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Lock keepers of the Caen Locks on the Kennet and Avon have revived an old practise of sealing lock gates using ash. This has already saved BW £100o’s apparently.

Coal ash donated by the Avon Valley Railway from its steam locos, is dumped into the canal just above a lock. The flow of water through leaks in the gates funnels the ash into the cracks and helps to seal them. This has enabled a saving in water which is lower in supply in the summer months. It also enables the level of water below the lock to be more controlled to facilitate maintenance work.

This practise of ashing up the gates was well used in the canals’ hay days.

QUESTION: Can anyone identify the lock in the picture?

If so leave a comment disclosing the location and I’ll respond with a Yes comment (and a pat on the back!) or a No comment (with commiserations).

Geoff