmaster.

Within IWA, George became the inaugural Chair of the Restoration Delivery Group. He brings together professional expertise, practical experience and strategic thinking to help shape the Association’s restoration work.

From getting his hands dirty on WRG camps to helping deliver multi-million-pound restoration projects, George has made an outstanding contribution to the waterways over many years.

•            Debbie and Andrew Shepherd

Andrew and Debbie are being recognised for around 20 years of commitment to IWA activities in Leicestershire, including around 10 years as the Branch’s key officers.

Their determination and enthusiasm have been instrumental in keeping the Branch active and maintaining IWA’s presence in the area. They have organised and supported countless activities, with a particular highlight being the hugely successful Harborough ’75 event, which simply would not have happened without them.

They have also worked tirelessly to secure the completion of the Memory Lane Wharf visitor moorings and boater facilities, working with Canal & River Trust and Leicester City Council.

CHRISTOPHER POWER PRIZE

For a person, society or trust who has made the most significant contribution to the restoration of an inland waterway.  

There is a cash prize associated with this award, which is given to the waterway restoration group associated with the winner, where the winner is a named individual.  The aims and objectives of the group must be consistent with IWA’s aims and objectives.  The trophy is a carved wooden otter.

David Carter – Shropshire Union Canal Society

David Carter, Chairman of the Shropshire Union Canal Society, has made a major contribution to the restoration of the Montgomeryshire Canal over many years.

For at least nine years, David organised the restoration work parties on the ‘Mont’, helping to bring a long section of the canal back into use as far as Crickheath Basin.

Working with volunteer labour and funding from a Heritage Lottery grant, David led a team through an ambitious programme of practical restoration. He organised regular work parties and everything needed to make them happen, from materials and plant to volunteers and safety arrangements, including navigating the additional challenges of working during the Covid pandemic.

The result was a remarkable volunteer-led restoration effort that saw sections of canal reappear where they had effectively disappeared into farmland.

David continues to lead the Society’s enhancement team, helping to maintain and improve the canal around Ellesmere. As Chairman, he also supports volunteers, works with CRT, councils and landowners, and takes on the many less visible jobs that keep the Society moving.

BRANCH ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

For the IWA Branch which, in the opinion of a panel consisting of the National Chair, Deputy National Chairs and Chief Executive, has made the greatest progress and achievement in promoting the Association’s aims and objectives during the past year. All Branches are considered, without need for nomination. The award consists of a silver salver, donated to IWA by former National Chair David Stevenson for the purpose in 1998. 

South Wales Branch 

The Branch Achievement Award this year goes to the South Wales Branch.

Recently, the branch has been at the forefront of the campaign as a key member of the Preserve & Protect the Mon & Brec Canal (PPMB) coalition.

It was pivotal in supporting a highly successful Petition that gained over 14,000 signatures and in organising the Senedd Rally in July 2025, which preceded the debate that saw overwhelming cross-party support for action.

Campaigners rallied outside the Senedd on the day the petition debate was held, gaining attention from the press and Senedd members. 

Following the rally and debate, the Welsh Government announced the creation of the Task & Finish Group on 17th July 2025.

The Welsh Government then agreed a financial settlement of up to £400,000 every year, for the next five years to resolve the water abstraction crisis that threatened the future of the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal.

The hard work of the whole branch generated a campaign win that benefited IWA both locally and nationally.

JOHN HEAP SALVER

For an IWA member who, in the opinion of the trustees, has made an outstanding contribution to support the waterways. The trophy, a silver salver, was provided by then IWA trustee John Heap (who subsequently became national chairman) and first presented at the Association’s National Rally at Marple on the Peak Forest Canal.   

Bob Williams

Bob Williams is being recognised for his outstanding and sustained contribution to the restoration of the Lichfield and Hatherton Canals and for his long-standing responsibility for the financial affairs of the Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust. 

As a vital and committed member of the Trust’s committee for many years, Bob has played a key role in managing its finances and supporting the fundraising that has enabled its restoration work to continue. His dedication extends well beyond his formal responsibilities. Bob has consistently supported events and restoration activities, regularly being present on site and providing encouragement and practical support to volunteers. 

A familiar and much-valued presence within the restoration community, Bob’s commitment over many years has helped sustain the Trust’s work and the wider effort to restore the Lichfield and Hatherton Canals.

CYRIL STYRING TROPHY 

This is the Association’s premier award. For an IWA member who has, in the opinion of trustees, made an outstanding contribution in furthering the Association’s campaign.   

Paul Waddington

Paul joined IWA in December 1982 and has been a dedicated waterways campaigner for more than 43 years. His involvement began with the Yorkshire Derwent campaign in the 1980s, including taking part in work parties.

But Paul’s greatest contribution has been to the Pocklington Canal. He served as Chair of the Pocklington Canal Amenity Society for an extraordinary 38 years, stepping down only earlier this year.

During that time, he masterminded much of the canal’s restoration, including the renovation of three locks, while building a strong and active canal society. Just as importantly, he ensured that the Society remained one of IWA’s most loyal and effective supporters of national campaigns.

Paul’s contribution therefore extends well beyond one canal. For more than four decades, he has worked tirelessly to restore and protect our waterways and to strengthen IWA’s campaigning work at both local and national level.

IWA is incredibly proud to recognise these champions for their vital contributions to our waterways. 

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In 2027, reserve the following dates: 17 January; 14 February; 14 March; 11 April; and the last walk of the season will be on 9 May.

NEW ROUTE SURVEYS

Derek Smith, who organises these walks for the branch, frequently goes out to survey and record routes for new walks, currently between 5 and 10 miles from Chester.   They normally take place mornings midweek, and he does love a bit of company.    If anyone is interested in joining him, please get in touch; text or phone 07500 300347

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