![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/MRT-aerial.jpg\")
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Yorkshire\u2019s historic canals and railways \u2013 both dating back to the Industrial Revolution \u2013 are working in partnership to continue a centuries-old canal maintenance practice known as \u2018ashing up\u2019.<\/p>\n
The Canal & River Trust (CRT) is collaborating with Keighley Worth Valley Railway, Embsay and Bolton Abbey Railway, and most recently Middleton Railway to help maintain water levels across the canal network.<\/p>\n
\u2018Ashing up\u2019 is a traditional method used to seal gaps in lock gates and minimise water loss. The technique dates back to the 19th century, when heavy boat traffic meant water was often in short supply. Lock keepers would apply coal ash overnight to maintain watertight locks, and with steam railways located alongside canals, ash was plentiful and readily available.<\/p>\n
Today, CRT continues to use this time-tested method sparingly while undertaking essential repairs, such as its annual winter restoration and maintenance programme and emergency lock works.<\/p>\n
Over the years a range of modern and organic alternatives \u2013 including rubber and polymer sealants, soaked sawdust, wood chips, and natural clay \u2013 have been tested. None, however, match the effectiveness of railway ash in creating a reliable watertight seal.<\/p>\n
Darren Trolley, CRT team leader in Yorkshire & North East, has decades of experience using this technique along the Leeds & Liverpool Canal. He explains:<\/p>\n \u201cSometimes the old ways really are the best when it comes to working on the canals and it\u2019s great to see Yorkshire\u2019s heritage railways and canals supporting each other.<\/p>\n \u201cThe process of \u2018ashing-up\u2019, is a simple, cost-effective solution that reuses a byproduct of the heritage railways. We pour a small amount of ash into the canal just above a lock, and the flow of water draws it into the gaps in the gates, forming a completely watertight seal. It\u2019s amazing to see this technique in action and to think it\u2019s still being used centuries later.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Ian Smith, Vice President of Middleton Railway added:<\/p>\n \u201cThis really is a \u2018Win, Win\u2019 for ourselves and the Canal & River Trust. We have a responsible way of disposing of our ash, and the Trust can use it to repair locks and keep another heritage operation running for many people to enjoy.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/MRT-ash.jpg\")
<\/a>Middleton Railway volunteers prepare the ash for transport<\/p>\n\n
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