During the summer months, aquatic weed grows at an accelerated rate, fuelled by warm temperatures and long daylight hours. This rapid growth can quickly obstruct the flow of water from the Bradley pumping station into the BCN, making regular maintenance even more critical for ensuring stable water levels and smooth navigation for boaters.
To manage this, Canal & River Trust is deploying a floating tractor to cut and collect the dense vegetation. The weed is cut, gathered and then loaded into large 70 ft boats knowns as hoppers, with an average of 60 tonnes of weed removed during each cutting cycle.
Once collected, the material is transported to Bradley Yard where it dries for 24 hours before being removed for biomass processing, supporting the charity’s commitment to the environment.
The Birmingham Canal Navigations, often known as the BCN, make up one of the country’s most extensive and historically important canal networks, with around 100 miles of waterways threading through Birmingham and the Black Country. They link old industrial routes with lively urban stretches and quieter rural corners, creating a fascinating boat cruising route full of heritage structures, locks, junctions and hidden gems that reflect the region’s industrial past.
Within this network, the Bradley Arm near Bilston plays a small but vital role. Originally built to serve the Bradley lock gate workshops and local industry, it now feeds water directly into the BCN, helping to maintain levels across some of the busiest stretches for boaters and keeping the wider system running smoothly.
Richard Booth, contracts manager for West Midlands at Canal & River Trust said: “Keeping the Bradley Arm clear of weed is essential for maintaining water levels across the Birmingham Canal Navigations. This work directly benefits boaters by ensuring a more reliable and consistent cruising experience, particularly during the busier summer months when there is an increase in boating activity.
“Weed growth can be particularly vigorous in the summer and our teams work year round to stay ahead of it. By cutting and removing the vegetation regularly, we’re able to keep water flowing smoothly from the pumping station into the BCN, which helps prevent low levels and reduces the risk of delays for boaters.
“The Bradley Arm may be a short stretch of canal, but it plays a vital role in supporting the wider BCN. By recycling the collected weed into biomass, we’re also ensuring that this essential maintenance contributes to a more sustainable future for the waterways. It’s a great example of how practical engineering, environmental care, and support for boaters all come together in the work we do.”
For more information on the work of Canal & River Trust including how you can donate money or volunteer to support our work visit www.canalrivertrust.org.uk
