Local Sponsors
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Avon Navigation Trust
Mill Wharf, Mill Lane Wyre Piddle WR10 2JF
The navigable river Avon runs from Alveston Weir above Stratford-upon Avon, for 47 miles, winding it's way through the Warwickshire, Worcestershire, and Gloucestershire countryside, down to Tewkesbury where it joins the river Severn.
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The Severn Rivers Trust
Unit 3, Hope House Farm Barns, Hope House Lane, Martley. WR6 6QF
An independent environmental charity established to secure the preservation, protection, development and improvement of the rivers, streams, watercourses and water bodies in the Severn catchment.
More information
Many thanks to Avon Navigation Trust for facilitating this camera's location and capitally funding its installation. Strensham Lock is located just outside Eckington. Situated on the River Avon at Lower Strensham, stands Strensham Lock—an exceptional lock in the country, distinguished by its inclusion of a swing bridge spanning the lock chamber. Prior to utilizing the lock, the swing bridge must be swung out of the way, ensuring unobstructed passage. To facilitate real-time monitoring of water levels and activities at the lock, a strategically positioned Farson webcam is employed.The navigation works undertaken on the Avon River were originally authorized by an Order in Council and Letters Patent issued by Charles I in 1635. These documents designated William Sandys as the grantee, granting him the authority to enhance both the Avon River and the River Teme. Sandys had already acquired a number of mills along the river, and his construction of pound locks featuring two sets of gates—allowing vessels to pass without the substantial water loss associated with flash locks—met with minimal opposition from millers whose mills he did not own. The sole objections were raised by Sir William Russell, the proprietor of Strensham mill, who expressed concerns related to land acquisition rather than the navigation works. By 1641, it was reported that the river had become navigable within a mere 4 miles (6 km) of Warwick, marking a significant achievement.