Canals to temporarily reopen after dry spell

Low water levels forced the closure of the Northampton Arm in August

Sections of canals which were closed due to low water levels have been temporarily reopened to allow boaters a chance to move before winter.

The Canal and River Trust (CRT) said that there had been "little to no recovery in the reservoirs feeding Northamptonshire's canals" despite the waterways themselves appearing closer to their normal levels.

The Northampton Arm of the Grand Union Canal was closed in late August, while the canal's locks in the Braunston, Buckby and Stoke Bruerne areas have also been affected.

The CRT said: "It's been a really tough year for boaters, in some of the driest conditions on record, and we'd like to thank them for their patience and understanding."

The waterways body said "recent wetter weather has been welcome", but "underlying conditions remain impacted by the prolonged dry weather we've seen through the rest of the year".

In August, The Met Office confirmed summer 2025 as the hottest on record, with central, eastern and southern parts of England described as "exceptionally dry".

Water levels at reservoirs which feed Northamptonshire's canals remain below average

The CRT said temporarily reopening some parts of the canal network would allow boaters a "window to move to where they need to be for winter".

The group will also soon commence its annual programme of works on maintaining the canal system, such as replacing lock gates.

It said it hoped the temporary reopening "will enable boaters to return to their home moorings or get to essential services before winter, and help commercial operators to make the most of the final weeks of autumn".

The Northampton Arm was reopened to boaters between Friday and Monday.

Other temporary openings in Northamptonshire will see Braunston, Buckby and Stoke Bruerne locks open until 2 November, between the hours of 10:00 and 15:00.

Watford locks will open from 27 October to 2 November, also between 10:00 and 15:00.