IWA’s response was prompted because significant fee increases are proposed for commercial operators and rowing clubs along the river. Punt and tour boat operators face either a tripling of fees or a proposed levy of 5% of annual turnover. In contrast, private powered craft, unpowered craft and sailing vessels would face Consumer Price Index-linked increases only. These proposals raise questions about affordability, proportionality and the impact on smaller operators and clubs along this stretch of water. 

The Conservators say this is a shift towards full cost recovery, with implications for wider waterways funding and management. The Conservators receive no government or local authority funding and rely entirely on user fees to maintain navigation, infrastructure, safety and environmental management.  

Responding, IWA recognises the financial difficulties facing the Cam Conservancy but this consultation highlights the inherent unsustainability of the Conservancy’s funding strategy. 

The proposed registration fees are much higher than those charged by other navigation authorities for other similar vessels and threaten both waterways businesses and community groups. 

IWA’s senior campaigner, Amy Tillson, said: 

“The River Cam is a well-loved river, and is important for the local economy, but these proposals reveal that its navigation authority’s funding structure is no longer fit for purpose. A sustainable future for the Cam is needed, and without delay.” 

We urge the Conservancy to learn from other successful waterways such as the Chelmer & Blackwater Navigation, of similar size to the River Cam, which was turned around from near-failure to success. Managed by IWA’s former wholly owned subsidiary, Essex Waterways Ltd, the navigation has gone from close to bankruptcy to a loved and successful local amenity, promoted by both Visit Essex and the local authorities.  The Navigation has become a model of efficient operation and sustainable management and it shows that other funding models are available.  

The Consultation is open for input until 15th November.

The post IWA Responds to Cam Conservancy Registration Fees Consultation appeared first on The Inland Waterways Association.

Michael and his wife had joined a ‘Regent’s Canal Walk’ in 1975. The guide was expert on London but knew little about the canal. When at Hampstead Road Top Lock, Michael commented that from the lock there was 27 miles of level canal without any locks. The guide looked surprised and said “Does it go on that far? I thought it was built by Nash as a decorative feature for his Regent’s Park”. Michael wrote to the company offering some notes on the story of the canal and its relationship to the national network, but he was told that the walk was not proving popular and the company was giving it up. He then suggested to IWA that it should pick up the walks. IWA management at the time deliberated on the idea and eventually agreed – and told Michael that he was designated to run the walks. He invited volunteers at an IWA meeting in 1976 and Brian Hague and Len House joined him.

Brian and Michael decided that the walks should start and end at a tube station and last about 2 hours. They explored possible routes from and to suitable stations and researched the walks and the history of the canalside buildings and other features. The aim was to introduce people to the waterways at no expense to IWA, so walkers were asked to make a 30p donation to IWA to cover cost of the printing and distribution of leaflets. The guides would not receive any fee or expenses. Every walker should receive a leaflet with story of canal and an IWA membership application and discussions would be held with London Tourist Board to ensure that there would be no conflict with official guided walks in London.

The walks were launched with two on Sunday afternoons and two Tuesday evenings. Fliers and posters were printed by WRG and distributed to all public Libraries in London, press and radio stations, waterways magazines, etc. Walkers met at the quiet tube station at Camden Town and went to Paddington or Islington. A newspaper vendor there would often remark when it was pelting with rain “Nobody will turn up today” and he even rashly suggested that if no-one came he would go on the walk himself; he boasted that he had never had to do so! The walks continued to start only at Camden until 1993 when walks to Mile End, Limehouse, the Bow Back Rivers, the New River and Paddington Basin were added.

The walks turned out to be far bigger than expected, so on Summer Sunday afternoons two guides attended; in September 1977, 118 people turned up! Over the years takings have far exceeded the cost of printing and publicity and Michael was awarded the John Heap Salver in 1988 and again in 1999 by IWA and was appointed vice-President of IWA’s London Region.

On one of Michael’s walks in 1992 only four people attended.  One of them subsequently revealed himself as David Tucker, who ran London Walks, who was checking on the quality of IWA’s guides and he generously invited a partnership. This was discussed and happily agreed; this saved IWA the cost and effort of printing and distributing posters and gave much wider publicity at no extra cost.

