An eight-week programme of dredging has begun at Gloucester’s historic docks, aimed at improving navigation and benefiting boaters, local businesses, and tourism.
The work involves the removal of silt that entered the docks from the River Severn during the summer. Water had been pumped from the river to maintain Bristol Water’s daily supply, support shipping at Sharpness Docks, and keep boats afloat. While this pumping is standard practice throughout the year, prolonged dry weather caused river levels to fall significantly, carrying unusually high amounts of silt into the docks.
Since early August, Gloucester Lock has been temporarily closed to protect the docks and reduce further silt entry. The lock will remain closed until river levels return to normal. During this period, the Canal & River Trust is also refurbishing the lock’s hydraulic cylinders.
Ben Cottam, Wales & South West director for the Canal & River Trust, explained that the charity has a duty to care for and maintain the Gloucester & Sharpness Canal and Docks.
“Our charity has a responsibility to care for and maintain the Gloucester & Sharpness Canal and Docks, however this is being impacted by the low water levels in the Severn and the subsequent amounts of silt that are entering the waterway due to the exceptional dry weather.
“With the need to keep the canal topped up with water from the river to ensure it remains navigable, and supplies water for Bristol Water and Sharpness Docks, some silt is unfortunately also being pumped in. Our charity regularly removes this with dredging campaigns in the Docks every year.
“During this eight-week programme we’ll be using a digger on a floating platform to remove the silt, which will then be taken off site.
“Back in 2022 another very dry summer led to a dredging campaign which saw us invest £2 million to remove silt from the Docks and canal. As a charity, this is an incredibly expensive cost for us to bear. We’re calling on people to support our work in helping us to keep this iconic part of Gloucester open to the benefit of boaters, local businesses, tourism and people.
“The Docks, and all 16 miles of the canal, are still open for boaters and visitors to come and enjoy while the dredging takes place. While the dredging team is working visitors can view the work our charity is doing to care for this historic port.”
During the current programme, a digger mounted on a floating platform is being used to remove the silt, which is then transported off-site. In 2022, following another very dry summer, the Trust invested £2 million in dredging the Docks and canal. As a charity, these costs represent a significant financial burden, and the Trust is encouraging public support to help keep this iconic part of Gloucester open for the benefit of the community.
The Docks, along with all 16 miles of the canal, remain open to boaters and visitors while dredging is underway, although some mooring restrictions may apply to allow for the works. Visitors can also watch the dredging in progress and see the work being carried out to care for this historic port.
