Paper Mill Lock

05/06/2026

It’s a great privilege to walk through private land: through the buttercups and young willow trees with wooden seats for you to enjoy the surrounding nature.
We asked that you respect and tread lightly through this abundant delicate natural environment.

However, we do not ask that you - deliberately break down a young willow tree that we have been nuturing to grow all sun, rain and flood.

30/05/2026

Good luck and see you shortly!

And they're off on the 2026 Chelmer Challenge! Today, SUPsect goes blue and yellow for our sixth annual Chelmer Challenge in aid of Nacoa (The National Association for Children of Alcoholics) a national charity reliant entirely on funding from voluntary donations to provide information, advice and support for everyone affected by a parent’s drinking. Please give generously via www.justgiving.com/page/supsect-chelmer-challenge-2026

In memory of one of our long-time paddlers, whose ambition was to SUP the full length of the Chelmer & Blackwater Navigation, we're stand-up paddleboarding 22km from Chelmsford city centre to the Heybridge Basin.

Since 2021 we’ve raised over £5,000 each year – first for Breast Cancer Research, then Alzheimer’s Society in 2022, British Heart Foundation and to install a defibrillator at Paper Mill Lock in 2023, Action for Family Carers in 2024, and Diabetes UK last year. Please help us hit this year’s target for via www.justgiving.com/page/supsect-chelmer-challenge-2026

29/05/2026

Get ready for tomorrow’s Chelmer Challenge.

24/05/2026

Our trip boats are all run by volunteers. This morning some of them were having their refresher lock training.

If you would like to experience going through a lock on one of our trip boats you can book a charter/private trip (3-hours on Blackwater Dawn based at Heybridge Basin or 2 hours on Albert based at Paper Mill Lock). For more details call our office on 01245 226245.

Our daily public trips are bookable online at www.bookeo.com/canaltrip

If you would like to join our volunteer team please email [email protected] for more information.

16/05/2026

Open today: Buttercup Trail at Paper Mill Lock. Free to enter with Little Baddow Open Gardens Ticket.

14/05/2026

This Saturday (16th May) : Little Baddow Open Gardens. Come and explore various gardens throughout the village.

Little Baddow Open Gardens | Open Gardens National Directory. UK town and village open gardens events, and charity open gardens.

03/05/2026

Looking glorious on the River Chelmer.

Thank you 📷 Tony Byrant

02/05/2026

Evening paddle with SUPsect

30/04/2026

😀😀

26/04/2026

The Willow Set is now open for parking, SUP lessons, Wellness classes and Picnic Area.

Open: May and June
Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holidays 8-5:30pm
Friday 10-5:30pm