By 2006, Roger Wilkinson, then chair of IWA North & East London Branch, reported that over 11,000 walkers had been introduced to the canals on 656 walks. Although initially the walks were intended to cover their costs at no expense to the IWA, in fact within the first 30 years they had raised over £22,000 for IWA and there were six guides leading walks on a rota.

Since 2006, IWA Towpath Walks has launched a succession of new walk routes, which now include many places on canals and rivers in the London area – such as the Grosvenor Canal. There are now 28 different routes on offer. As one of the objectives of starting these walks was to popularise the towpath as a place to walk, it is gratifying that 15 million people now visit London’s canals every year.

The Pandemic had a drastic effect on everyone. Nevertheless, while carefully complying with the rules, it was possible to guide walks in parts of both 2020 and 2021.

The money raised on these IWA Towpath Walks is all distributed to IWA branches in the London Region. They have chosen to donate some of it to waterway-related projects in the London area, such as Pirate Castle and Carpenters Road Lock restoration. They have also distributed some to waterway projects across the country, such as those of the Wey and Arun Canal Trust.

Other IWA branches have taken up the idea too, and there are regular walks offered by IWA Chester & Merseyside Branch, IWA Lichfield Branch and IWA Lancs & Cumbria Branch. Details of future planned walks are available in the Events section.

The photo above, from the gathering to mark the 50th season of IWA Towpath Walks shows:

Back row (left to right): Paul Strudwick (IWA London Region Chair); Chris Foster (guide); David Tucker (London Walks); Charlie Forman (guide: one of the three officers of IWA Towpath Walks).

Front row(left to right): Roger Wilkinson(guide: Chair of IWA Towpath Walks); Mike Gee (Treasurer of IWA Towpath Walks); Mary Tucker (London Walks); Lesley Thompson (guide); Alan Byrne (guide).

[The top photo shows at atmospheric shot of the Regent’s Canal near King’s Cross – a frequent venue for the towpath walks – by Nigel Essery]

The post IWA Towpath Walks Celebrates 50th season appeared first on The Inland Waterways Association.

The main items for discussion were:

1. Condition of the waterways
2. Environment Agency National Navigation Strategy consultation response
3. Canal & River Trust closure of boater facilities
4. IWA Silver Propeller Challenge.

1. Condition of the Waterways

IWA’s Risk Index tracks the stoppages across the network that have no end date. Currently there are 21 of these indefinite stoppages, fragmenting the network and causing lost opportunities for boaters and businesses. The example of the Rochdale Canal was cited, closed in Manchester since March and now showing obvious signs of neglect.

There are still plenty of closures and restrictions because of low water levels, including for instance Bosley Locks on the Macclesfield Canal and Marple Locks on the Peak Forest Canal. The continuing drought has meant that reservoir levels have not recovered as hoped, and the outlook is not promising. Long-term forecasts suggest similar patterns in 2027 – after the ‘unprecedented’ El Niño likely in autumn, when the Met Office has said to expect anything.

Alongside the weather are the effects of maintenance backlogs and infrastructure failures. Repairs of the major breaches on the Bridgewater and Llangollen canals have been extended. Fallen trees and weed growth have increased. Locks and other assets continue to cause issues. Weed growth has been extensive and there are concerns about possible embankment failures. At the same time CRT is engaged in major change programmes of strategy development, governance review, organisational restructuring and the Transforming Boating programme. The Chief Executive Campbell Robb acknowledges the stress on the organisation but maintains that the scale of the challenge dictates fast movement.

CRT has published a 5-year plan for works scheduled for the next 5 years, which is helpful in principle but needs to allow flexibility to repair in-season failures such as the recent gate failure on the Walsall Canal which Navigation Committee has tracked. Another apparent issue has been differences in approach and urgency between CRT regions. For instance the Bosley and Marple lock flight closures over summer lasted 3 to 4 weeks for repairs which often take a few days further south. These issues are all being followed up with CRT.

CRT’s annual report for 2025/26 was published recently, including a ‘new’ KPI of the number of unplanned stoppages. In fact, CRT has published various measures over the years and the point has been made that the number of unplanned closures is only part of the picture and the duration is also important. The following charts have been compiled for the 2000 miles of the CRT network from data provided to Fund Britain’s Waterways or published by CRT. Clear upward trends are apparent in almost all measures, although it should be borne in mind that the interpretation of the figures is not always unambiguous and CRT has not responded to requests to verify them.

