We are pleased to share for our customers the Navigation Spring 2022 newsletter reproduced here with permission of Middle Level Commissioners.

It is now 18 months since the Middle Level Commissioners (MLC) introduced licencing for pleasure craft for the first time in its history. There were many questions over what this would mean for users of the system and it is fair to say the change was unsurprisingly not universally supported. However, the introduction of licencing has allowed many positive things to happen and has changed the focus on our waterways from one where navigation was seen as a drain of resources to one where opportunities for enhancement and encouragement of waterway use is now in our targets. So below is a summary of some of the things that have happened in the last eighteen months and some of our aspirations for the future.

It is now 18 months since the Middle Level Commissioners (MLC) introduced licencing for pleasure craft for the first time in its history. There were many questions over what this would mean for users of the system and it is fair to say the change was unsurprisingly not universally supported. However, the introduction of licencing has allowed many positive things to happen and has changed the focus on our waterways from one where navigation was seen as a drain of resources to one where opportunities for enhancement and encouragement of waterway use is now in our targets. So below is a summary of some of the things that have happened in the last eighteen months and some of our aspirations for the future.

In the last 18 months we have

Taken over derelict moorings and renewed and improved them at Salters Lode Lock. These moorings have been reconstructed using navigation finances with a minority contribution from the Well Creek Trust. Going forward these mooring are now owned and maintained by the MLC.

The Salters Lode guillotine gate has been serviced and all gate seals replaced. This was an expensive exercise. To replace the seals required a team of professional divers working over a period of 4 days.

Four rural moorings have been installed.

We have appointed a full-time navigation officer to liaise with users of the system and Kev will now be well known now to many of you.

Contact number 07725 134170.

Marmont Priory Lock has been dewatered and remedials have been undertaken.  Marmont Priory upstream moorings have been fully refurbished.

We have removed a number of sunken or abandoned boats from the system.

We have worked with the Environment Agency and Conservators of the River Cam to agree the Anglian Pass bolt on which allows vessel owners the option (for a modest sum) to annually cruise the whole of the watercourse system covered by the 3 authorities.

We have also set money aside for future facility provision on the link route.

What planned for this spring (2022)?

Work will commence on installing 120m of piled moorings on High Lode near the Town of Ramsey. These new moorings will be owned and maintained by the MLC. Ramsey Town Council will supply fresh water and rubbish disposal facilities for visiting boats.

Four further sets of rural moorings will be installed.

Another phase of dredging for navigation will commence on the Well Creek stretching from the Aqueduct to Newton’s Bridge

We will be levelling the area of land outside the George public house on the Forty Foot (near Ramsey) to create an area where people can sit and enjoy the local water environment.

Marmont Priory Downstream moorings are to be refurbished.

And for the future

We are in discussions with Fenland District Council on possible improvements which can be implemented through the March Town river corridor.

We have had early discussions with Chatteris Town Council and possible future moorings at Carters Bridge.

We have been investigating co-funding moorings outside the George public house near Ramsey on the Forty Foot Drain.

We will be developing plans for new facilities on the link route and elsewhere.

Look to develop a scheme to dredge through March Town centre.

Seek to develop new and strengthen existing links with user group bodies who share our vision of an improved system benefiting all users.

So, in summary we believe that much has happened in the last eighteen months and it is our hope with your help we can maintain this rate of change.

The post Middle Level Navigation Spring Newsletter 2022 appeared first on Fox Narrowboats.

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 Are you visiting the Inland Waterways Association Festival of Water at St Neots this August?

Do you want to tick off a boating area new to you?

Are you interested in exploring the tidal Nene?

This journey is for experienced private boaters only. It is not permissible to do this journey on a hire boat!

A journey through the Middle Level Navigations to the River Nene, offers many opportunities to moor in open countryside, unwind, and look out for kingfishers and other wildlife. Include the Fenland market town of Wisbech into your holiday plans and you can also discover a stately home, a luxury cinema, an award winning brewery and a Charles Dicken’s original manuscript! On the tidal River Nene, in the far north-east of Cambridgeshire, enjoy the peace and tranquillity of narrowboating, and discover the surprising wonders of Wisbech.

1) The River Nene

Wonder Number One is the navigable River Nene itself. To get to Wisbech you’ll need to take the channel to the Dog in a Doublet sluice and then follow the Nene to Wisbech. This is a beautiful narrowboat  route because the Nene is such a quiet river, with stunning countryside and attractive villages. Beyond the Dog and Doublet Lock it is a 15 mile tidal adventure to Wisbech harbour. Registered craft can pass through the lock,  but call 01733 202219 before you arrive to arrange passage. (Read the Strong Stream Advice for the River Nene.)

2) Wisbech Museum

This museum opened in 1847, making it one of the oldest in the UK. Among the rare and unusual artefacts to be seen is the original transcript of Great Expectations by Charles Dickens! Wisbech Museum also has regular activities for children, so the whole family can enjoy a day out.

3) Elgood’s Brewery

Elgood’s Brewery was established over 200 years ago and has been run by the Elgood Family since 1878. It was one of the first classic Georgian Breweries to be built outside of London, and they have won numerous independent brewing awards. Check out the lovely gardens at the property when you visit.

4) Luxe Cinema

Luxe Cinema is considered to be the best cinema in Wisbech because they have comfortable sofas and armchairs, instead of the usual type of theatre seats. They offer blockbusters, special screenings of classic films and occasional special event viewings. This would make a really cosy treat on your holiday if it’s a rainy day.

5) Peckover House

On the North Brink on the banks of the River Nene you will find Peckover House, which was built around 1722. This classic Georgian House breaks the street line by being set back from the terraces to either side, and offers beautiful walks, stunning gardens and a strong history. It’s frequently used to film period dramas, including BBC’s David Copperfield. Don’t miss it if you visit Wisbech!

If you enjoyed this article about Wisbech, subscribe to our blog in the right sidebar; look for ‘Follow Blog’. (We don’t send spam or salesy type stuff – just interesting articles about boats and waterways!)

Before planning your journey it is essential to speak to the Lock Keeper at Dog in a Doublet and the Wisbech Harbour office !

You may also like: The 3 Best Moorings When Narrowboating on the Nene

The post The Five Wonders of Wisbech appeared first on Fox Narrowboats.

fox narrowboats marina

I spent nine days in April this year visiting the Chesterfield canal. It is an early contour canal designed by Brindley and completed in 1777. The canal declined over the years and most of the mining and heavy industry has long disappeared. This means that most of the canal is surprisingly rural.

There are not many boats, a few friendly boat clubs (eg the Retford and Worksop Boat Club) and some good pubs (eg the Brewers Arms in Clayworth). Those venturing beyond Shireoaks can enjoy what I think is one of the finest flights of locks in the country.

The visitor guide produced by the Chesterfield Canal Trust states that since 1989 twelve miles of canal have been restored along with 36 locks, 11 major bridges and 2 marinas. This should give heart to all of us working to restore to full navigation Horseways Channel, Welches Dam Lock and the Old Bedford River.

John Revell

As published in June 2015 in “Hereward”, the Magazine of the Peterborough Branch of the Inland Waterways Association.

The post More thoughts from Waterway Campaigner and Mooring Customer John Revell appeared first on Fox Narrowboats.