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.