The Magnetic Pull of Birmingham's Waterways
For over a decade, Donna and Jason Collins, known as the Black Country Canal Rats, have been dangling powerful magnets into the murky depths of West Midlands canals. Their unusual hobby has yielded moments of joy, excitement, and occasional drama, uncovering a hidden world beneath the water's surface.
The Dudley couple have retrieved a stolen handbag and returned it to its owner, a judge. They have hauled up an ancient cartwheel and even discovered three World War Two Mills grenades. "We put them in a bucket of water, said a little prayer and rang the bomb squad," laughed 60-year-old Donna Collins.
A Growing Community of Enthusiasts
Donna and Jason are part of a burgeoning local community dedicated to magnet fishing, a rather bizarre pastime that is attracting more and more participants. Birmingham's extensive canal network has become a magnet for devotees, comparable to the Klondike for gold prospectors in the 1890s.
While those pioneers sought precious metals, today's magnet fishers search for dumped steel and iron, items often rusted but carrying riveting stories. Local groups like Mercia Magnet Fishing and Phoenix Magneteers join the Canal Rats in this unique pursuit.
Paul Findon of Mercia Magnet Fishing fondly recalled retrieving a 1964 Lambretta scooter and returning it to its owner, from whom it had been stolen years earlier. For many enthusiasts, the thrill lies in uncovering historical artifacts, industrial landmarks, or even potential criminal evidence.
The Reality Beneath the Surface
A review of local magnet fishing websites reveals the less glamorous side of the hobby. Birmingham's canals contain an astonishing number of submerged shopping trolleys and bicycles—perhaps more bike frames than even Beijing's waterways.
Online videos showcase discoveries with headlines like "Birmingham Proofhouse – did we find it?" and "Valentine's Dipping at Birmingham Proofhouse," suggesting romantic possibilities along rat-infested towpaths. One video even features a live lobster clinging to tangled metal pulled from the depths.
Enthusiasts celebrate finds like a set of well-preserved spoons with excited exclamations of "awesome find!" One post details retrieving six shopping trolleys from various retailers. These discoveries explain why some remain skeptical about the hobby's appeal.
From Metal Detecting to Magnet Fishing
Donna and 55-year-old Jason were originally metal detectorists but switched to magnet fishing when winter made the ground too hard to dig. "We were thinking, 'what else can we do?' and saw this video on YouTube," Donna explained. "We got a couple of magnets, went down to our local canal and were hooked after that."
Now they venture out at least once weekly, primarily to canals but occasionally to fishing ponds. "The only real hazard is what you're going to pull out," Donna noted. "It's not rocket science, it's fun and it's cheap. All you need is water and time when you've got the magnets."
Their efforts also contribute to canal cleanliness. "We're taking all the rubbish out," Donna said, "things that can get wrapped round the propellers of barges. There's one place in Great Bridge which is terrible for it, trolleys everywhere."
Community and Charity Events
The magnet fishing community is a tight-knit, cheerful group that organizes regular gatherings. Each year, at least one collaboration event takes place, with proceeds donated to charity. This year's secret location will host legendary Australian "Bondi Treasure Hunter," who has his own brand of magnets and serves as an authority figure for enthusiasts seeking advice.
An event at the Navigation Inn in Lapworth during April 2024 attracted over 100 enthusiasts, many in fancy dress, and raised £4,000 for Bowel Cancer UK. These gatherings are hardly clandestine operations, despite the hobby's somewhat mysterious nature.
Legal Ambiguity and Safety Concerns
The legal status of magnet fishing remains as murky as the waters enthusiasts explore. While not explicitly illegal, the Canal and River Trust has imposed a ban citing the 1965 General Canal Byelaws, which restrict dredging activities. Environmentalists express concerns about damage caused by dragging weights through canal and riverbeds.
A spokesperson for the Canal and River Trust acknowledged the positive intention behind removing rubbish but warned of significant dangers. "Items dragged out by magnets could be sharp or heavy and cause you to be dragged into the water," she cautioned. "We've even had reports of people fishing out old war bombs and dumped weapons that do not present a risk while they are in the canal, but once back out in the dry can be hazardous."
The Trust recommends safer alternatives for enjoying canals, including traditional fishing or joining volunteer cleanup groups. While they typically begin with friendly conversations when encountering magnet fishers, penalties could reach up to £1,000 if legal action becomes necessary.
Despite these concerns, magnet fishers continue their explorations, driven by the thrill of discovery and the satisfaction of cleaning local waterways. For Donna and Jason Collins, every piece of scrap metal holds potential—whether for sale to metal merchants or transformation into animal sculptures through Jason's craftsmanship.
As this unusual hobby continues to attract followers, Birmingham's canals remain a treasure trove of hidden stories, waiting to be pulled from the depths by powerful magnets and determined enthusiasts.
