Black Sluice Lock
Black Sluice Lock - along with the Black Sluice Navigation - reopened in 2009 after almost 40 years of being unused.
This marked the first major step in the Fens Waterway Link, a project that will connect the rivers Witham, Glen, Welland, Ouse and Nene.
Lock information
The Black Sluice Lock connects the Black Sluice Navigation with the tidal Boston Haven.
The new tidal Lock marks where the South Forty Foot Drain meets the River Witham at Boston.
"I have thoroughly enjoyed my time in Boston and down the navigation and shall certainly return" Jan Acheson, May 2010.
Vital statistics
- Length: The lock can accomodate boats up to 21 metres (70 feet) long.
- Width: 6 metres (20 feet).
- Draft: Normal water depth in the lock will be 2.8 metres (9 feet). However this may vary on certain tides.
- Headroom: The headroom in the lock is unrestricted. However London Road Bridge, which is immediately upstream of the lock, has variable headroom - from around 1.7 to 3.4 metres through an arched 'tunnel'.
Book your passage through the lock
A £10 visitor licence is available to navigate on the Black Sluice. The visitor licence is for a 24 hour period, this includes your overnight stay.
To navigate through Black Sluice Lock, you must contact the Environment Agency lock keeper. The lock is not permanently manned, so please do not expect to be able to use the lock without prior warning.
You must make your booking at least 24 hours in advance.
Online
Use the Black Sluice pre-booking form to make your booking online.
By Telephone
Call the Black Sluice booking line on 01522 78 5041 during office hours (Mon-Fri 9am to 5pm).
Or call the Grand Sluice loc keeper on 01205 364864.
When making your booking you will be asked to provide information that will help the Environment Agency organise your passage and ensure that you get the most out of your trip. If you're planning to use the Grand Sluice Lock in your journey, you can book your passage through this at the same time.
Postponed or cancelled bookings
Please note that your booking does not always guarantee passage through the lock at your preferred time. Occasionally bookings have to be postponed or cancelled. This may be because:
- The Port of Boston needs to use the area of water in front of the lock to turn large sea-going vessels.
- Flooding incidents - the Black Sluice Lock can be used to discharge flood water from the South Forty Foot Drain. At this time the lock will not be available for use, and red warning flags will be flying at the lock.
The Environment Agency endeavours to give as much warning as possible if there are any problems with passing through the lock so that you have time to make alternative arrangements.
Location and facilities
Boaters can use the showers and toilets in the old lock keeper cottages at Black Sluice Lock. They are available to use 24 hours a day. To use the key you will need to leave a deposit with the lock keeper.
The cottages will also be home to a café and an information centre, with a shop.
Location and facilities at Black Sluice Lock