Lydney Canal

v t e Lydney Canal
Legend
Pidcock's Canal Upper Dock Swing bridge Lower Dock Tidal flood protection gate Lock Tidal Basin Sea gate Junction with River Severn

This article needs to be updated. The reason given is: Needs to discuss the 2020(ish) regeneration and plans for gate repairs, dredging etc. Relevant discussion may be found on the talk page. Please help update this article to reflect recent events or newly available information. (May 2022)

The Lydney Canal is a one-mile canal in Gloucestershire that runs inland from the River Severn to Lydney. It was opened in 1813 to trans-ship iron and coal from the Forest of Dean. It was once connected by a horse-drawn tramroad to Pidcock's Canal^[1] which brought materials down to the wharves by tub-boat.

In the 1960s imported wood was still being brought in by barge from Avonmouth.^[2] It remained in commercial use until the 1980s. The entrance to the canal consists of an outer tidal gate opening into a wide basin. From there a lock opens into the one-mile canal cut. Immediately above the lock, a pair of gates points the other way as protection against a high tidal flood in the estuary. There is one swing bridge across the canal.

The docks were restored between 2003 and 2005, using money from the Heritage Lottery Fund and others, to create a marina and harbour area for seagoing yachts and motor boats.^[3] In 2015 the outer lock gates failed in the open position and are inoperable. Consequently the harbour has become silted up from River Severn mud and is out of use.^{[citation needed]} As of 22 December 2023 the lock gates have been refurbished and refitted and closed, but it is not known if they are currently functioning.