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Inland Waterways Association @iwa-uk.bsky.social · 14h

The iconic Caen Hill Lock Flight, reopened in 1990 after being abandoned post WW2. Championed by the Kennet & Avon Canal Trust and IWA. This is the magic of restoration and investment. This is why its worth protecting our 5000 miles of inland waterways. This is what those 5000 miles can become.

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Inland Waterways Association @iwa-uk.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

Saturday saw the campaign cruise along the Wendover Arm to press for its full reopening. Paddleboarders, historic narrowboats & a replica Dutch tug reached the navigation limit, battling silt & overgrowth to highlight the need to reopen a previously renovated section. Thanks to all involved #canals

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Inland Waterways Association @iwa-uk.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

Autumn brings with it some of the best golden light 🌅 Here are some of our favourite golden light moments from the waterways. #goldenhour #autumn #inlandwaterways #photography

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Inland Waterways Association @iwa-uk.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

Join us this Saturday 26th September @ 2pm for a photo call in support of re-opening the arm. No boats required, if you just want to come in person to support please do. Banners and placards welcome - witty slogans encouraged (see photo!) Contact comms@waterways.org.uk or send us a DM for more info.

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Inland Waterways Association @iwa-uk.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

A new lease of life for Burslem Port! The Burslem Port Trust’s vision is to reinstate the canal, creating a new heritage destination, linking the restored canal with the warehouse. Today the Trust, local IWA branch & volunteers are planning a new basin, café & craft units alongside a restored canal.

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Inland Waterways Association @iwa-uk.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

🚨 Sat 26 Sept, 2pm 🚨 Join our photo call to support re-opening the Wendover Arm. Bring your boat to the Bulbourne junction with the Grand Union. Want to join or need details? Email comms@waterways.org.uk. NB: Boats over 40ft may struggle turning but will still be in photos.

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Inland Waterways Association @iwa-uk.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

The waterways are home to such a diverse range of wildlife species in the UK. From common Ducks & Swans to the elusive Otter or Kingfisher, spotting wildlife on the network is always a joy. Today is National Wildlife Day! So tell us, what is the best wildlife sighting you've had on our waterways?

Two fuzzy black Coot chicks with orange-red faces and small white-tipped bills swimming side-by-side toward the camera, their reflections and ripples visible in the water.

Iridescent blue-green damselfly perched sideways on a thin green stem, wings folded along its back revealing fine venation and slender legs gripping the stem against a soft, blurred background.

Brightly colored kingfisher with iridescent blue and orange plumage hovering with wings outstretched and feet tucked, poised to dive for prey against a soft green background.

Wet river otter sitting alert on a grassy riverbank, drenched fur and whiskers visible as it looks toward the camera.

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Inland Waterways Association @iwa-uk.bsky.social · 31/08/2026

With September looming, here are a few summer moments from the waterways to remind us why the network is so special 🌞 ✨️ What's been your favourite summer moment on the water this year? #summer #summermoments #inlandwaterways #canal #river

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Inland Waterways Association @iwa-uk.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

🚨 CALLING ALL MEMBERS - HAVE YOUR SAY! 🚨 IWA’s 67th Annual General Meeting is Saturday 19 September 2026 at the University of Worcester. Please register via our website (in person or remotely) so we can gauge numbers. Deadline extended to 3 September! We look forward to welcoming you! #agm #iwa

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Inland Waterways Association @iwa-uk.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

Have you taken a summer canal trip yet? Did you know that on our website, we have a section dedicated to trip boats? Wherever you are in the country, you can check out the operators on that section of waterway: waterways.org.uk/trip-boats Tell us about your favourite recent canal trips you've taken👇️

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Inland Waterways Association @iwa-uk.bsky.social · 19/08/2026

📸 Today is World Photography Day. And if we do say so ourselves, the waterways offer some stunning photo opportunities. Here are just a few of some of the beautiful images people send us from their time on or by, the water. So today, tag us in any of your beautiful waterways photos!

Common kingfisher perched on a mossy bank, close-up showing iridescent blue-green head and wings, bright orange chest, white cheek patch, and a long sharp black bill.

Historic church tower and Victorian brick house bathed in warm evening light behind leafy trees, their golden foliage and building silhouettes reflected in the calm river.

