February 1 and 2, 10am to 3.30pm, Bedford Street Locks, Trent & Mersey Canal, Stoke:

OPEN DAYS

This staircase flight of locks will be drained, with visitors able to access the bottom of the lock where repairs are being undertaken at locks 1 and 2. The trust is replacing the top end gate and relining two other sets of gates to help save water by reducing leakage through the flight. In addition, the trust will be showcasing repairs to the lock’s 200-year-old brickwork.

EARLY February (maybe 8 and 9) Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, Llangollen Canal, near Wrexham:

The trust is draining the aqueduct at this World Heritage Site as part of an important 10-yearly inspection. It is hoping to allow people to walk in the aqueduct’s drained trough which spans the Dee Valley below. Trust experts will be on hand to talk about the history and maintenance of the aqueduct and canal.

FEBRUARY 8 and 9, 10am to 3pm, Anderton Boat Lift, River Weaver, Cheshire:

Visitors will get a behindthe-scenes look at the maintenance that goes into keeping the ‘Cathedral of the Canals’ in good working order. There will be guided tours to the very top of the lift and visitors will have a chance to gain access into the dry well. There will be activities for children and talks about the works taking place (accompanied by CCTV footage) for those unable to gain access into the dry well. Access to Anderton visitor centre and cafe will be as usual.

FEBRUARY 29, Stanley Locks, Leeds & Liverpool Canal, Liverpool:

The trust is hosting a heritage tour of the Stanley

Lock Flight with a heritage walk between Top Lock and Stanley Dock. It is hoping to offer boat trips between Bottom Lock and Princes Lock. The trust’s ‘Let’s Fish!’ programme will offer visitors the chance to try angling for free.

FEBRUARY and March, Foxton Locks, Grand Union Leicester Line, Market Harborough:

At the famous Foxton Locks the CRT will be undertaking major works to several locks along the flight, including gate replacements and brickwork and ladder repairs.

The trust is hosting a programme of weekend events and activities (guided walks, talks, etc.) over the course of the maintenance works. Visitors will also have the opportunity to step down into one of the locks on a specially installed staircase. Events will run at weekends in February and March with further details confirmed on the trust website.

MARCH, Gloucester & Sharpness Canal:

This spring the CRT will be hosting a programme of weekend events and activities along the Gloucester & Sharpness Canal. There will be guided tours and talks at some of the key sites including Sharpness Docks and Saul Junction, as well as family activities at Gloucester Docks. Confirmed dates and times to follow.

MAY 16, Worcester: Diglis, River Severn,

As part of a celebration of World Fish Migration Day, the trust’s partnership project Unlocking the Severn, which will ensure the return of migratory fish to the River Severn, will provide tours showcasing the construction of an important new fish pass at Diglis.