Read your feedback about Boaters’ Update and considerate boating behaviour, news of a potential Smoke Control Area affecting boaters, info on invasive species, invite to a webinar and Boaters’ TV.
Narrowboats moored in a busy marina on a sunny day.
The first two articles summarise the feedback you sent in (thanks!) about Boaters’ Update and then considerate boating behaviour – more views are sought on both subjects so do please get involved.
After that there’s news of a potential new Smoke Control Area affecting boaters, information on how to combat invasive species (strongly suggested viewing), an invite to a webinar and the ever-present round-up of this weekend’s stoppages:
What you said about Boaters’ Update
Best boating behaviour – your responses
New Smoke Control Area in Hackney covering boats
Maintenance, repair and restoration work affecting cruising this weekend
Unwanted invaders
Boaters’ TV
Boaters’ webinar
Bits & bobs
Happy boating,
Damian
What you said about Boaters’ Update
Thanks to everyone who took the time to send in their thoughts about the future format and content of Boaters’ Update. There are far too many to share them all, but here you’ll find an abbreviated four pages that capture the major themes.
If you’re pushed for time, the main headlines are:
73% of respondents said they weren’t interested in a video version
55% said no to a podcast version
55% wanted this update to remain as it is
18% wanted a video version
9% wanted this update to be available in different formats (as well as its existing one)
When digging a bit deeper, a frequent comment was that internet availability when cruising, coupled with data usage, was a key reason for not wanting a video version. So, while your choice regarding format is pretty unequivocal – fewer respondents mentioned podcasts, but the majority of those that did weren’t in favour – when it comes to content there were some excellent ideas but very few that were suggested more than a few times.
In broad terms, the main suggestions, in no particular order, are:
An insight into what goes on ‘behind the scenes’ within departments that may not directly work on the canal bank but help us to keep the network flowing.* This includes delving into their waterway expertise
Celebrating volunteers
Reports on stoppages – including the ‘backstory’, challenges overcome, details of the solution and how it was carried out as well as associated costs
Sustainability
The Trust’s Net Zero progress and plans
Case studies of licence enforcement
Regular updates on engineering inspections; what's been inspected as well as how they are inspected – and who decides which works gets prioritised
Regular updates on vegetation management (what's been done and what's planned)
Canal-related 'On this day in XXXX'
Boating technology
Videos of boating skills
*Rather co-incidentally we’ve just released a series videos hosted by TV presenters Dan Snow and Mark Evans as they join us and step behind the scenes to discover what it takes to keep canals alive. This brand-new series features six ten-minute episodes that will make you marvel at canal engineering and the monumental efforts required to look after them today. If you’d give like to share some feedback, do send me an email, thanks.
As you can see, it’s a diverse range of suggestions but, on reading them, if it ignites another idea then do please drop me a line.
For those who don’t read this update, we’ll be asking for volunteers to be part of a focus group, in the coming months, to help us better understand how, and what, they would to like to hear from us about.
Narrowboat travelling over an aqueduct on a cloudy day
Best boating behaviour – your responses
In the last edition you may have read some sage advice from your fellow boaters about how to be considerate to others when out on the cut. The article inspired some of you to get in touch.
Need for speed
The topic that garnered the most responses was speed, specifically when cruising past moored boats. There were two main opinions stated.
Firstly, that while you do have to slow down when passing moored boats, you don’t have to go in to tickover.
The second opinion was that some boaters still treat the waterways as a challenge and try to get from one lock to the next in the shortest time possible regardless of disturbing moored boats. The amount of feedback, and passionately held views conveyed, indicates that a more detailed discussion of this topic is needed – do please send in your views, experiences, and advice on cruising speed and cruising past moored boats.
Handy apps
One boater signposted a speedometer app that enables you to monitor your speed on the cut. Chris, aka Pink Hat Man, has an all-electric boat, NB Elektra, and has a handy list of the all the apps he uses.
Another boater highlighted a boater-centred app called Float. Built by a professional app developer who also happens to be a continuous cruiser, it enables you to log where you’ve moored and, when needed, download a .csv file containing all your mooring and cruising data.
Locks
Another subject that a few boaters raised was lock etiquette. The first main point was related to the speed at which people approach and leave them, reporting that some do both too fast. The second is more about how the lock is used, with three main points:
You arrive at a double lock to find that a boat ahead of you is saving the other space in the lock for a boat behind
You see the single lock ahead and before you get to the lock a boat pulls out in front although they can see that is where you are heading
You pull in at the lock side and walk up to the lock to find the boat coming the other way has just started to empty or fill the lock despite seeing that you should make best use of the water and enter first
Other boating behaviours to remember
While the overwhelming majority of boaters do, respondents said that a minority seem to ignore signed mooring stay times. Others reported that, even if boaters were obeying the stay times, they don’t ‘shuffle up and share’ and therefore prevent others from mooring up.