A substantial problem arising from low water levels coupled with a commercial contract for water transfer has arisen at Gloucester Docks. CRT inherited a contract from British Waterways to supply about half of Bristol Water’s drinking water by pumping water from the River Severn through Gloucester Docks and along the Gloucester & Sharpness Canal. With very low and slow flow in the Severn, the result has been a great deal of silt being pumped into the Docks. There has been significant BBC and press coverage of the resulting siltation and its impact on boaters, businesses and the city. The absence of boats in the Docks is affecting tourism and demonstrating the economic benefits of active waterways.

IWA has been urging CRT to clear the immediate problem but also to work with relevant parties to develop a sustainable longer-term solution. CRT has escalated the issue to executive level, in view of the substantial impact, the negative public relations and the possible ramifications for planned water transfer schemes elsewhere. It has announced a doubling of the dredging budget for this year to £4m and work has now started – but there will inevitably be a reduction in the amount available for dredging elsewhere across the network.

• Environment Agency National Navigation Strategy consultation response

The Environment Agency published its draft 5-year National Navigation Strategy and announced a consultation running until 21^st October (here). Navigation Committee will be submitting a response on behalf of IWA. While it is a welcome development for EA to publish such a document, and positive that the wider non-boating value of waterways is considered and that navigation assets are linked to management of flood risk and water resources, the Committee discussed areas for improvement. Perhaps the most notable is the absence of any discussion of either the available resources or those required to fulfil statutory obligations or to make improvements.

• Canal & River Trust closure of boater facilities

Following a consultation with boaters in 2022 on the minimum standard for Customer Service Facilities (CSFs), CRT announced that showers, toilets and laundry facilities were deemed non-essential and would be closed across the network from November 2025 and invited expressions of interest from other organisations in running them. Navigation Committee was concerned at the time that the closures appeared rushed, and it was unclear that the published process had been followed, and continues to pursue a set of questions with CRT. Dissatisfaction and discussion have been widespread on social media, particularly about the impact in areas where many boaters have small cruisers in which it is impossible to install usable facilities.

There has been interest in several areas in either IWA Branches or local boat clubs taking over facilities. Navigation Committee welcomed the idea in principle and as a first step will establish the requirements from CRT.

• IWA Silver Propeller Challenge

The Silver Propeller Challenge was launched in January 2018 as a way to encourage boating on underused waterways. The first people to complete the challenge did so in November 2019 and there have been a good number more since then. The idea has become well established and is often seen on social media or heard in conversation around the waterways, but there is potential to do more. Navigation Committee agreed to review ways in which the award could further encourage cruising of lesser-used waters.

OTHER POINTS

• IWA Policy on the Renting of Boats

Navigation Committee had previously agreed to replace the current policy on unauthorised renting of boats with a more positive one setting out what is needed for boats to be legitimately rented. At the meeting a draft policy was approved for recommendation to Trustees.

• Grand Union Canal Water Transfer

Meetings of both the Canal User Working Group and the Canal Business Working Group took place in September. The latter is a new group which has been set up to address topics such as business loss and compensation, maintaining navigation, mitigating disruption and communications during construction. The initial meeting was only sparsely attended but several channels for reaching potential members were identified including IWA. An additional consultation is to be held later this year, although it will not be a full consultation like the last one but a combination of digital materials, engagement with landowners, updates to working groups and offers to meet all parish councils along the route.

• Broads Society

A Broads Society representative attended IWA’s AGM and expressed the Society’s keenness to work closely with IWA. Navigation Committee welcomed the approach and discussions will be progressed.

• Tooley’s Boatyard

Tooley’s Historic Boatyard in Banbury has been badly affected by closures of the Oxford Canal (here). Navigation Committee raised this with CRT as a particularly damaging effect of the low water levels over summer. CRT Business Boating is apparently in discussion with Tooley’s about the way forward.

• CRT Transforming Boating programme

Navigation Committee representatives have attended each of the series of three stakeholder engagement meetings, providing input to the programme manager about the design of the next phase of the consultation. The series of meetings has been repeated for different groups: the National Boating Organisations, the Council Boater Representatives, and the Navigation Advisory Group. A Citizens’ Boater Panel of about 40 volunteers was selected from almost 1200 applicants and is now working though the same material.

