The Cruising the Cut Audio Newsletter!

This month, how cleaning a river could land you in court; a six month update on the Whitchurch breach; and loads of canal events to go to in July. Links EA prosecution threat https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/jun/17/campaigner-threatened-prosecution-environment-agency-river-roding-cleanup and https://www.rollonfriday.com/news-content/exclusive-environment-agency-receives-death-threats-a...

In this episode: are the canals doomed once more? Enjoy them in the meantime then with lots of summer events. Links Water crisis https://waterways.org.uk/about-us/news/iwa-navigation-committee-news-2605 Slaithwaite Reservoir http://www.canalrivertrust.org.uk/slaithwaite-reservoir Recent videos Twiggy's transom core https://cruisingthecut.co.uk/2026/05/20/vlog-399-the-transom-of-the-opera/ Weekend...

This month, huge news at Toddbrook reservoir, and 16 tonnes of junk pulled from the canal in Milton Keynes. Links Toddbrook Update https://tinyurl.com/CtC-ToddbrookUpdate Ashby dredging https://tinyurl.com/CtC-AshbyDredging Lock Gate CNC https://tinyurl.com/CtC-LockGateCNC Milton Keynes clean up https://waterways.org.uk/about-us/news/mk-branch-cleanup-2026 Electrika Show https://electrika.uk/ Rece...

In this edition, surprise news about a wharf closing unexpectedly - and a daring plan to let scuba divers practice in canal locks... Links Ship's Telegraph (News) Whitchurch breach https://www.tinyurl.com/whitchurchbreach Sherborne Wharf closure: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cx2vy6zx565o Scuba lock plan https://cruisingthecut.co.uk/scuba-lock-plan/ New on the Dock (Recent videos) https://cr...

In this episode: more money for the canals; a plan for the future of boating; and a mention of motorhoming. Links: CRT report response https://tinyurl.com/crt-report-response Extra funding https://www.gov.uk/government/news/iconic-canals-to-be-better-protected-with-65-million-investment Llangollen breach https://cruisingthecut.co.uk/newsletter-archive/?email_id=37 Chandlery closures https://www.mi...

This month, an update on the boats stranded by the Llangollen canal breach at Whitchurch; ponderings on boating during winter; and an invitation to Bruges. Links Canal breach https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cje1zpppwjgo Canal volunteering https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/support-us/our-campaigns/volunteer-by-water River Clyde fees https://waterways.org.uk/about-us/news/fees-on-river-clyde-abando...

In this episode, grim news from the Llangollen canal where a major breach has opened a giant hole in the canal and stranded two boats, with several others also affected just before Christmas. Links Narrowboat Life Unlocked https://www.youtube.com/@NarrowboatLifeUnlocked Locking Through Life https://www.youtube.com/@lockingthroughlife2587 CRT's breach page https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/news-and-vi...

In this edition, huge news about the future of licensing for canal boats, especially relevant to those who cruise continuously without a home mooring. Plus, where in the world are you listening.. can you beat an Australia's desert? Links CRT Commission report https://tinyurl.com/crt-commission-report CRT response https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/news-and-views/news/endorsing-the-boat-licence-commiss...

In this episode: sad news about a canal legend plus updates on the current state of the water shortages across the canal network. Links Prunella Scales https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2025/oct/28/fawlty-towers-actor-prunella-scales-dies-at-the-age-of-93
 CRT stoppages https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/notices CRT Water FAQ https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/specialist-teams/managing-our-water/dr...

In this episode, the continuing drought conditions (despite some rain) are causing potential havoc for many boaters, made worse by the impending winter closures for regular maintenance. Plus the usual update on what's going on on my YouTube channel. Links CRT drought poll https://tinyurl.com/crtdrought CRT winter closures https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/notices Vlog 379A (Gentian) https://cruisingt...

In this edition, it's crisis time on the canals as what may be the warmest summer on record leaves water levels extremely low, with boaters and businesses frustrated. Links CRT Drought update https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/news-and-views/news/drought-conditions-navigation-update Tardebigge reopening https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c620926y4lro Aquavista https://www.aquavista.com/ CRT boat coun...

This month: there's not a lot of water around, with drought conditions severely affecting the network. Links CRT Notices https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/notices Feed Ducks https://www.feedducks.com/ 10 Years on YouTube  https://cruisingthecut.co.uk/2025/07/25/10-years-on-youtube/ Vlog 375B https://cruisingthecut.co.uk/2025/07/24/vlog-375b-nottingham-forests/ Vlog 375A https://cruisingthecut.co.uk/...

