Neglected waterway is in line for restoration
PLANS are in the works to restore one of Lincolnshire’s neglected waterways, the beautiful Louth Navigation Canal.
The canal, which has been overlooked for nearly a century, has received up to £50,000 seed funding from East Lindsey Council and by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund to kickstart minor projects that will allow the Wolds community to access their historic canal.
The team needs to raise an additional £50,000 to secure all the funds, so they are putting together solid plans for the restoration work to give them clear fundraising goals.
Key points along the route where the money will be spent are:
A POPULAR celebration of the natural beauty and attractions of the Wolds will return for a third time this May, with the return of the Lincolnshire Wolds Outdoor Festival. The festival, which started in 2022, will run from May 11-27, and is designed to encourage people to get out and explore the wonderful Lincolnshire Wolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, whilst participating in a variety of activities and learning more about the deep history that lies within the area. The two-week festival will have over 100 events and activities taking place across the Wolds, with many of them being free of charge or at a reduced cost. There will be things for people of all ages to take part in, with many of the activities designed to provide people the opportunity to learn new skills and gain new hobbies that they may not usually try. Planned activities include gliding, archery, axe throwing, guided walks, mountain biking, farm safaris, bushcraft and much more. One highlight of the festival will be an event taking place on Sunday, May 12 at Stourton Woods, which offers a fun day out and an opportunity for people to get a taste of some of the activities that will be available across the festival. Some events will require booking in advance, so it is recommended to do so as early as possible to avoid disappointment. Up to date details of the events and activities, along with booking forms, can be found at https:// woldsoutdoorfestival.com Councillor Adam Grist, portfolio holder for market towns and the rural economy at East Lindsey District Council, said: “It is amazing that the Outdoor Festival has been able to return for a third year, with another varied and jam-packed schedule for people to explore and enjoy. “The events provide residents and visitors alike with the opportunity to learn more about this stunning landscape that make up such a large part of our district and county, and to sample the offers of some of our fantastic local businesses and food and drink providers. “We have another exciting schedule organised, and I hope that people will come along and enjoy some of the activities and events, perhaps discover some new skills and hobbies, and certainly take in the incredible surroundings of the Wolds.”
A concert staged outside the Louth Navigation Warehouse
Overgrowth the team wants to clear at the riverhead
The top priority will be creating an access slipway at Austin Fen warehouse. This will provide water access for boats, paddleboards, kayaks and more to the 7-mile stretch of water leading to Tetney lock.
This will mark the first time in 100 years that boats have used this water since the canal closed.
The plan includes introducing access to the water around the site of the old top lock for water sports both west and east of Top Lock. There will also be water level improvements at Keddington lock, allowing users to enter the water near the Warehouse and paddle downstream, only needing to get out/in around the ‘locks’
Timber landing stage.
The team will raise money which they will earmark for desilting work to clear the entire overgrown riverhead area between Top Lock and Navigation Warehouse for use by boats, paddleboards, kayaks and more. Regular and frequent work parties carried out by the Louth Navigation Trust will also help clear the waterway.
New slipway next to the ‘Round Viewing Area’ near the navigation warehouse.
The Navigation Trust is raising money to increase capacity of the slip way and make it longer so more people can access the water.
The team also wants to replace the bollards with ones that can be removed, making it easier for trailers to get access. They’re planning a longer stage towards the warehouse with a bridge over the drain for improved access.
The viewing platform needs better short-term integration with the warehouse, footpath and slipway.
A ramp is needed from the viewing platform to the slipway and towards Top Lock.
There’s a big ‘drop’ to the slipway, and part of it is on the road and through car parking areas. When this area is redesigned, the designers need to think about how it will be used in the future for music events and by disabled people.
The Waterways Recovery Group visited in 2023 to help Louth Navigation Trust rebuild the lock walls at Ticklepenny Lock. They’ll also be back this year to continue the good work.
There are plans to create smaller access points at other locations along the seven-mile stretch of level which is on one level, for better access by kayaks and paddleboards.
These will ideally be at Tetney lock, at Thorsby bridge and Fire Beacon Lane.
For more information about the canal and the people who care for it, visit: www.louthcanal.org.uk