• CRT Council

The CRT Council AGM was held at Birmingham City University on 16^th September and included an Innovation Showcase and launch of the Innovation Exchange with Innovate UK. Sue O’Hare attended as IWA nominee, as with two Council Boater Representatives meetings. The first was an extraordinary meeting with Campbell Robb (CEO) and Henriette Breukelaar (Interim Chief Customer and Place Officer) on the drought. The second meeting worked through outstanding issues with the very welcome intention to clarify which should be handled by this group, which by the Transforming Boating programme, which by the CRT advisory groups, which by the National Boating Organisations meetings, and which by the 1:1 meetings with individual boating organisations – and as an outcome, to reduce duplication of effort by both CRT and boating organisations.

• Bridgewater Canal breach

Navigation Committee contacted the Bridgewater Canal Company on 18^th August asking for an update on progress with reinstating the Bridgewater Canal, in view of the fact that the most recent update on the website was from December 2025. A new update was posted on the website on 21^st August. A further enquiry about plans for future maintenance and restoration of Barton Swing Aqueduct has not yet yielded a response.

Forthcoming meetings

• CRT Annual Public Meeting – 20^th October
• Grand Union Canal Transfer Canal Section Legacy Working Group Workshop – 20^th October (Helen Westlake to represent IWA)
• Navigation Committee online meeting – 25^th November
• CRT Council Boater Representatives meeting – 8^th December (Sue O’Hare to attend)
• Rescheduled Fund Britain’s Waterways Q&A session with the Environment Agency – 14^th December (St Pancras Cruising Club)

Sue O’Hare
Chair of Navigation Committee
16th October 2026

[The photo shows Autumn colours near Burntmill on the River Stort – by Paul McLeod]

The report from the May 2025 Navigation Committee meeting is available here.

The report from the March 2026 Navigation Committee meeting is available here.

The report from the January 2026 Navigation Committee meeting is available here.

Reports from pre-2026 Navigation Committee meetings are available here.

The post IWA Navigation Committee News – October 2026 appeared first on The Inland Waterways Association.

Reports from local people suggest that the situation is the worst they have seen. We have also heard from former British Waterways engineers who were dealing with the same underlying problem as far back as the 1990s. 

While Canal & River Trust (CRT), once again, must divert precious funds to dredge the Docks this winter, a long-term solution is needed to avoid this continual annual cycle of siltation and dredging.  

IWA is pressing CRT to set out what it is doing to resolve matters on a more permanent basis, instead of having to commit a significant proportion of its national dredging resources to Gloucester Docks.  This inevitably places additional pressure on dredging or repair works elsewhere across the network. 

IWA also believes that Bristol Water has an important role to play, given that its water abstraction requirements are the cause of the silt being imported into the Dock. 

Commenting, Sue O’Hare, Chair of IWA’s Navigation Committee, said: 

“IWA’s Navigation Committee has become increasingly concerned about the situation at Gloucester Docks. Two very dry summers have resulted in very large quantities of silt again being pumped into the Docks in order to maintain the drinking water supply to Bristol. Businesses, individuals, and the City of Gloucester have all been significantly affected by the ‘bottom being far too near the top’.” 

We are liaising with CRT to understand the full situation, their contractual constraints, and longer-term approach, setting out our concerns from the perspective of boaters, local businesses and the wider community that relies on Gloucester Docks. 

IWA will continue to press for action towards a long-term solution, rather than the present annual cycle of wasted resources.

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Tooley’s has a special place in IWA’s history. It was from Banbury Tom Rolt set out aboard Cressy in 1939, beginning the journey described in his book Narrow Boat. The book inspired the campaign to save Britain’s canals and led to the formation of IWA. 

Today, Tooley’s remains a working boatyard rather than simply a historic site. It is a Scheduled Monument employing eight people, including apprentices learning traditional skills. 

The prolonged closure of the Oxford Canal is putting that living heritage at risk. The canal was closed for around six months in 2025 because of drought, followed by a further two months of disruption caused by flooding. The latest drought-related closure began in August 2026, with no indication yet of when navigation will resume. 