In this episode: a crisis on the River Cam, a bit of "ohh la la!" on YouTube, plus "the next Tom Scott"... Links Cam Conservancy https://www.camconservancy.org/public-announcement CRT crowdfunder https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/lock Safety courses https://www.britishmarine.co.uk/training/our-courses/inland-water-safety-management-course New on the Dock (My recent videos) Bon Voyage (France 3) http...

This month, I reveal who's to be the new boss of the Canal & River Trust, talk about canal boating in France and recommend a YouTube channel for anyone into camping and outdoor activities. Links CRT new boss https://cruisingthecut.co.uk/newscrtchiefexec/ Lockies' strike https://www.gmb.org.uk/news/river-thames-weir-and-lockkeepers-in-strike-vote So'ton Boat Show https://www.southamptonboatshow...

On this month's edition: news of better facilities for boaters; a trip to France is in the offing; and the return of the monthly events listing aka Captain's Log. Links Boost for boater facilities https://tinyurl.com/CRTFacilitiesInvestment Recent videos: Torksey cruise https://cruisingthecut.co.uk/2025/04/20/vlog-366-tork-steer/ Twiggy's batteries https://cruisingthecut.co.uk/2025/04/10/vlog-365-...

In this episode: a major closure on one of the best-known sections of the canal network; water shortages mean a canal in south Wales could run dry; and good news for a historic boat restoration. LINKS Tardebigge closure https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/news-and-views/news/emergency-repairs-for-our-longest-canal-lock-flight Mon & Brec petition https://petitions.senedd.wales/petitions/246570 Mon &...

In this episode, news of a terrible narrowboat sinking, updates about what's coming up on my YouTube channel in the next month, and your chance to canoe through a frankly terrifying tunnel! Links Sunk narrowboat https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cx2g5e95r74o Restoration project https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/news-and-views/news/weve-launched-a-project-to-preserve-stories-of-canal-restoration Tun...

This month, there are changes afoot for the Canal & River Trust, electric boating gets a boost, and narrowboating goes to the Oscars! Links Richard Parry steps down https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/news-and-views/news/our-chief-executive-richard-parry-to-stand-down-this-summer Peel Ports and the Clyde https://waterways.org.uk/about-us/news/river-clyde-annual-fee-threat-to-boaters Electrika 2025...

Welcome to another year of the audio newsletter podcast. Just a quickie this time around, with it being New Year but there's some quite important news from the Canal & River Trust plus a little teaser from me of things to (maybe) come! Show links CRT licensing review https://tinyurl.com/CRT-licensing-review CRT licence fees https://licensing.canalrivertrust.org.uk/LicencePrices CRT Boaters' Re...

In this edition: canal news including a renewed focus on boaters by the CRT; notes about my upcoming videos including a Christmas special; and good news from TikTok! Links CRT Boating Pledge https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/boating/better-boating BoatLife 2024 video https://cruisingthecut.co.uk/2024/02/25/vlog-324-dreamboats/ Lynch Motors https://www.lynchmotors.co.uk/news/introducing-first-electric...

In this edition, news including why a hireboat firm is cancelling holidays because the of the state of the canals; a recall notice for some Honda outboards; and something to enjoy at Christmas! Links Honda recall https://www.britishmarine.co.uk/news/2024/October/product-recall-honda-marine-outboard-engine Holiday cancellations https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c8rlx6y2dzgo Winter moorings https:...

In this edition, news of the Canal & River Trust's just-released Annual Report, details of my upcoming YouTube videos, and a note about why I'm going to be re-numbering these podcasts from next time. Links CRT Report https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/about-us/annual-report-and-accounts Fund Britain's Waterways https://waterways.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Media-Release-Representation-to-Aut...

On this edition, news of a major chemical spill into the canal, social dates for your September diary, and a fluffy recommendation for what to watch on YouTube. Show links: Chemical leak FAQ https://go.walsall.gov.uk/newsroom/toxic-chemical-spill-walsall-faqs CRT stoppages https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/notices Shardlow Festival https://www.facebook.com/groups/144705997759926/ Black Country Boatin...

Welcome to the audio edition of the 'Cruising the Cut' monthly newsletter. In this episode, news of a catastrophe for the canals in Lancashire, dates for your diary throughout August, and a suggestion of an utterly splendid YouTube channel to watch that's got nothing to do with boats. At least, not yet. Links Colin Wareing's breach picture https://x.com/colinwareing1/status/1815994072022102189 CRT...

In this episode: bad news for the CRT from the boaters; a new diary of boating events for the summer; and hear how an American went in search of the waterways. Show Links CRT election statement https://theriverstrust.org/about-us/news/vote-for-rivers-general-election Rivers Trust election statement https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/support-us/our-campaigns/keep-canals-alive/keep-canals-alive-campaign...