CanalAbility

08/09/2026

We’re getting excited now!

Our new electric canal boat, Amply Accessible, is getting closer to joining the CanalAbility fleet – and it has been designed with features that will make it truly accessible to everyone.

🕹️ Joystick steering:-

As well as traditional tiller steering, the boat has been fitted with joystick steering, giving clients of all abilities the opportunity to take the helm and have a go at steering the boat themselves.

It’s all about making sure more people can be involved, have fun and enjoy the experience of being out on the water.

We can’t wait to show you more as Amply Accessible gets closer to joining us on the beautiful Essex and Hertfordshire waterways.

Stay tuned for more updates.......

07/09/2026

Do you feel calmer when you're near water?

New research from Natural England has been looking at the relationship between people, water and wellbeing.

Nearly half of adults surveyed had visited a blue space — such as a river, canal, lake or beach — in the previous month.

People described spending time around water as a chance to relax, reflect and get away from everyday pressures.

For us, it immediately brought to mind some of the little moments we see on the River Stort...

🦆 Spotting wildlife
🌿 Watching the changing scenery
☀️ Sitting outside in the fresh air
💬 Having a chat
💙 Or simply enjoying a bit of peace and quiet

What's your favourite thing about being near water?

Read the research here 👉

By Fränze Kibowski, Senior Specialist - Social Sciences This blog explains the results of the recent People and Nature Blue Spaces Report, discussing how we interact with places like beaches, rivers and lakes, while looking at how the findings will …

06/09/2026

On this day last year Saffron Walden Mencap Society enjoyed a day on the river with their members!

03/09/2026

On this day last year we welcomed 10th Goffs Oak Girl Guides for an accessible canal boat experience!

If you're a Youth Group Leader why not get in touch.

www.canalability.org.uk/contact/

01/09/2026

On this day last year we welcomed residents and staff from in Harlow.

They said,

"A big thank you to CanalAbility for a fantastic trip along the river Stort on Friday. We had a wonderful time taking in the scenery and pointing out the wildlife and plants. The residents even experienced the workings of the lock while two of our group learnt how to steer the boat. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed being out in the fresh air eating a delicious picnic with a selection of yummy cakes and tea."

31/08/2026

Ever wondered what an accessible canal trip is really like?

A year ago, we welcomed DMD with George on board for a CanalAbility experience — and they captured some wonderful moments along the way.

If you’re disabled, or care for someone who is, take a look at their post and photos to see what a day on the water with us can be like.

🎥 We’ve also popped their video in the comments. 👇

Could you or someone you know enjoy a day on the water?

26/08/2026

On this day last year we welcomed our friends from Upside Down Sports Club, a Cambridgeshire charity creating inclusive sports sessions, activities and adventures for children and young people who are wheelchair users.

17/08/2026

⚡A very exciting milestone for Amply Accessible!

Our new accessible electric canal boat has now gone into the water for the first time at the boat builders Colecraft Engineering Ltd and is currently being trialled.

It’s brilliant to see her afloat after all the planning, fundraising and work that has gone into getting us to this stage.

There’s still plenty to do before she’s ready to join our fleet, but seeing her in the water makes it all feel very real!

Thanks to the team at Colecraft Boats for sharing this first look at her in the water!

14/08/2026

This may be useful to our followers 👇

West Essex families, don't miss this date!

If you're a parent or carer in Epping, Harlow or Uttlesford, our next SEND Local Offer Roadshow is a great opportunity to find out what support is available for your family.

Wednesday 4 November 2026 📍
9.30am to 12.30pm 🕤

Come along to:
• talk to professionals from local services
• discover support available in your area
• learn more about SEND support in education
• connect with parent groups and community organisations
• get answers to your questions

The event is free, informal and open to parents and carers of children and young people aged 0 to 25 with SEND.

Know someone in Epping, Harlow or Uttlesford who would find this helpful? Tag them in the comments and share this post.

To find out more, visit the link below 👇

13/08/2026

A quick CanalAbility update…

Parts of the River Stort are currently closed and, with water levels too low for our boats to operate safely, our trips are on hold for the moment.

But there’s plenty to look forward to!

Our new electric accessible boat is taking shape, and we’re getting everything ready for when we can get back out on the water.

It’s an exciting time for CanalAbility, and we’re looking forward to welcoming this new addition to our fleet and continuing to give disabled clients and their friends and family the chance to enjoy the River Stort.

If you’d like to support what we do, donations are always welcome and help us keep our boats, volunteers and accessible trips going.

https://www.totalgiving.co.uk/appeal/electricboat