The Canal & River Trust has commenced a major £4 million dredging programme of the Gloucester Docks and Gloucester & Sharpness Canal to restore navigation depths and tackle the impact of significant silt build-up caused by recent drought conditions.
The work is the second phase of a recovery dredge following exceptionally dry summers in 2025 and 2026, when silt entered the Docks while water was pumped from the River Severn to operate the canal, support shipping at Sharpness and maintain supplies for Bristol Water.
The charity has been able to increase its planned investment, with the latest programme doubling from £2 million to £4 million. This is on top of the 2025 programme which removed 37,000 tonnes of silt at a cost of £2.5 million.
Ben Cottam, regional director for Wales & South West at Canal & River Trust, said: “We are pleased to have the dredging programme underway. Once it has progressed up the canal it will target the main basin, the canal approach to Llanthony Bridge and the arm leading into Victoria Basin. The dredging team will also remove silt build-up around the water point used by boaters on the Llanthony Pontoons.
“We know how important Gloucester Docks is to the local community, businesses and visitors, and this investment will help ensure it remains a thriving destination and navigable waterway.
“Alongside restoring depths across the Docks, we are also focused on the long term and are exploring ways to further reduce the amount of silt entering from the River Severn.
“We look forward to delivering this programme and the positive difference it will make. We will continue to engage with stakeholders, boaters, and the local community, keeping them informed of progress throughout.”
The dredging is being carried out by contractors Land & Water. Dredged material will be transported by hopper barges to a disposal site at Parkend, where it will be prepared for beneficial use on agricultural land. Material unsuitable for reuse will be taken to recycling centres.
Navigation through Gloucester Docks will remain temporarily closed while dredging is undertaken and will reopen once sufficient depths have been restored.