Environment Agency: Welland Glen Navigation Rules Set Speed Limits, Lock Notice

• A general speed limit of 7 miles per hour (11.2 km/h) applies to all vessels on the Rivers Welland and Glen.
• Operation of the two locks, Surfleet Sluice and Fulney Lock, is exclusively managed by Environment Agency staff, requiring 48 hours' advance notice for booking.
• Both rivers feature sections of varying navigability, with the upper Welland suitable only for light craft and both rivers becoming tidal closer to the Wash.
• Event organization and speed exemption requests on the rivers require specific guidance review and form submission via Anglian Waterways.
• Boaters must monitor river conditions, bridge clearances, and can contact a river inspector for assistance.

Operation of the two locks on the Rivers Welland and Glen is exclusively managed by Environment Agency staff, requiring at least 48 hours' advance notice for passage.

The Environment Agency has established a comprehensive set of rules governing navigation on the Rivers Welland and Glen, crucial for all boaters operating in these waterways. A universal speed limit of 7 miles per hour (11.2 kilometres per hour) is strictly enforced across both rivers. Any individual or group seeking an exemption from this speed restriction must consult the specific guidance document, available as a 142 KB, 2-page PDF, and subsequently submit an application using the designated Anglian Waterways speed exemption form.

Similarly, organizing an event on the River Welland requires adherence to a separate set of guidelines. Event organizers must review the River Welland event guidance, provided as a 144 KB, 2-page PDF, before completing and submitting the Anglian Waterways event form. These protocols ensure that all activities on the rivers are managed safely and in accordance with regulatory standards. Boaters are also advised to consult the Anglian Waterways platform for current river conditions, including any closures or restrictions, and to check the Environment Agency's mapping tool for the latest navigation notices.

A critical aspect of navigating the Welland and Glen involves the operation of their two locks, both of which are exclusively managed by Environment Agency staff. Boaters are expressly prohibited from attempting to operate these locks themselves. To arrange passage through either Surfleet Sluice or Fulney Lock, a minimum of 48 hours' advance notice is required to allow for staffing arrangements by the Environment Agency.

Bookings for both locks are contingent upon prevailing tidal conditions and can only be accommodated during suitable daylight locking windows. For Surfleet Sluice, which leads into the tidal section beyond Surfleet Seas End and ultimately the Wash, only experienced sailors and boaters are advised to attempt passage. Bookings for Surfleet Sluice can be made by calling 03708 506 506, while Fulney Lock bookings are handled via the Environment Agency Customer Contact Centre on 03708 506 506. Both locks typically measure 26 meters in length and 4.6 meters in width, and travel times between them are calculated based on the 7 mph speed limit, assuming a 20-minute transit time through each lock.

The River Glen spans 18.5 kilometers, featuring a towpath along its entire length. Originating in the Lincolnshire Limestone Ridge east of Grantham, it flows for 12 miles through the Fens before converging with the River Welland at Surfleet Seas End. The Glen is navigable from Surfleet Seas End up to Tongue End, becoming tidal after the sluice gates at Surfleet Reservoir before its final merge with the Welland, which then flows into The Wash, which is designated as a National Landscape and holds other significant environmental protections. For convenient access, a slipway at Crowland provides safe entry into the Welland for registered craft, with a total of three public slipways available across both rivers.

Boaters must exercise vigilance regarding changing water levels on both the Welland and Glen, as these can fluctuate significantly following rainfall. When approaching bridges, it is imperative to ensure adequate clearance between the vessel and the bridge's underside for safe passage. While approximate distances between standard water levels and bridge heights are provided, these figures are subject to change throughout the year due to varying river conditions.

For any immediate concerns or inquiries related to river navigation, boaters can directly contact the river inspector via the Environment Agency Customer Contact Centre at 03708 506 506. This direct line ensures that critical information or assistance can be obtained promptly, contributing to the overall safety and smooth operation of activities on these vital waterways.

Source: Original reporting via GOV.UK