Environment Agency: River Ancholme Navigation Rules Updated for South Ferriby Lock

• The River Ancholme is a 17-mile waterway in Lincolnshire, primarily used for leisure, connecting to the Humber Estuary.
• South Ferriby Lock, a 150-year-old Scheduled Monument staffed by the Environment Agency, is currently closed for emergency reasons.
• Harlam Hill Lock is currently closed, requiring a navigation key and specific windlass, with turning restrictions for boats over 14 meters.
• General speed limits of 11 km/h apply, with a stricter 6 km/h limit enforced between Coal Dyke, Brigg, and Bishopbridge.
• Navigating the Humber Estuary requires well-equipped vessels and a competent master due to strong currents and shifting mud banks.

South Ferriby Lock, which is over 150 years old and holds the status of a Scheduled Monument, is the sole lock on the Ancholme staffed by the Environment Agency.

The River Ancholme, a 17-mile waterway, traverses rural Lincolnshire before connecting to the Humber Estuary at Ferriby Bridge. This river primarily serves leisure activities, including canoeing, rowing, and angling, with South Ferriby offering direct access to the tidal Humber. Navigators can consult a comprehensive guide and an online mapping tool for the latest notices and detailed information.

A significant development for river users is the current closure of South Ferriby Lock. This lock, which is over 150 years old and holds the status of a Scheduled Monument, is the sole lock on the Ancholme staffed by the Environment Agency. It is designed to accommodate vessels up to 5.5 meters (18 feet) in beam and 20.5 meters (68 feet) in length. An emergency closure notice provides further details regarding this situation.

Operating vessels on the River Ancholme necessitates adherence to specific navigational guidelines, particularly concerning bridges and locks. When approaching any bridge, boat operators must verify sufficient clearance between their vessel and the bridge's underside, with gauge boards indicating approximate headroom. These measurements are subject to fluctuation due to varying river levels.

The river features two locks, each with distinct operational procedures. South Ferriby Lock, managed by the Environment Agency, requires at least 48 hours' advance notice for staffing arrangements. Bookings are contingent on tidal conditions and can only be facilitated during appropriate daylight locking windows. Initial booking requests should be directed to 07483 173 523 or, as a secondary option, 07825 503 848. If direct contact is unsuccessful, the Environment Agency Customer Contact Centre can be reached at 03708 506 506 during standard office hours, which will forward inquiries to the Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire Anglian Waterways Operations Team.

In contrast, Harlam Hill Lock is currently closed, with access controlled by the Environment Agency. Users must possess a navigation key, available for purchase by registered boat users from local river inspectors or directly from the Environment Agency via email at boatreg@environment-agency.gov.uk or by phone at 0370 850 6506. Operating the paddles at Harlam Hill Lock requires a windlass with a 2.6-centimeter square fitting. Furthermore, turning maneuvers upstream are restricted to boats not exceeding 14 meters (46 feet) in length.

Navigating the Humber Estuary, which connects to the River Ancholme, presents unique challenges due to strong currents and dynamic mud banks and shoals. It is strongly advised that vessels entering the estuary are adequately equipped and commanded by a proficient master. Contacting Humber Estuary Services for additional guidance is also recommended.

For public access, the only designated slipway on the River Ancholme is situated at Brandy Wharf Leisure Park. This facility is suitable for smaller, trailer-mounted boats and is managed directly by Brandy Wharf Leisure Park.

Strict speed limits are enforced to ensure safety and protect the water environment. A general speed limit of 11 kilometers per hour (7 miles per hour) applies across the entire Ancholme navigation. However, a more restrictive limit of 6 kilometers per hour (4 miles per hour) is in effect specifically between Coal Dyke, Brigg, and Bishopbridge. All river users are expected to exercise caution, respect fellow navigators, and contribute to the preservation of the aquatic ecosystem.

Source: Official guidance from government sources.