On Saturday 26th March 2022 over 120 delegates and volunteers descended on Stroud for the Annual Waterway Restoration Conference. The conference was jointly hosted by the Inland Waterways Association and Canal & River Trust.
The last time the waterway restoration sector gathered together for a national networking event it was March 2019. Whilst the conference moved successfully online for 2 years, there was a demand for a face-to-face event.
This year the focus was on ‘Overcoming obstacles and seizing opportunities’ . The Cotswold Canals Trust and partners showcased the significant progress that their project has made over the past 2 years. Specifically, through major infrastructure projects such as A38 Whitminster Roundabout and the Ocean Rail Bridge. Delegates also had the chance to attend workshops: ‘Relining the canal’, by the Canal & River Trust, and ‘Diversifying your volunteer base and board’, by the Young Trustee Movement.
Jenny Morris, IWA’s Restoration Hub Coordinator, said:
“It was fantastic to catch up with some many friends and familiar faces across the restoration sector. The networking over coffee and lunch at these events is just as important as the keynote sessions, all of which provided delegates the opportunity for problem solving, inspiration and sharing of ideas.”
View the Annual Waterway Restoration Conference 2022 delegate pack & resources
