Waterways

We’re inviting families to Foxton Locks in Leicestershire this summer to enjoy a relaxing day by the water at one of its popular Let’s Fish! events. Taking place at canals across the East Midlands, the UK’s biggest programme of angling events offers people of all ages the chance to try fishing for the first time…

In response to the popularity of Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, including increased use by paddle craft as well as narrowboats, we’ve introduced an aqueduct safety team to help manage traffic at busy times. Helping manage boat traffic The aqueduct safety team, with their visible onsite presence, add to existing measures, including CCTV and the introduction of vessel…

Boaters are being invited to play a defining role in shaping the future of boating as part of a volunteer Citizens’ Boater Panel. The panel will help us create our upcoming consultation, part of our response to the independent Commission on Boat Licensing. The consultation is to create a clearer, fairer licensing system for people…

We’ve temporarily suspended the requirement for boats without a home mooring to move at least every 14 days as part of efforts to conserve water during the current drought. The temporary measure, which comes into force with immediate effect, has been introduced to help reduce demand on the network and avoid unnecessary lock movements at…

We’re providing an update on our work to manage water resources and minimise disruption for boaters as much as possible. With half of England and all of Wales being declared in drought this week by the Environment Agency, and the canal network feeling the impact of what is being described by the government agency as…

We’re inviting visitors to make the most of the summer holidays by joining a programme of free and low-cost events at Foxton Locks, one of Leicestershire’s most unique historic destinations. Our summer programme offers something for all ages, from wildlife-themed activities and nature discovery sessions to hands-on workshops and family-friendly outdoor adventures. The summer programme…

We’re inviting families and local people to kick-start the summer holidays at a free discover your canal day at Walsall Basin. Walsall Canal Taking place on Thursday 30 July from 10am to 3:30pm, the free fun day will feature a variety of family-friendly activities designed to help people discover their local canal, enjoy the outdoors,…

We’ve launched a new Restoration Delivery Plan alongside the appointment of a senior restoration engineer, setting out a clearer, more structured approach to supporting waterway restoration projects. The plan At the heart of the new plan is a step-by-step process to help restoration groups deliver projects that meet legal and regulatory requirements, with a particular…

We’re inviting boaters to help shape the future of boating on the waterways ahead of a major public consultation in December. The consultation, which will be co-created with boaters over the coming months, forms part of our response to the independent Commission on Boat Licensing, which reported at the end of 2025 and highlighted that…

With World Drowning Prevention Day coming up on 25 July, we’re urging people to stay out of inland waters during the hot weather. Summer is the most popular times for people to visit Britain’s canals and rivers, and we’re expecting many of our waterways to be popular this year, particular during the summer holidays. However,…