Once considered a happy hunting ground for treasure hunters seeking imitation luxury goods, the UK’s deepest canal lock, Tuel Lane lock in Sowerby Bridge, West Yorkshire, has seen its fair share of unusual finds. From a long-forgotten jar of pickled onions to the typical fallen leaves and debris, volunteers working tirelessly for the annual spring clean have discovered that even the mundane can stir a sense of community spirit.

Recently, the most glamorous discoveries have been a Tesco shopping trolley and an abandoned can of Sprite, continuing a tradition of uncovering unexpected artifacts in the murky depths. Despite the less-than-glamorous finds, the event maintains a strong sense of camaraderie and purpose among its volunteers.

Maureen Readle, a dedicated volunteer, recalls her most memorable find, a jar of pickled onions located a bit further up. Her fellow volunteer Andrew Shephard, a retired video game accessory company boss from Cliviger near Burnley, agrees on the importance of the job, noting the stark contrast to his previous life confined to an office. New to boating, Shephard was encouraged by his daughter to join the cause, seeking fresh air and outdoor engagement.

Tuel Lane lock, which celebrates its significant role in the restoration of the Rochdale canal, is irrespective of its nickname as the “Everest of canals” for its challenging terrain. Serving as a double-depth concrete base, the lock is lowered and raised by 6 metres, making debris and rubbish accumulation a regular issue impacting its functionality. Therefore, it requires an intense cleaning effort by dedicated volunteers.

For the volunteers, the experience of working in Tuel Lane’s depths is transformative, akin to visiting religious landmarks such as York Minster. Peter Burton, leading the volunteer efforts, underscores the lock’s significance,.heightening its allure for those curious about the unique experience it offers, evidenced by the certificates of achievement given post-experience.

Volunteers undergo a rigorous training program, consisting of a confined-spaces awareness video stressing safety protocols. Yet, despite the cold water and physically demanding nature of the job, participants often express their enjoyment and satisfaction, viewing it as a meaningful way to give back to the community that has given them a platform for thrilling adventures and unexpected camaraderie.

The Canal and River Trust, responsible for maintaining over 2,000 miles of canals and rivers in England and Wales, highlights the growing popularity of these waterways. With more boats utilizing these paths than during the Industrial Revolution, the trust is continually seeking additional volunteers to assist in maintaining this vital infrastructure.

As the spring clean event progresses, volunteers are not just clearing away physical waste but also fostering a deeper appreciation for the UK’s invaluable waterways, ensuring that the beauty and utility of canals like Tuel Lane remain accessible to the public for generations to come.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/mar/03/uk-deepest-lock-tuel-lane-west-yorkshire