A modern city waterfront with tall glass skyscrapers and construction cranes mirrored in the calm river, highlighting urban development and a prominent rounded high-rise on the right.

Red sandstone three-arch bridge spanning a calm river, framed by leafy trees and green rolling hills with a small stone tower on the ridge.

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Inland Waterways Association @iwa-uk.bsky.social · 13/08/2026

This season's Waterways magazine is landing on doormats across the country as we speak! In our new membership feature, 5000 miles 5000 reasons, we interview Bryony about why she has made her life & work around the waterways & what makes them special for her. Join as a member to read the full article

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Inland Waterways Association @iwa-uk.bsky.social · 04/08/2026

This trend is for the hardcore amongst us - which Blue is IWA blue?! Drop your guesses in the comments below 👇️ #whichcolour #whichone #inlandwaterways #trending

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Inland Waterways Association @iwa-uk.bsky.social · 27/07/2026

From industrial highways to peaceful getaways, our canals have a rich history. What's the most interesting thing you have heard about your local waterway? #canal #inlandwaterways #heritage #history #narrowboat

Narrowboat labeled "Birmingham Canal Navigations" guided into a canal lock as a crewman on board hands a rope to someone on the towpath outside a white riverside pub called The Big Lock with outdoor seating.

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Inland Waterways Association @iwa-uk.bsky.social · 26/07/2026

Yes, you read it correctly - the UK has 5000 miles of waterways. And we feel that's worth celebrating and protecting. They support our wildlife, our local economies, our mental and physical health. Be one of the reasons: waterways.org.uk/support 💙

Scenic tidal marsh with winding river channels through green rolling hills, overlaid text reads: "Did you know... There are 5000 miles of waterways in the UK? Be one of the reasons they're protected."

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Reposted by Inland Waterways Association

Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust @lhcrt.org.uk · 25/07/2026

Week one of the Waterway Recovery Group summer camp at Darnford Moors Ecology Park is complete. The volunteers worked really hard to get four concrete bases completed. Well done team! Next week the wall construction starts. 📷 by Colin Hobbs. #WeDigCanals #Lichfield #UKCanals @iwa-uk.bsky.social

A group of fifteen Waterway Recovery Group volunteers stand outdoors in front of a bright red WRG van, smiling for a team photo. Other vehicles and trees are visible in the background.

Several construction volunteers in safety vests and helmets assemble steel reinforcement bars inside metal formwork in an excavated area. One volunteer is walking across the concrete section. Rebar is laid out in the foreground and excavators operate in the background.

Workers wearing hard hats and high‑visibility vests stand on a partially poured concrete surface with exposed rebar and mesh near a large concrete tunnel. Tools and a concrete vibrator are positioned nearby.

A Waterway Recovery Group volunteer in a red hard hat, red WRG shirt, and yellow safety vest uses a long‑handled rake on a concrete surface. Other volunteers and construction machinery are visible behind him.

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Inland Waterways Association @iwa-uk.bsky.social · 23/07/2026

The new edition of Waterways will soon arrive on members' doormats. Across the country, canal societies & local groups run trip boats that let you get afloat without hiring a whole narrowboat. IWA highlights these options in the latest issue. Join at www.waterways.org.uk/supportto receive your copy

Brochure spread titled "DAY TRIPPER" promoting canal day-boat outings, featuring vibrant photos of narrowboats and their reflections on a canal, article text blocks, and a smartphone mockup showing the same content.

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Inland Waterways Association @iwa-uk.bsky.social · 21/07/2026

The Walsall Canal remains closed at Lock 7, reportedly because a lock gate needs replacement. We have repeatedly asked CRT for an update but have had no meaningful response. It's one of many peak season stoppages - we'll keep chasing, monitor closures via our Risk Index & campaign for transparency.

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Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust @lhcrt.org.uk · 20/07/2026

The Waterway Recovery Group (part of @iwa-uk.bsky.social) canal camp volunteers have made an excellent start on constructing the new canal bed at Darnford Moors Ecology Park. Fantastic progress in just a couple of days! lhcrt.org.uk/closures/ #WeDigCanals #Lichfield #UKCanals

A group of construction workers in high‑visibility vests and hard hats stand inside a deep excavation, assembling a rectangular steel reinforcement frame. Some workers stand on the structure while others handle tools and materials around the pit, with exposed soil walls and dry vegetation surrounding the site.