Finally, but by no means least, are tunnels. One boater relayed three incidents where boaters were not properly illuminating themselves while traversing a tunnel. While perfectly safe when cruised through properly, tunnels have the potential for accidents. If you’re new to boating, or want to refresh your memory, you can find guidance here.
A steam train crosses the canal where a narrowboat is moored at Consall Forge
New Smoke Control Area in Hackney covering boats
Even though we’ve covered the subject before, as a reminder, a Smoke Control Area (SCA) is a legally defined area where you cannot emit a substantial amount of smoke from a chimney. You can be issued a financial penalty of between £175 to £300 if you break this rule. Only local authorities have the power to enforce SCAs and issue fines (the Canal & River Trust does not issue fines or manage SCAs).
SCA regulations can now be applied to boats following the passing of the Environment Act 2021. Local authorities must consult before applying SCA rules to boats, but several local authorities are beginning this process. Hackney Council has signalled its intention to do so.
If approved, the new Smoke Control Order would replace the 27 existing orders, consolidating these into a single Order. It would also extend the controls so that the same rules will apply to vessels moored on the borough's waterways. There is, therefore, an Order revoking the existing Orders, and a separate draft Order setting out the proposed details of the new SCA.
Within this SCA, residents would only be able to burn solid fuel if it is authorised, or the fuel is burned in an appliance or stove that has been approved by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
By consolidating the many historic orders into one, Hackney Council says it should help people to better understand the extent of the SCA. By extending the controls to moored vessels, it aims to apply the same rules to those living on the waterways as to those living on land and, in this way, to improve air quality across the borough.
Hackney Council has created a page where you can raise any objections or provide feedback on the proposals and this can be accessed using this link.
Hackney Council has committed to considering all responses before making a decision on the proposals. For further information about the changes, please use these links below:
You can also view hard copies of the Notices and the area covered in any of Hackney’s libraries or in the Town Hall.
Limehouse Basin, Regent's Canal
Maintenance, repair and restoration work this weekend
As someone who’s out on, or by, the water more often than most, you’ll know that there are times when we need to fix things that unexpectedly break. So, below, you’ll find a list of navigations that have ongoing restrictions that may affect you if you’re planning to get out on the water this weekend:
When restrictions to navigation happen, we get them up on to our website as soon as we can – always best to have a scan before you set off.
If you have any questions about a specific closure, or spot an error in our system, please get in touch.
Weed conver boats removing floating pennywort
Unwanted invaders
In a couple of weeks’ time (20-26 May) it’ll be Invasive Species Week. It’s not a celebration! In fact it’s an annual, and national, event to raise awareness of the impact of invasive non-native species and the simple things that we can all do to prevent their spread.
Did you know that over 2,000 plants and animals have been introduced to the UK from all over the world? These are known as non-native species. Most are harmless, indeed many familiar countryside sights (wheat, barley, sheep, etc) are not native, but around 10-15% spread and have a harmful impact, becoming invasive.
From a global perspective, invasive non-native species are one of the top five drivers of biodiversity loss. In the UK, they threaten the survival of native wildlife, damage our natural ecosystems, cost the economy over £1.7 billion a year, and can even harm our health and detract from the activities we enjoy.
On the waterways we suffer severely with things you can see, like giant hogweed, Himalayan balsam and floating pennywort. But there are many species you may not have noticed or cannot easily see as they lurk under the water. Things like zebra mussels will attach to hard surfaces and can block pipes while killer/demon shrimp are such voracious hunters they will eat most of the other invertebrates and fish eggs in the water and change the entire ecosystem.
Some of the biggest issues for boats are the invasive plants. Japanese knotweed can grow from a piece the size of your thumbnail. We have to spend time and money treating it so it does not become a problem for boaters, our operations or neighbours. Floating pennywort is another villain that can grow at 20cm a day and can easily cover a waterbody if left untended. As it grows so quickly it costs lots of money to manage it, sometimes over £1,000 a day.
All our waterway users can take simple measures to prevent the spread of invasive non-native species. The biggest risks come from tools, equipment and craft being taken from one waterbody to another. But even limiting the spread of an invasive non-native species within a waterway can lessen the burden they cause. There are actions that all boaters can take to limit their spread, the key thing is to follow Check, Clean, Dry principles:
Ensure that all materials and equipment that come into contact with the water, including clothing, are checked for any bits of plant, animals or mud and it is all removed; then ensure it is cleaned, ideally with hot water, but a run under a tap or with a container of fresh water will dislodge things you cannot see. The key step is to ensure everything is dried, ideally in the sun for a couple of days. Some species can live in damp conditions for days or a week. Doing this before starting a long journey, or cruising on to a new waterway, and then repeating regularly while on the journey is very important.
