Canal News
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Canal cruise and museum experience
12th Apr 2012
Once again Mersey Ferries and the National Waterways Museum at Ellesmere Port are working together to create a special day out for canal and industrial heritage fans.
The venture, which started last year, sees the popular Manchester Ship Canal cruises departing from and arriving at the Museum in July. And it will be even easier than before for Ellesmere Port residents to book onto the cruises since tickets are now on sale at the museum.
National Waterways Museum manager John Inch said: “Last year was a good launch for this new cruise and we’re delighted to be taking this new partnership further by having tickets on sale at the museum. This will make it easy for local people and our regular visitors to take a place on this fascinating trip.”
On Thursday July 12 and Saturday July 14, members of the public will have the chance to visit the museum at a special discount rate to learn all about the history and culture of the North West’s waterways, before boarding the ferry for a trip to Salford Quays. And on Friday July 13 and Sunday July 15 the trip begins at Salford and takes visitors to Ellesmere Port, where they can spend the afternoon at the museum.
And each day the trip finishes with a bus service back to the departure point so visitors can return to their cars. Visitors also get an annual pass to the National Waterways Museum as part of the deal.
Full details of pricing, times and online ticket sales can be found at www.merseryferries.co.uk or by calling 0151 330 1444. Tickets are also available for sale at the National Waterways Museum shop.
News
Take a walk on the wild side
10th Apr 2012
On Wednesday 18 April members of the public can join one of British Waterways’ ecologists, Dr Mark Robinson, for a free guided walk at Coney Meadow Reed Bed wildlife reserve next to the Droitwich Canals.
Boat and bridge on the Droitwich Barge Canal
The canal re-opened in the summer of 2011. The bridge takes a minor road to Droitwich across the canal. Immediately on the other side of the bridge is Ladywood Lock (no.8 formerly no.1), which is the last lock before Droitwich. © Copyright P L Chadwick and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence.
Created in 2008 as part of the restoration of the canals through Droitwich, the reserve is home to a whole array of wildlife, which Mark will talk about together with the site’s on-going management.
Valuable habitat for wildlife
Dr Mark Robinson comments: “The five hectare nature reserve is maturing into a really valuable habitat for wildlife. It is a combination of reed bed, grassland, scrubland as well as many mature trees. As such it is home to many birds including reed warblers, grasshopper warblers, reed buntings, common snipes and herons. The habitat is also home to many insects and mammals, including, we believe, otters.
“Later this year the canal and the nature reserve will become part of the Canal & River Trust which is taking over from British Waterways as the guardian of the waterways. Come along to hear about the wildlife that is on your doorstep but also how volunteers have got involved in looking after the habitat – from installing barn owl boxes, planting, and maintaining trees and shrubs to helping to manage the sites water supply.”
The whole walk will take approximately an hour and will be just over a mile long. It is suitable for most people as the terrain is mostly on reasonably well kept rural paths together with roughish grassland.
Those attending should meet at the Leisure Centre Car Park by the canal at 10am.
Book your free place by either emailing Suzanne.byrne@britishwaterways.co.uk or calling on 07900 276 544.
Fun weekend at Lower Heyford Wharf
21 April 2012 – 22 April 2012
Lower Heyford Wharf
Station Road
Heyford
Oxfordshire
OX25 5PD
Related Waterways
Lower Heyford canal bridge. Nearer road bridge 206 and original bridge, now a footbridge behind. Views through of Heyford Wharf. Rail road bridge to left of photo. Entire road bridge now subject to weight limit and may be replaced in due course © Copyright Chris Cox and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence.
The Oxfordshire Branch of the IWA are hosting a Spring Event at Lower Heyford Wharf (home of Oxfordshire Narrowboats).
Meet members of Oxfordshire Branch IWA and the Muddy Waters Team at this Fun weekend.
Visit the Muddy Waters boat specially designed for children’s holidays, take a boat trip on the Oxford Canal, join in a variety of children’s activities, including face painting, craft activities, games, quizzes etc.
Enjoy Morris dancing, live music and lap up the atmosphere at this exciting waterside event.
To pre-book your boat trip contact 01865 356140 or email muddy.waters@live.co.uk
Oxford Canal North of Napton Lock 12
Oxford Canal, North of Napton Lock 12 and Bridge 115. Napton Hill windmill to the North. © Copyright Peter Evans and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence.
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