Restoring waterways transforms communities
Waterway restoration
Restoring the UK’s blue infrastructure – our inherited network of navigable canals and rivers – is good for people and places.
Over the last 75 years – since IWA was formed – more than 500 miles of waterway have been restored; but there are over 500 miles of waterway yet to restore.
Canal restorations bring benefits at every stage
They can act as a trigger for regeneration, attracting visitors and investment to the area. Businesses enjoy the new waterside developments and jobs are created. Flat paths alongside the re-built canals offer perfect leisure activity conditions for walking, jogging and fishing.
Overall, the waterways instil a renewed feeling of pride and community amongst the local population.
We lead, support & champion restoration
We have a long and successful history of leading and supporting restoration – championing restoration at every level of government and offering expert engineering, planning and fundraising advice.
Our Waterway Recovery Group helps restore waterways by running week-long working holidays and weekend digs on restoration sites, as well as by providing training for restoration volunteers.
Our Restoration Hub provides invaluable advice and support for waterway restoration promoters.
How you can help
Your support gives waterway restoration across the country access to our experts, our teams of enthusiastic volunteers, and helps us make the case for restoration to all levels of government. Or why not find out how you can get involved?
IWA published its Waterways for Today Report in 2022. This sets out in a concise and easily digestible form some of the many benefits that Britain’s canals and river navigations bring. Find out more.
Print and share
Waterways in Progress is a resource for restoration trusts and societies and other volunteer groups to promote the importance of canal restoration and the regeneration benefits delivered for communities up and down the country. The report has been published to share with local government, developers, planners and other stakeholder groups to highlight the value of canal restoration.
WATERWAYS IN PROGRESS
Read our report on the untapped potential of unfinished restorations.
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