Canal Edge Works at Saltisford

We know that 2025 was a complex and expensive year for the Canal and Rivers Trust and the restoration and repair of parts of the network will take many months and potentially years to complete. The coming season's cruising will be one of circumspect planning for both boaters and businesses alike.

Being a small canal arm does not exempt us from the ravages of time and climate, and the Trust has begun planning essential repairs to a short section of the visitor moorings to protect the canal edge and maintain a safe towpath for visitors. These works are focused on a defined area which is currently cordoned off, and will be carried out responsibly, with careful monitoring throughout. Saltisfords canal edge was reinstated many years ago by volunteers and visiting boats continue to enjoy the results of their hard work.

Over time, however, water moving within a canal slowly wears away the soil at the base of the bank. When the steel piling that holds the bank in place starts to corrode, bend, or develop gaps, water can pass through and wash fine material out from behind it. This process leaves empty spaces under the towpath, even though the surface may still look intact at first. As more ground is lost, the weight of the path above can no longer be supported, causing cracks, sinking, and eventually the collapse of the towpath into the canal.

We've already secured the area, dug test pits to check for water ingress and have installed drip wells to monitor the situation. Movement measurements a taken regularly and recorded to keep an eye on the stability of this section of the towpath and now we're now assembling the means, skills and materials necessary to complete the works safely and with as little disruption as possible.

You can read more about the works and why they’re needed on our Canal Edge Works page. and if you'd like to support the works you can make a donation to help us restore Saltisford's reserves for the future.

We'll update this page as work progresses to keep you informed about our progress and any changes to our mooring availability.