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Mary Oz @maryoz.bsky.social · 11/07/2026

Hazy summer morning on the Rochdale Canal at Hebden Bridge. #UKCanals @towpathtalk.bsky.social @iwa-uk.bsky.social #LifesBetterByWater @slowwaysuk.bsky.social The start of a very hot walk to Halifax, canal and hills.

Looking along the towpath shaded by a tree, but into the sun. Along the canal there are several boats moored on the opposite bank, and one has smoke coming from a chimney causing a bit of a haze further along the canal.

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Court Above The Cut @courtabovethecut.bsky.social · 11/07/2026

Tonight takes us to the @wiltsberks.bsky.social where @iwa-uk.bsky.social London WRG and KESCRG descend on Pewsham Locks for a massive restoration effort to bring this canal back to life. They Came From Across Britain to Save This Canal Lock youtu.be/eczb-cGfEd0

youtu.be

How volunteers are bringing this canal back to life

YouTube video by Court Above The Cut

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Inland Waterways Association @iwa-uk.bsky.social · 12/07/2026

💙 IWA’s 67th Annual General Meeting will be held Sat 19th Sept '26 at the University of Worcester. Registration & refreshments from 10:00am; the formal AGM starts at 11:30am with lunch at 1pm. Please book your place via our website: waterways.org.uk/agm We look forward to welcoming you!

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Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust @lhcrt.org.uk · 30/06/2026

Prep is underway for the Waterway Recovery Group ( @iwa-uk.bsky.social ) summer camp at Darnford Moors Ecology Park. From 18 July to 1 August, the park will be closed while volunteers build the new canal walls. Exciting! More updates soon. #WeDigCanals #Lichfield #UKCanals

A small orange excavator digging into a soil embankment beside a wooden fence, with dense greenery and a concrete bridge section, with a blue car in the background.

An orange excavator working along a narrow trench in a rural area, surrounded by trees and vegetation, with a concrete culvert and a blue car visible above it.

A small orange excavator operated by a volunteer in a hi‑vis vest, moving earth inside a deep excavation pit bordered by grass, bushes, and a wooden fence.

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Inland Waterways Association @iwa-uk.bsky.social · 23/06/2026

London's canal network is a quieter side-street to the Thames' main road. The waterways offer us calm in busy areas. Once used to carry goods into the city, London's canals now provide havens for walking, cycling, paddling or relaxing in the sun with friends. Where's your favourite London spot?

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Inland Waterways Association @iwa-uk.bsky.social · 21/06/2026

Happy Summer Solstice! The longest day is here - celebrate the long evenings on the waterways. Book a sunset cruise, take a late nature walk & spot bats at dusk, or stay up 'til dawn for an early river dip. However you welcome the season, enjoy it - send us photos of how you spent the longest day.

A view from a narrowboat leaning out of the window, facing the direction of travel with a orange toned sunset in the sky.

A pastoral English countryside scene with a lone moored narrowboat. The sky is blue, the canal is still and there is green vegetation all around.

A birds eye shot of multiple paddleboards in the river, launching from a small dock.

A view of the city at sunset with moored boats in the background.

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Inland Waterways Association @iwa-uk.bsky.social · 08/06/2026

Becoming an IWA Trustee helps protect & champion waterways for future generations. You don't need lots of time, expertise, or to be a boater - just passion & energy. Whether you're driven by wildlife, the environment, or reopening neglected canals you walk past, if you can help, send us a message!

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Inland Waterways Association @iwa-uk.bsky.social · 02/06/2026

Volunteers Week! IWA is largely run by volunteers. Their passion makes our work possible. From events, litter picks & canal restoration, to staffing campaign stands or serving as Trustees, volunteers keep IWA going. Thanks to everyone who gives their time. Check our website for new opportunities 💙

A large group of volunteer stand beside the waterway recovery group vans. All in high vis jackets.

A group of volunteers walks beside a clean up boat on the Birmingham canal, removing debris from the canal.

Two young volunteers in hard hats and high vis help build a wall along a canal restoration project.

3 female volunteers stand smiling at the camera outside a small stand handing out leaflets at Canalway Cavalcade.

