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Conserving the waterways

Conservation

We know our waterways are special places – we are working to protect them from thoughtless development and to safeguard their unique environment for future generations.

What’s at risk?

Campaign

HS2: Ashton & Rochdale Canals

Campaign

The unique heritage of the waterways is under threat

Campaign

Protecting the waterways from the worst of HS2

Campaign

HS2: Aire & Calder Navigation

Campaign

HS2: Dearne & Dove Canal

Campaign

HS2: Sheffield & South Yorkshire Navigation

Campaign

HS2: Nottingham Canal

Campaign

HS2: Erewash Canal

Boats cruising in Handsacre on the Trent & Mersey Canal

Campaign

HS2: Trent Navigation, Cranfleet Cut

a family walking alongside a canal

Campaign

HS2: Chesterfield Canal

Campaign

HS2: River Soar

Campaign

HS2: Ashby Canal

What’s at risk?

Heritage

Our waterways heritage is what makes Britain’s canals and rivers special and it must be actively protected for the future.

HS2 waterways

With significant successes so far, we’re still campaigning to protect the waterways from the worst effects of HS2.

Protection

Some canal and river corridors do not have the protection of being designated conservation areas.

LATEST NEWS

LATEST NEWS

Sign up to receive the latest waterways news and campaign updates.

See all articles

News

IWA Trustee Appointments in 2021

In 2020, IWA moved to a new process for selecting trustees to sit on its Board, in line with Charity…

HVO fuel boat

Feature

Fuel for Thought – HVO & Greener Boating

Hybrid electric drives and, ultimately, hydrogen-powered fuel cells will undoubtedly become the standard specification for new boats in the years…

News

Price parity of biofuels key in bringing UK’s inland waterways to net zero

Therefore, the Government must support HVO as it is the best current option for boats on the inland waterways.  We believe HVO…

News

Statement: Tragedy on the Aylesbury Arm

Clive Porter, a Licensing Ranger working for the Canal & River Trust, died while on duty, working on the Grand…

News

Silver Propeller Challenge – New locations for 2021

With stay local and boating restrictions due to ease from the 12th April, you may be planning places to visit…

Canoeing on the waterways

News

Make the most of waterways activities, MPs told

There are significant health, social and economic benefits to the post-Covid recovery of the UK in getting more people out…

Latest Events

18 May 2021

Work Party

Volunteer on the Northampton Arm

Pomfret Arms Close, Far Cotton. NN4 8DJ

20 May 2021

Work Party

Cheshire Locks

Kidsgrove to Wheelock

Book now
24 May 2021

Webinar

Changing Landscape of Canals in London

Online

Book now
26 May 2021

Webinar

HS2 impact on the Colne Valley Park and across the Chilterns

Online

Book now
27 May 2021

Guided Walk

Brewood & Shropshire Union Canal Walk

Brewood

Cancelled
29 May 2021 3 days

Festival

IWA Trailboat Festival North 2021

Chesterfield

Book now
30 May 2021

Guided Walk

Regent’s Canal, Kings Cross, Granary Square & St Pancras

London

06 Jun 2021
Volunteers at Work

Work Party

Volunteer on the Northampton Arm

Northampton

09 Jun 2021

Guided Walk

Stockton Locks & Grand Union Canal

Southam

15 Jun 2021
Volunteers at Work

Work Party

Volunteer on the Northampton Arm

Northampton

Book now
16 Jun 2021
Moored boats near bridge 47 at the Bottom of Atherstone Coventry on the Ashby Canal

Guided Walk

Atherstone and Coventry Canal Walk

Atherstone

17 Jun 2021

Work Party

Cheshire Locks

Kidsgrove to Wheelock

Find out more

Love your waterways

Together we can protect and restore our waterways; the UK’s 6,500 miles of canals and rivers need your help.