Waterways

We’re seeking to inspire greater public action and map community-led efforts to help protect Britain’s longest network of freshwater habitat. Our new research show that, without action, an estimated 39 million items of litter would accumulate on our waterways and their adjacent towpaths each year, with plastics accounting for around 40% of litter recorded. Annually,…

We’re highlighting the support available to people living and travelling on the waterways through our dedicated welfare team. Over recent years, our welfare team has grown from a single officer to five members, with a sixth due to join shortly. The increase reflects growing demand for support and our commitment to helping boaters access the…

Canal charity appeals for volunteers to operate UK’s deepest lock and to help conserve water along the Rochdale Canal in Yorkshire Canal & River Trust, the UK’s largest waterways charity, is appealing for more volunteer lock keepers to help navigation through the UK’s deepest lock on the historic Rochdale Canal in West Yorkshire. Celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, Tuel Lane…

Nearly 1,200 boaters have signed up to help shape our upcoming licensing consultation, showing strong interest in plans to create a clearer, fairer system for all waterway users. The consultation, due to launch in December 2026, is being developed with boaters and boating organisations following recommendations made by the Independent Commission on Boat Licensing. As…

We’ve published our Annual Report & Accounts for 2025/26. The Report highlights a year in which extreme weather tested the resilience of our canal network while underlining the increasingly important role waterways play in supporting nature, communities and the management of water in a changing climate. A summer of drought The year 2025/26 was dominated…

We’ve committed an extra £2m to Gloucester Docks, doubling our dredging investment to £4m to tackle the significant silt build-up affecting the historic waterfront. The announcement follows concerns raised by boaters, businesses and local residents about the impact of silt levels within the Docks. The enhanced programme We’re increasing investment following the exceptional conditions experienced…

We’re preparing for a major programme of winter repairs and engineering works across England and Wales, carrying out essential works across 33 navigations to keep the canals open, safe and navigable. Winter works on the canal Winter is a particularly busy time of year for our engineers, contractors and volunteers as fewer boats are out…

Three-year programme will support 25 schools to deliver hands-on STEM learning linked to real-world challenges. We’ve been awarded £105,000 through the Royal Society’s new Science Community Grant programme to help young people investigate science, engineering and environmental challenges using waterways. Deliverying hands-on STEM projects We’re one of just ten UK STEM organisations selected for the…

We’re launching an innovation prospectus inviting researchers, businesses and investors to help tackle climate change and unlock new value from the country’s largest interconnected freshwater network. We’ve launched an innovation prospectus, ‘Innovating our canal network’, inviting businesses, universities, utilities, investors, researchers and public sector organisations to help shape the future of the nation’s waterways through…

We recently hosted the country’s largest angling event, the National Celebration of Young People & Fishing, on the Shropshire Union Canal, with around 460 young anglers taking part on 12 and 13 September. The event formed part of the Trust’s Let’s Fish! programme, which introduces thousands of people to the joys of fishing each year.…