Canal Maintenance
Built over 200 years ago. Maintained for today. We help restore and maintain canal structures with expert care – from minor faults to full-scale repairs.
Waterway Maintenance Services
Our Specialist Canal Maintenance Services
The UK’s canal network spans 2,000 miles and is up to 200 years old. It’s the lifeblood of the country and a crucial part of our national infrastructure – but only if we look after it. The Rothen Group specialises in the maintenance of canals, providing responsive and proactive services that keep our waterways safe, stable, and navigable.
Whether it’s failed linings, erosion, cracks, or tree root damage, we identify the causes and deliver lasting solutions. We’ve seen almost every kind of damage and degradation – offering expert canal repair that’ll protect the canal for decades to come. It’s something we’re immensely passionate about and proud of.
From minor issues to large-scale canal maintenance, we restore function to the UK’s waterways without harming the character and integrity of these historic structures. So, everyone from narrow boat owners to ramblers and even the local ducks can enjoy their local canal for generations to come.
Concerned about canal damage or erosion? Contact The Rothen Group today for an expert assessment and tailored repair plan.
Gallery
FEATURED CASE STUDY
Habitat Creation Coney Meadows, Droitwich
Coney Meadows is part of a nationwide project to restore the UK’s wetlands. Since the 17th century, large areas of reedbeds have been stripped and converted into agricultural land, massively reducing the number of habitats available for wetland animals.
FEATURED CASE STUDY
Changing the Shape of the River Derwent, Derby
Following the storm seasons of 2023 & 2024, the EA set out to review its impact on the UK’s waterways. The River Derwent in Derby was flagged after a sonar scan of its navigation identified a scour hole – a direct result of heavy rainfall pushing sediment downstream.
Like anything manmade involving water, decay, degradation, and disrepair are inevitable. Even the tranquil flow of water in a canal erodes riverbanks, rusts steel sheet piling, and gradually becomes unsafe and unusable.
Over time, canals face constant pressure from erosion, tree roots, weather conditions, utility faults, and general wear. That’s why it’s crucial to take a proactive approach to canal maintenance and upkeep – preventing small issues from escalating into major structural problems, e.g., bank collapse and serious water loss.
Why does canal maintenance matter?
To function, canals must have secure banks, open water, and enough depth to allow the passage of small boats. Though originally designed for barges, most canals today are used by recreational and residential narrow boats.
We often see the following canal defects:
Cracked banks
Failed linings
Root damage
Leaking utility crossing
Collapsed sections
Each of these issues compromises water flow, stability, and safety. If left unrepaired, the canal would continue to deteriorate, threatening catastrophic bank collapse or complete blockage of the waterway. Our canal repair services tackle the underlying causes, using tried-and-tested techniques such as sheet piling, gabions, or structural reinforcement.
What type of issues require canal repair?
The Canal & River Trust is responsible for much of the UK’s historical canal network. However, certain stretches may be maintained by local authorities, developers, or private owners. The Rothen Group works closely with these stakeholders, carrying out inspections, repairs, and other long-term maintenance on the network.
For example, we partnered with the Canal & River Trust to manage weeds along a 20-mile stretch of London’s waterways for six months, making them safe and pristine for locals and boats.
Who is responsible for canal maintenance in the UK?
Each project is different. We always keep our options open, evaluating numerous techniques to stabilise banks, repair linings, and perform our much-needed canal maintenance.
Common materials include steel sheet piling, concrete bags, masonry, gabion baskets, coir matting, and geotextile membranes. If appropriate, e.g., in low-traffic or ecologically sensitive areas, natural vegetation may be added to stabilise banks and support biodiversity. Trees, in particular, can secure banks and will only strengthen over time. They work exceptionally well in riparian environments as well as canals.
What materials are used in canal bank repairs?
Signs include visible erosion, cracks in the bank, water seepage, overgrown vegetation, or structural instability near bridges or crossings. If you suspect an issue, it’s best to arrange a professional assessment. We offer site visits to evaluate the condition and recommend the right maintenance or repair solution.
How do I know if a canal section needs maintenance?
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A decade of
The Rothen Group
With decades of hands-on experience across the UK’s canal network, The Rothen Group is a trusted specialist in maintaining and repairing inland waterways. From emergency repairs to long-term maintenance programmes, we help protect the structural integrity and heritage of these essential routes.
Our team of engineers, project managers, and operators brings deep knowledge and practical skill to every project. We combine time-tested techniques with modern equipment to deliver canal maintenance that’s efficient, reliable, and environmentally responsible—keeping waterways safe, stable, and flowing for years to come.
