Update from Canal & Rivers Trust on Docks Dredging
The Canal & River Trust are continuing preparations for the next phase of dredging at Gloucester Docks. The next stage of work to improve the depths in the Docks will begin in September.
Between April and June a further 9,000m3 of silt was removed with backhoe dredging by contractors Land & Water Services which has enabled most boats to moor in the Docks over the course of the summer months.
In the Trust’s 2023/24 programme of works, £6.5 million has been assigned to dredging programmes on the Trust’s 2,000 miles of waterways with £1.8 million of this spend being allocated to the dredging programmes at the Docks and at Sharpness.
A survey to assess the latest depths is taking place this month and the Trust will be able to issue an update to boaters when it has been completed.
There are plenty of activities taking place at the Docks across August. ‘Crossings’, an art installation created by Luke Jerram allowing people to listen to stories from people who have made extraordinary journeys on rivers and oceans while themselves rowing a boat in the Docks, has launched until September. Retro on the Water, a two-day event celebrating the history of boats on the waterway, is also taking place at the Docks on the weekend of 26-27 August.
Boaters wishing to moor in the Docks are still being advised to speak to Trust operatives and Gloucester Lock lockkeeper (01452 310832) on where is best to moor when entering the Docks.