Essex Waterways Ltd.

Essex Waterways Ltd. Essex Waterways Ltd. maintains and operates the Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation. It has remained open and independently run throughout its history.

maintains and operates the Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation which runs through a largely unspoilt part of rural Essex and connects the county town of Chelmsford with the tidal estuary of the river Blackwater at Heybridge Basin. Never having been nationalised, it continued to carry commercial freight till 1972, and an increasing number of leisure users since that time. It was designed by the renow

ned canal engineer John Rennie and most of his original structures are intact, together with the entire length of the original waterway. Today, it is managed by Essex Waterways Ltd (a subsidiary of The Inland Waterways Association), and is a local treasure well worth defending for present and future generations to enjoy.

27/08/2026

Morning everyone, given the rain and thunderstorm risk, in the interest of everyone's safety there will be no kakak/canoe hire from paper mill this morning. We'll review the situation at lunchtime
Thank you

Further to this evenings National Government alert in relation to the very high risk of wild fires. Visitors are remind...
14/08/2026

Further to this evenings National Government alert in relation to the very high risk of wild fires. Visitors are reminded not to undertake any activities that could that start a fire, including the use of bbqs, which are prohibited on the waterways and towpaths.

Please help look after our wildlife and environment, for the benefit of all. Thank you for co-operation.

UPDATE: The road has reopened. Please refrain from parking on the bridge (even though there are currently no yellow ...
08/08/2026

UPDATE: The road has reopened. Please refrain from parking on the bridge (even though there are currently no yellow lines),

Morning everyone, please be aware that the road bridge by Paper Mill Lock is currently closed, however we are open as usual.

If coming for a boat trip on Albert please come via Danbury and park in the Willow Sett Car Park.

01/08/2026

'They are causing her all kinds of aggravation. It can become like a frat party'

FOR SALE - STELLA MARISThis is located at Heybridge Basin on the towpath and is being sold as seen for £3950. for furth...
30/07/2026

FOR SALE - STELLA MARIS

This is located at Heybridge Basin on the towpath and is being sold as seen for £3950.

for further information please email [email protected]

On some recent posts regarding anti social behaviour there seemed to be some confusion over what we do and where the mon...
23/07/2026

On some recent posts regarding anti social behaviour there seemed to be some confusion over what we do and where the money we make goes. Here are some pictures of what our team of 4 lengthsmen have been up to over the last two weeks to hopefully clear that up.

The majority of towpaths have been cut back with all of the towpaths cut on the top end of the navigation this is to make sure that the towpaths are accessible for all to enjoy!

Rushes lock had two failed top paddles and the team sprung into action and had them both repaired in one morning.

Our weedboats have travelled the full length of the navigation cutting and removing underwater weeds to allow for easy navigation.

The team have also widened a small concrete bridge below rushes lock to improve accessibility and allow us to improve our machine access to that part of the navigation.

We really are trying to keep the navigation in the best condition we can and react to problems when they arise as swiftly as possible. We appreciate any and all support whether that be volunteering or even making sure you have a valid paddle board/kayak license. We wouldn’t be able to carry out the work we do without the support of the people that come and enjoy the navigation!

Thank you everyone, it's much appreciated 👏
21/07/2026

Thank you everyone, it's much appreciated 👏

WE ARE HIRING!Pennywort Patrol River WardenEssex Waterways Navigation Trust is a small charity that operates the Chelmer...
15/07/2026

WE ARE HIRING!

Pennywort Patrol River Warden

Essex Waterways Navigation Trust is a small charity that operates the Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation. Supported by partners, the Chelmer Canal Trust, we are currently recruiting for a River Warden. This is an exciting role as part of our ‘Pennywort Patrol’ project and is a fixed term, seasonal, part time position working 14 hours/week, typically over two days, until the end of September.

The role will form part of a small, friendly team, working towards the control of the non-native invasive plant, Floating American Pennywort (FAP) on the Navigation.

Salary £14.55/hour including holiday pay. Potential for re-employment in 2027.

Main duties include, but are not limited to:
• To manage the day-to-day operation of Pennywort Patrol
• To identify locations where FAP is growing and to physically remove and dispose of plant material appropriately
• To advise locations of where large rafts need extra input or FAP needs herbicide spraying
• To maintain records of work carried out
• To work alongside a volunteer and co-ordinate volunteer effort and availability.
• To safely and effectively operate a small boat on the Navigation for the purpose of the role, including the transiting of locks
• To help keep the Navigation, its locks and weirs clear of obstructions and debris
• To support other stakeholder groups in the removal of FAP.

If you love being outside, enjoy working with others and possess a boat handling qualification (or are prepared to get one) we’d love to hear from you.

Please contact [email protected] or call 01245 226245 for more information.

Due to the ongoing public safety issues and anti social behaviour plus staff being verbally abused and threatened when a...
10/07/2026

Due to the ongoing public safety issues and anti social behaviour plus staff being verbally abused and threatened when asking people to move on for their own safety we have made the unfortunate decision to fence off the weir-pool at papermill lock. This is not a decision we have made lightly as we appreciate the appeal of papermill however we have to put the safety of the public first.

Address

Essex Waterways
Chelmsford
CM34BS

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 4pm
Tuesday 9am - 4pm
Wednesday 9am - 4pm
Thursday 9am - 4pm
Friday 9am - 4pm
Saturday 9am - 4pm
Sunday 9am - 4pm

Telephone

+441245226245

Website

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