Follow in the footsteps of Georgian and Victorian engineers, craftsmen and navvies at the Canal & River Trust's winter open days. This is a rare chance to see behind the scenes, venture to the bottom of a drained lock chamber, stroll along an empty canal and discover how modern-day engineers and conservationists care for 2,000 miles of historic waterways.
Ten free open days will be held across the country, between November 2017 and March 2018, and are a great way for both adults and children to experience the hidden histories of Britain's much-loved waterways. If you're looking to inspire budding engineers, builders and architects then discover how 3 tonne lock gates are lifted out by huge cranes, skilled construction teams replace and reinforce tunnels brick by brick and canals are re-flooded for boat use to continue.
Each open day is unique and provides the opportunity for visitors to learn about the history and heritage of their area from the charity's skilled apprentices, heritage team, ecologists and engineers as they host free tours. The charity's army of passionate volunteers will also be on hand to share their unique knowledge of the waterways and surrounding area with visitors.
The open days are part of the Trust's yearly restoration and repair programme and in 2017/2018 £38 million will be spent restoring tunnels, bridges, channels and 250 lock gates across the country. Lock gate making and fitting is a skilled and traditional trade and one that remains essential to the waterways. Lock gates are constructed with tremendous strength to control huge water pressure and survive for a long time underwater. Each lock gate is hand-crafted by a skilled team of carpenters and made from British oak. A single lock gate can take up to 20 days to make and has a working life of 25-30 years.
Open days are free and will take place across England throughout the winter.
