We are passionate about protecting and restoring Britain’s network of canals and navigable rivers for everyone to enjoy.
The inland waterways are special outdoor places – sometimes tranquil and sometimes bustling – whose unique landscape, heritage and habitats are under threat from many pressures, not least inadequate Government support.
We are the only national charity that campaigns locally and nationally for all the country’s canals and river navigations.
We provide leadership, resources and practical support for the waterway restoration sector.
We lobby parliament, champion regeneration, run events, and fight to improve the waterways for all legitimate users’.
We are the navigation authority for the Chelmer & Blackwater Navigation in Essex; we know how to run a waterway.
Our Waterway Recovery Group undertakes civil engineering works and provides practical support across the country.
Our local branches provide support to waterways in their communities, and a social network for our members.
Our national committees and panels provide expertise and guidance across the sector.
Only IWA does all this, and more.
Our members are waterways-lovers from all walks of life who want to preserve and improve the network for future generations.
If you love the waterways, then join us.
Sign up to receive the latest waterways news and campaign updates.
Find out about the navigable canals and rivers near you – as well as waterways events, activities and groups.
We are campaigning for boating on canals and rivers to be more sustainable.
Britain’s canals and rivers are a unique, living heritage. But that heritage is at risk.
Hundreds of miles of waterways are currently starved of funding.
Bringing Britain’s blue infrastructure back to life is good for people and places.
We are the only independent, national charity campaigning for Britain’s canals and rivers
IWA arranges an amazing array of activities across the nation’s waterways – join in, get involved!
Amy Tillson shares the top ten things she wishes she’d known before living on a canal boat
By making a donation, you will help save waterways heritage for you and the next generation.
Help protect and restore the waterways you love.
Britain's waterways are vital; together we can campaign for them now and for the future.