Unlike many boatyards, Tooley’s has no permanent moorings. Its business relies on boats being able to reach the yard for docking, hull blacking and repairs. With navigation restricted, the yard has been forced to rely on work that can be carried out on boats accessible from the towpath, which is not enough to sustain its normal level of activity. 

The consequences extend beyond the immediate financial impact. Research into the yard’s history has documented a continuous sequence of operators stretching back to at least 1795, with apprenticeship at the dockyard traced to 1809. Traditional wooden boatbuilding and repair, canal art and boat painting continue to be practised at Tooley’s, with both crafts included on the Heritage Crafts Red List of Endangered Crafts. 

Matthew Armitage said: 

“I have operated Tooley’s for 24 years. There have always been stoppages and difficult periods, but I have never had to think so seriously about whether boats will be able to reach us often enough to keep the yard working. We are still taking jobs where we can, travelling to boats along the towpath and at other yards and marinas. It takes longer, and work that would be straightforward in our dock often requires another visit for a part or a tool. We have customers waiting. What we need is for their boats to be able to get here.” 

The situation highlights the wider impact that prolonged waterway closures can have on businesses, employment, skills and living heritage. 

The empty dry dock does, however, offer an opportunity. Tooley’s are hoping to restore Hardy, the last boat built by Nurser Brothers of Braunston. Tooley’s saved it from destruction in 2018, but it now needs urgent work. More information here.

IWA is supporting Tooley’s in highlighting the importance of keeping the canal network navigable and protecting the working businesses and skills that depend upon it. 

The post Tooley’s Boatyard faces uncertain future as Oxford Canal closures continue  appeared first on The Inland Waterways Association.

Kaykers and paddleboarders joined historic narrow boats and a replica Dutch tug boat. The flotilla made their way to the current limit of navigation, the first powered boats to make the journey for some time, battling siltation and vegetation. 

It follows years of delays after a section of the Arm that was re-opened in 2005 has been closed while a leakage is investigated. Despite decades of volunteer effort, public investment and substantial restoration work already completed, this section of the canal remains closed, fenced off and increasingly neglected. Blocked access to the turning point also means very few boats can travel along the section that remains open. 

John Stirling, Secretary of Dunstable & District Boat Club, said: 

“Our boat club was very happy to support this. We have long said that this stretch should be re-opened. There is clear appetite for it and Saturday proved it with the number of boats, other craft and people on foot who came to send a strong message that this delay has gone on too long, and it should be re-opened.” 

According to IWA, the issue goes beyond navigation. The Wendover Arm is a significant environmental asset. Fed by rare chalk streams, it supports a rich aquatic habitat that would be almost impossible to recreate today. It also performs a vital engineering function, supplying water to the Grand Union Canal at the Tring Summit and helping keep locks operational. 

Dave Chapman, Chairman, of IWA Chiltern Branch, said: 

“The Wendover Arm represents all that is great about our inland waterways. It is an important navigation, a remarkable chalk stream environment, a public green space. and a vital part of the Grand Union Canal’s water supply. 

“Thousands of volunteer hours and significant public investment have brought the restoration close to completion. It would be unacceptable to allow all that work to deteriorate because leakage remains unresolved, and as we can see from the strength of public support, it needs to be re-opened. 

“The Canal & River Trust has both the responsibility and the opportunity to put this right. We are calling on CRT to carry out the necessary repairs and reopen the canal as quickly as possible.” 

The Wendover Arm was built in 1799 and ran for almost seven miles from Wendover through Weston Turville, Halton, Aston Clinton, Buckland Wharf, Drayton Beauchamp and Little Tring before joining the Grand Union Canal at Bulbourne Junction. 

IWA argues that the cost of resolving the current issues is modest compared with the long-term value of restoring the navigation and protecting an irreplaceable public asset. 

The charity also points to the wider public benefits of reopening the canal. As well as supporting boating and tourism, waterways encourage walking, cycling, volunteering, education and improved physical and mental wellbeing. The Wendover Arm was built in primarily to supply water to the summit level of the Grand Junction Canal.  A fully restored canal would enable it to continue this vital purpose more effectively. 