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Inland Waterways Association @iwa-uk.bsky.social · 30/05/2026

Did you visit Crick Festival last weekend? It was great to speak to lots of you at the event, both on the IWA and WRG stand and to celebrate all things waterways! #crickfestival #crick #inlandwaterways #canal #wedigcanals

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Inland Waterways Association @iwa-uk.bsky.social · 28/05/2026

🚨 Calling all painters & photographers! Beat the heat—send your waterways Christmas or winter-themed paintings and photos to be considered for our annual calendar or a Christmas card cover. Email entries to comms@waterways.org.uk for a chance to be featured! #photography #painting #inlandwaterways

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Inland Waterways Association @iwa-uk.bsky.social · 25/05/2026

It's Rivers Week! We're celebrating rivers - vital waterways that connect us (hello boat trips), link us to nature, support wellbeing & wildlife and boost local economies. They need our support to thrive. IWA campaigns for all UK waterways, including rivers. Want to help? Sign up, donate or join us!

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Inland Waterways Association @iwa-uk.bsky.social · 23/05/2026

⛵️ It's World Boating Day! Lets celebrate by sharing favourite pictures of your boat or a boat you have seen on your travels. It could be a bright colour, an unusual craft, your own beloved vessel or from a trip you once took. Boats of all shapes and sizes welcome! #worldboatingday #inlandwaterways

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Inland Waterways Association @iwa-uk.bsky.social · 19/05/2026

As we are celebrating birthdays this year (did you know IWA is 80!?), here are a few moments from this year's Batchworth Boat Rally in Rickmansworth, where the theme for the last few years is historic boats, some turning 90 yrs old! 🎂 #batchworthboatrally #boatrally #inlandwaterways #historicboats

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Inland Waterways Association @iwa-uk.bsky.social · 14/05/2026

Who's ready to get out on the water this coming weekend? Tag us in your weekend waterways adventures! #inlandwaterways #canal #river #narrowboat

Canal with boats in the background on a sunny day, with yellow roses and a tree in the foreground

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Inland Waterways Association @iwa-uk.bsky.social · 07/05/2026

Hannah is an IWA trustee whose environmental policy expertise & narrowboat experience fuel her passion for protecting Britain’s canals & rivers. This year, IWA is recruiting trustees. If you want to champion Britain’s waterways, contact us to learn more. All welcome - you don't need to own a boat!

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Inland Waterways Association @iwa-uk.bsky.social · 06/05/2026

A fabulous weekend was had at Cavalcade this year! A huge thanks to all the volunteers who made it possible, plus the stall holders and food vendors who came. If you attended, thank you for supporting the IWA and we hope you had a great weekend!

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Inland Waterways Association @iwa-uk.bsky.social · 30/04/2026

Don't forget IWA Canalway Cavalcade in London's Little Venice, is this weekend! Starting Saturday 2nd and continuing through Bank Holiday Monday 4th. Free entry! Live music, food and drink, kids activities and plenty of boats! ⚓

A line up of colourful narrow boats moored up together with bunting and flags flying on a sunny day

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Inland Waterways Association @iwa-uk.bsky.social · 21/04/2026

Did you know, IWA send out plaques to those who reach 50 years of membership? In this newest edition of Waterways magazine, read all about some of the members who have reached this impressive milestone. Join as a member today to receive your copy! Sign up through our website #inlandwaterways

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Inland Waterways Association @iwa-uk.bsky.social · 16/04/2026

The sun on your face and the water beneath you. Freedom all around 💙 There's no better way to explore the waterways than by paddle. So let's keep our waterways clean, safe & beautiful for every adventure you take. Have you done any great paddle adventures recently? #paddleboarding #inlandwaterways

Stand Up Paddleboarders and a canoeist on the river, with a background of trees and fields with grazing cows.

3 Stand Up Paddleboarders paddling on the canal in Paddington Basin, London.

A long paddleboarder about to go under a bridge in early spring.

Inflatable canoe comes under a canal bridge with 2 paddlers inside. Narrowboats can be seen moored to the side, with another following the canoe.

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Inland Waterways Association @iwa-uk.bsky.social · 14/04/2026

We act as the secretariat in Parliament for the All Party Group (APPG) on waterways. Today, members met to discuss the unique concerns of residential boaters, with representatives from across the boating community. Today's honorary APPG member - Ozzie the dog!

