This section of locks is on Caen Hill in Calne. There are 27 locks in total over a 2 mile stretch
Wiki link. An amazing feat of engineering.
The ponds are there to fill the locks as they are used. This last year they have been badly affected by algae with the surface completely covered in the stuff. I believe that they are right in saying that the lack of plant growth is adding to the algal growth. The fact that there are so many locks, one after the other, the fish are almost imprisoned into whichever pond they are born into, hence loads of very small silvers in the nets.
As I understand it, they are being released at the lower end of the locks into the main canal. Might just have to get a day ticket and give it a go /forum/smilies/big_smile_smiley.gif
Edit: Oops, there are 29 locks and there are 15 of the ponds along the flight of locks.