It is not possible to Check, Clean, Dry boats that are in the water but for things like cruiser style boats that are taken out on trailers it is very important to do the Check, Clean, Dry process every time they are removed. Do not forget the trailer itself as plants can easily become lodged in one of the many crevices.
It is ideal to keep the maintenance of your boat regular and this can help prevent the spread of invasive non-native species as well. When it is taken out of the water ask the boat yard/marina to ensure it is cleaned thoroughly before work is undertaken and remember to ask for the entire hull to be cleaned (even if it’s not being worked on).
One of the biggest risks for spreading invasive non-native species is boats being taken out of the water and transported on land for long distances. If you are buying a boat, or moving one, it must be Checked, Cleaned and ideally allowed to Dry, before going into the new waterbody. A good jet wash when it is taken out of the water is ideal.
There are also practical measures you can do to try to limit the spread of invasive non-native species:
If you can, steer clear of cruising through areas of weed. Sometimes this is unavoidable, so ensure that bits caught on the boat are removed and disposed of in a bin. Do not put it back in the waterbody. This also applies for weed hatches and props.
Do not disturb areas of invasive plants on land: knocking Himalayan balsam for example can cause the seeds to spread or get into the mud and then onto boots.
If you do activities like fishing, paddling or sailing follow good practice guides from the Angling Trust, British Canoeing and the RYA.
We run many volunteer events aimed at reducing the financial burden of species. Volunteers are key to helping us manage these trouble species so look out for events in your local area and come down and help.
Check out the video below in which Trust ecologist, Tom King, talks about invasive species and, along with a helpful boater, explains how boaters can help prevent the spread of these unwanted, and damaging, critters.
So, here we are on the River Weaver in Cheshire. And we’re here to talk about invasive non-native species and how we can all prevent them spreading through a process called ‘check, clean, dry’.
So on the river, we have a real big problem with floating pennywort. And at the moment, the river’s clear. But in summer in late summer, it can completely cover the waterway.
More than 50 non-native species have accidentally been introduced into our canals, rivers, and lakes from all over the world. And numbers are rising rapidly. They can cause major damage. They outcompete native wildlife, damage ecosystems, and spread disease. They can also block canals, causing a thick, green carpet, which restricts navigation, clogs up propellers, and damages boats.
The Canal & River Trust is a charity, and every year, it costs us hundreds of thousands of pounds to clear unwanted vegetation and manage the delicate ecosystems which exist in many of our waterways.
So, what harmful plants and animals do we need to watch out for? So, we’re talking about things like Japanese knotweed and giant hogweed, but also things that you might not see, freshwater shrimp or zebra and quagga mussels. Quagga mussels have even been found in an isolated angling reservoir in Lincolnshire. The nearest other known place with quagga mussels is London, which is over 140 miles away. So, how did this species travel overland for such a long distance? It probably hitchhiked on a person, on their equipment, tools, or machinery. Some species can survive for days, even up to a week, in a damp environment.
So, how can people help? One of the most important things everyone can do is to stop the spread of harmful plants and animals to a new area. There are three simple steps to remember: check, clean, dry. This should be done before you leave a waterway, even if you’re only moving to another spot on the same waterway but a few miles away.
The first step is to check any clothing, tools, or equipment have come into contact with the water – or even mud around the water. If you find any plant fragments or animals, remove them and leave them at the site. Ideally, bin them, but always make sure that they can’t get back into the water.
The second step is to clean your clothing, tools, or equipment, ideally with hot water, but real good rinse with cold water will also dislodge bits of plants and young animals that you cannot see. Use a bottle of fresh water if you have one, or wash things down with a hose. Try and do it on a surface where the water can drain into the ground.
The last step is to dry everything completely, ideally in the sun, leaving no damp patches.
Don’t forget about clothes as well, things like wetsuits, waders on boots. Small invertebrates can live for days in damp folds and clothing, and seeds can get stuck in the tread of muddy boots.
We’re here to talk about invasive species. Where would you check on your boat for invasive species?
The most obvious places would be the weed hatch, the front and back fenders, mooring lines front and back and centre, anything that’s going to be touching the water, so boat poles, any cans or dippers that you might be using, anything that’s really making contact with the water. If you get anything around the propeller, then obviously you go into the weed hatch, and you have to get your arm in there and clear it. The most important thing then would obviously be to try and remove that, whatever you get. If it’s something like pennywort or something like that, to try and remove it from the canal.
So, how regularly would you check and clean your boat?
