Witham Navigable Drains

Witham Fourth District Internal Drainage Board

Lincolnshire

• The Navigable Drains primary function is the drainage of the fenland around Boston and are controlled by the Witham Fourth Internal Drainage Board. The Board actively support leisure uses of the system which, subject to prevailing weather conditions, is maintained at a navigable depth from May to September inclusive. It is advisable to notify the Board on 01205 310099 of your presence in the system.
• The entrance to the Drains is via Anton`s Gowt Lock on the River Witham some three miles from Boston Town. The Lock is maintained by Canal & River Trust and is boater operated. Pontoon moorings are available at the lock entrance and adjacent to the Water Rail Way cycle route from Lincoln to Boston.
• It is advisable to check the water level gauge on the tail wing wall of the lock, best seen from the road in front of the Malcolm Arms Public House.  All Bridge clearance heights shown on the map relate to O on the board.
• For visitors seeking secure, quiet moorings in the town centre turn right along Frith Bank Drain to Cow Bridge Lock. This Lock is maintained by the Internal Drainage Board and has a guillotine gate, secured by a Canal & River Trust Sanitary Station key and a set of mitre gates. The gates are not fitted with balance beams due to the close proximity of the golf club access bridge. This bridge also makes a difficult landing for boaters to operate the lock. Mooring rings have been fitted under the main B1183 (Pauls) road bridge, for access up the bank to road level to set the lock. Gates are closed using a boat hook or long shaft and opened by using the fitted chains. The Drain water level is lower than that of the Maud Foster Drain into Boston. Boats should be secured before water is admitted to the lock.  BEFORE RELEASING THE CLUTCH ON THE GUILLOTINE TAKE A FIRM GRIP ON THE WINDING HANDLE TO PREVENT ANY KICK BACK.
• The waterways shown in green on the map are controlled by the Environment Agency, which has provided moorings for the town on the Maud Foster Drain at the “Packet Boat” steps beyond the windmill. The street level gate can be opened by a Canal & River Trust Sanitary Station key.
• Facilities and telephone numbers shown on the map are correct at December 2011.