Waterways

We’re launching a new heritage project in the West Midlands – and is calling on the public for their help in making it happen. Collecting first-hand accounts We’re collecting first-hand accounts from local canal enthusiasts and volunteers, as part of an exciting oral history initiative, made possible thanks to funds raised by players of People’s…

‘Paddle under the Pennines’ or ‘Bob along by Boat’ in the UK’s longest, deepest, highest canal tunnel. Jo Moseley & Matt Crowley canoeing in Standedge Tunnel Canoe trips and boat trips along the entire length of the longest, deepest and highest canal tunnel return this year as we announce a series of new dates for…

Work has completed on a project to improve a four-mile stretch of towpath on the Lancaster Canal, making it more accessible for residents and visitors. Lancaster Canal towpath upgrade We’ve planned and coordinated a scheme to enhance the section of towpath on the Northern Reaches, from Stainton to just north of Holme Village. The works…

We’re inviting you to an Open Weekend on Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 February to discover the iconic Hatton Locks, a flight of 21 locks along the Grand Union Canal in the heart of Warwickshire. Open day at Kidderminster This exciting event offers a rare opportunity for the public to explore the fascinating inner workings…

Work to improve wildlife-rich hedgerow running along the Montgomery Canal is underway. The initiative is part of the ‘Putting Down Roots’ project thanks to funding from the Local Places for Nature Fund. Volunteers have been undertaking hedgelaying along the canal towpath between Newtown and Welshpool at Brithdir and Belan. A centuries-old countryside technique for maintaining…

We’ve started work to repair a popular stretch of canal running through the heart of Loughborough. As part of its ongoing efforts to protect our waterways we’re rebuilding a section of canal wall and towpath running under Little Moor Lane. The project The project will involve rebuilding a 15-metre section of failing canal wall, complete…

We’re offering you a unique opportunity to go behind the scenes and descend into one of drained lock chambers on the historic Caen Hill Lock Flight where we’re undertaking important repairs this winter. The free-to-access event is taking place at Lock 40 on the Caen Hill Lock Flight on Saturday 8 February between 10:30am and…

We’re publishing (1 March 2025) a series of new regional online Places to Visit Guides to inspire great days out by the water. Containing maps, information about visitor facilities and free activities, the Guides will help people get the most out of visiting over 100 different sites across the charity’s historic navigable canal network. Iconic…

Our canals offer local opportunities for millions of people to help much­loved and endangered species. With spring around the corner, we’re preparing the ground for the year ahead and is calling on volunteers to help the much-loved and many endangered species that rely on the historic canal network that connects countryside with towns and cities.…

We’re announcing the decision by Richard Parry to stand down from his role as chief executive this summer after serving 12 years in the post. A recruitment process for our next chief executive will get underway shortly. Richard joined us in 2013, a year after our creation, and has led us through our critical formative…