Okay, so if you’re going on a long journey, I would say that you need to do it at the start of the journey, and as frequently as possible really, preferably once a day. If you’re going from one waterway to another, then I would say so definitely do it. If you’re going from a river to a canal, then you might be transferring things from a river that don’t belong on a canal and vice versa, really. Things will dry off quite naturally in the open air, and there’s plenty of it out here really. But anything that you can dry off, you could do it like a car really with like a chamois leather or things like that, or you could think about having like a fresh set of ropes in a locker so every couple of days you could swap and change your ropes over after you’ve cleaned and dried them.
So, where would weed or invasive species get caught on your boat, and how do you go about checking and cleaning it?
We’ll get it caught in various places, like the riggers, the fin, the bowel ball at the bottom. If you capsize, you may get it in here as well. Going about cleaning it, would get a hot water and some sponge, give it a once over and try and get rid of every last bit of dirt.
Where does weed or invasive species tend to get caught on a paddleboard?
Well, Tom, they get caught in the very front on the valve seating, and as we come down to the board, you can see it gets caught in the luggage bungee cords here, and then, of course, as you come down to the footplate, you can see it gets embedded into the non-slip surface of the spot plate. And again, on the leash, you can see on the velcro on the leash, it really does capture it, you know, so it needs to be cleaned thoroughly and as we go further down onto the leash onto the D-ring it gets caught there. And, of course, if you turn the board over, you can see the fin at the back, it tends to get captured into the fin as well and the securing nook. And then finally, on your paddle. You get spores on the paddle as well, so of course, when you take it home, you must ensure you wash it clean with fully cold water. And any weed that you collect from your board is disposed of in a nearby bin or left on the land but not put back in the water.
So, where is most important to check for invasive species in all your equipment?
Okay, well, if you’re a canal angler, you’re on the towpath, actually, your box and equipment on the towpath isn’t actually as high risk. It’s the stuff that’s in the water where you need to check first, so you’ve got your landing nets, which you check looking for if anything that hits the ride and also if you’re a match angler and some pleasure anglers use these too, these are called keep nets, and this is where you put your catch in, and at the end of the session, you can see what you’ve caught. So, taking a keep net out, we will do, just as before, we’ll do a quick check to make sure there’s nothing in there. We shall tip it out. And look at there, straight away, we’ve got some plants that have sneaked in.
So, we’ve all got a role to play to prevent invasive non-native species from spreading around. Remember the three simple steps of check, clean, dry – especially when you’re going to different waterways. Please help us to help the waterways we all love to stay special.
Boaters’ TV
Ok, the title to this article is using quite a bit of artistic licence! However, if I told you that every weekday for a month you’ll be able to watch a documentary about those who call the waterways home, you might see why I chose it.
If you haven’t started watching already, Narrow Escapes has already begun on Channel 4. The first episode aired on Monday 29 April and the show will goes out on weekdays at 4pm. For those who want to binge watch – the first full week is also available on streaming as a boxset on the Channel 4 website.
In Narrow Escapes, we meet those who call our canals home. Whether it be retirees looking for freedom, young people searching for an affordable alternative to the cost-of-living crisis, newlyweds, families or divorcees, we’ll be introduced to a new and vibrant community made up of people from all walks of life, ages and backgrounds.
From continuous cruisers to business owners operating from their boats and the workers and volunteers on land who maintain the waterways, Narrow Escapes is a snapshot of modern life on the canals.
What’s even better is that it covers a good range of the network – Anderton Boat Lift, the Lee Navigation, Caen Hill Flight on the Kennet & Avon Canal and Birmingham City Centre are just a few of the locations featured.
Birmingham City Centre
Boaters’ webinar
One of the suggestions in the feedback about Boaters’ Update was that it would be good to be taken behind the scenes of some of our lesser-known departments. Well, you’re in luck!
Our next boaters’ webinar, “Unlocking the Past: Exploring Canal Heritage through Photogrammetry” takes place on Thursday 16 May 2024, between 2pm and 3pm. We’ll be taken on a wonderful journey with our collections team to discover how they are bringing our canal relics into the 21st century using state-of-the-art technology.
Collections adviser Georgina and volunteer Chris will talk us through last year’s “Castles & Roses” project, and their new project, “What Lies Beneath”. They’ll also share how they are using this technology to ensure the future of our collection pieces for generations to come and allow us to be able to access them in new ways.
And they’ll be on hand to also answer any questions you have about the project, or their wider work within our collections. Places are limited so if you’re a bit of a history buff then register now for your place.
Finally, don’t forget that there’s a new process for renewing your boat licence which includes providing proof of your mooring – more information can be found in this previous edition.
Happy boating,
Damian
Last Edited: 03 May 2024
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