CANAL & RIVER TRUST has been working with its volunteers to give Hillmorton Flight a spruce-up as the new season starts.
The work was carried out by its dedicated team of volunteer lock keepers based at Hillmorton Locks on the Oxford Canal.
Busiest lock flight
Telling that it is home to the busiest lock flight in the country and handles over eight thousand boat movements each year. The six historic pairs of locks have been a defining feature of the Oxford Canal for more than 200 years and continue to be a much‑loved destination for boaters and the local community.
As part of the ongoing improvements, volunteers have undertaken extensive work to rejuvenate the locks, removing encroaching vegetation and refurbishing the stone edging at several locks.
A flower bed at the bottom of the locks has been replaced with a larger more vibrant display, while the original planter has moved to lock four to help spread additional greenery and colour along the flight. The team’s efforts build on their success as former Rugby in Bloom winners, continuing their tradition of bringing colour and pride to the canal. Photograph by Canal & River Trust.
Mooring rings brought to use
Several mooring rings have been brought back into use, creating additional mooring options for visiting boaters and helping to ease congestion along this busy and popular stretch of canal.
Henriette Breukelaar, director of West Midlands, explained:
“Hillmorton Locks are a hugely important part of our canal heritage, and a place where local communities and boaters come together. A huge thank-you goes to our charity’s amazing volunteers who help us to restore, repair and care for this busy stretch of canal ensuring it remains safe, welcoming and enjoyable for all.
“Volunteers play a vital role in keeping our canals alive. Whether it’s helping at locks, carrying out practical tasks or supporting visitors, there’s something for everyone. We’d love to encourage more people to get involved and be part of protecting these special places for future generations.”
The trust is always looking for new volunteers to help care for the Oxford Canal and canals across the region.