'Ashing up the gates' is back

IN THE days of the working waterways, 'ashing up the gates' was a common practice, and is back being used on Caen Hill Flight on the Kennet & Avon Canal.

The traditional method of ‘ashing up the gates' was used every night in the canal's industrial hey-day when water on the flight was constantly in short supply. The technique involves pouring the ash into the canal just above a lock. The flow of water then sucks the ash into the small gaps in the gates allowing them to form a totally watertight seal.

Fire boxes

The ash came from the fire boxes of the old steam locos, and now, with the help of ash from the locos donated by the Avon Valley Railway in Bitton, near Bristol, the lock keepers at the flight are using the technique again to maintain water levels during maintenance works throughout the year.

This ‘ashing' is also helping to maintain and preserve water levels during the summer months when water is in shorter supply.

Eight tonnes

The Avon Valley Railway donated around eight tonnes of the ash produced by their steam engines to British Waterways, some of which will be held in reserve for future use.

British Waterways' lock keeper, Trevor Skoyles, who came up with the solution, explained:

"Working with the Avon Valley Railway has made all the difference to our works on the Kennet & Avon Canal. It's great to see traditional techniques, which celebrate the heritage and history of our waterways brought back to life with the support of local organisations and enthusiasts."