The All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for the waterways pose together for a photo against a boardroom back drop. Image includes Ozzie, the dog, held by his owner.

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Inland Waterways Association @iwa-uk.bsky.social · 07/04/2026

Today is World Health Day and we are focusing on the amazing benefits to our health that our waterways bring us. For all the users of our waterways, these spaces mean a lot & they need protecting. Join our mailing list to keep up to date with all the latest on our campaign action (link on website).

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Inland Waterways Association @iwa-uk.bsky.social · 29/03/2026

A bit of waterways magic for the weekend ✨💧

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Inland Waterways Association @iwa-uk.bsky.social · 24/03/2026

This March, the Birmingham Canal Network clean up cleared over 2 tonnes of waste from the Old Main Line Canal in Tipton. Despite last-minute location changes, dedicated volunteers managed 2 boatloads of canal debris and 1 of towpath litter. Thanks to all involved! #CanalCleanup #Volunteers #iwa #wrg

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Inland Waterways Association @iwa-uk.bsky.social · 22/03/2026

💧 It's World Water Day 2026! World Water Day celebrates water and inspires action to protect this precious resource. The waterways of Britain give us so many reasons to celebrate water and IWA is protecting, restoring and championing, these vital networks #worldwaterday #worldwaterday2026 #ukcanal

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Inland Waterways Association @iwa-uk.bsky.social · 18/03/2026

🦆 Wildlife Wednesday! And today, some of our favourite photos of Ducks. Have you spotted any unusual Ducks on your local waterway? #ducks #inlandwaterways #wildlifewednesday

Silhouette of 4 ducks, 1 large and 3 small, crossing a field with a narrowboat in the background

A close up of a male and female ducks sitting on top of a narrowboat roof.

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Inland Waterways Association @iwa-uk.bsky.social · 13/03/2026

Our Risk Index map highlights heritage features needing investment. It's great to report that Ellesmere Warehouse is being converted into a café and visitors centre . Previously in disrepair, the building is getting a new lease of life, with work starting in 2026.

Image shows Ellesmere warehouse in 2025, currently in disrepair.

Image shows alternate view of Ellesmere warehouse, in disrepair, with an old narrowboat in the foreground.

Back view of Ellesmere warehouse, showing the building covered in climbing plants and badly graffitied.

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Inland Waterways Association @iwa-uk.bsky.social · 11/03/2026

It's self proclaimed lock appreciation day! Locks are a marvel of engineering on the canals - see if you can name any of the locks pictured #canallock #inlandwaterways #lockappreciationday

2 women work the top lock of a flight whilst a narrowboat passes through.

A man leans against a lock to open it as a boat is waiting to pass through. A lock keepers cottage is situated to the left of the image.

A canal boat with passengers waits to ascend a lock, the gates of which are currently closed.

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Inland Waterways Association @iwa-uk.bsky.social · 05/03/2026

Bookings are open for the 2026 Waterway Recovery Group (WRG) Canal Camps! These week-long working holidays are a great way to learn new skills, meet people, and give back while having fun. Some camps fill up fast, so book now on the events section of our website! #canalrestoration #workingholiday

Volunteers work on a restoration canal camp

Volunteers work on a restoration canal camp. A digger is shown, with a cement mixer and a volunteer walking across the site, whilst another brick lays.

Volunteers work on a restoration canal camp, sited on scaffolding and using power tools.

3 volunteers, 2 working and one looking at the camera, on a canal camp.

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Inland Waterways Association @iwa-uk.bsky.social · 01/03/2026

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 Happy St David's Day! To celebrate, here are some of our favourite images from our members on the Welsh canals. Pictured in order is Frankton Locks on the Montgomery canal, Llanover on the Mon & Brec, Autumn on the Mon & Brec and Berriew Lock on the Montgomery canal. #stdavidsday

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Inland Waterways Association @iwa-uk.bsky.social · 25/02/2026

The Hanwell Ponds in Ealing, built in 1815, are being restored! Highlighted on our Risk Index map due to the current condition of these rare side-ponds used for saving water during lock operations. Volunteers can join the Canal Camp with the Waterway Recovery Group in April '26. Book on our website.

Part of the lock mechanism at Hanwell Ponds.

An image of the derelict Hanwell Ponds with overgrown vegetation.

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