Being a lock keeper on the River Thames must be one of the best jobs out there -- but there's more to it than meets the eye. In this episode of The Water Road, the man who looks after Abingdon Lock tells us about what his job entails, how he ensures boats get through as efficiently as possible, and how he's responsible for controlling the water level on his part of the river. Plus we find out about the pygmy goats which live in the lock cottage garden, and hear from a man who's just retired from a 40 year career on the River Thames.

The Water Road is produced and presented by Adam Porter.

If you're enjoying the series, please consider supporting me on Ko-fi.

In this episode we visit the workshop of Will Howard, a builder and restorer of traditional Thames wooden boats. We're talking skiffs, dinghies, and canoes, and find out how much work it takes to restore boats which can date back to 1900.

The Water Road is produced and presented by Adam Porter.

To see what Will's boats look like, check out his website -- or look him up on Instagram where he's @w.howardboatbuilder

We have reached the most southerly point of the connected network, Godalming Wharf on the River Wey in Surrey, and in this episode we'll work our way back to the River Thames. Along the river we hear about watersports training from Roar Outdoor who have bases in Godalming and Guildford; and we call in to the Byfleet Boat Club to hear about the history of the Wey Navigation and the background of the club itself.

The Water Road is produced and presented by Adam Porter.

If you're enjoying the series, please consider supporting me via Ko-fi.