“The Government rightly invests in health and education,” added Dave Chapman. “Reopening the Wendover Arm contributes to both by creating opportunities for recreation, learning and access to nature.” 

The day demonstrated the continuing demand for navigation on the Wendover Arm.  IWA says the turnout proves there is a clear and strong appetite to see the waterway fully restored, as evidenced by the number of local walkers on the tow path who stopped the flotilla to share their stories and say the section should be re-opened. 

The campaign builds on IWA’s long-standing commitment to the Wendover Arm. The Association led the campaign that culminated in the reopening of the first restored section on Easter Monday, 28 March 2005, when Sir David Suchet, well known actor and waterways enthusiast officially opened Phase One. 

Sir David Suchet, Vice President of IWA, said of Saturday: 

“I remember having the privilege of being guest of honour in 2005 when the restored stretch was opened. It is deeply disappointing to see the current condition. IWA played a huge role advocating for this lovely section of waterway, and it is good to see robust campaigning continuing so that The Wendover Arm can be re-opened.” 

More than twenty years later, IWA is once again calling on the Canal & River Trust to work with partners to complete the restoration and return the Wendover Arm to the public. 

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Charlie Norman, IWA’s Campaigns & Public Affairs Director, outlined the Association’s campaigning priorities heading into 2027: continuing to develop IWA’s unique Risk Index as an evidence base for campaigning action, supporting local micro-campaigns such as the water supply to the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal and the re-opening of the Wendover Arm, along with delivering political impact through the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG). 

Before the formal proceedings, presentations were delivered on restoration achievements and the new Restoration Panel, and the Sustainable Boating Group’s new Lithium Battery Installation Guide.  

AGM Business 

Members approved the minutes of the 2025 AGM, received an update on financial statements, and confirmed the reappointments of existing Trustees Peter Marlow and Paul Strudwick as well as welcoming six new Trustees: Alexander Barty, Tiffany Gale-Haynes, Christopher Knell, David Morgan, Matthew Rogers, and Jess Van der Drift. 

National Chair Mike Wills said “While IWA is 80 years old, it looks forward with pride and purpose. The diversity of ages, backgrounds, and the variety of experiences, offered by our new trustees will add a fresh perspective our approach. It is an exciting time to be part of IWA.” 

Recognising Excellence 

The AGM also hosted the presentation of the IWA/Towpath Talk Sustainable Boating Awards and IWA National Awards. 

IWA/Towpath Talk Sustainable Boating Awards 2026 

Non-Commercial Award: Fulham Reach Boat Club – or undertaking a range of environmental and sustainability initiatives including introducing electrically propelled coaching and safety boats, running a water quality testing programme and organising river clean-ups. 

Commercial Award: Landamores Ltd – For being the leading constructors, converters and maintainers of electric boats on the Broads for some years and introducing sustainable propulsion and other innovations into a very traditional boat building market. 

Highly Commended: Circular Revolution Co-Op: For pioneering the collection and disposal of solid waste from separator toilets on boats. 

IWA National Awards 

Richard Bird Medals: Tony Clarke, George Rogers, Andrew Shepherd, Debbie Shepherd 

Christopher Power Prize: David Carter 

Branch Achievement Award: IWA South Wales Branch 

John Heap Salver: Bob Williams 

Cyril Styring Trophy: Paul Waddington 

CLICK FOR FULL AWARD DETAILS

“These individuals and groups exemplify the knowledge and dedication that keep our waterways alive,” said Wills. 

Attendees also enjoyed an afternoon visit to Diglis Island to learn about the history of this man-made island in the River Severn, the impact of the river’s industrial use on wildlife, and the work being undertaken to restore river connectivity for migrating fish. 

IWA extends its thanks to everyone who joined this year’s AGM and to the volunteers who made the event a success. 

The post Inland Waterways Association Holds 67th Annual General Meeting in Worcester  appeared first on The Inland Waterways Association.

The results of the awards are as follows:

Sustainable Boating Awards:

NON-COMMERCIAL AWARD 2026

Awarded to the individual, charity or community organisation that, in the opinion of the judges, has made the most valuable contribution to sustainable boating during the last twelve months.  

Fulham Reach Boat Club

For undertaking a range of environmental and sustainability initiatives including introducing electrically propelled coaching and safety boats, running a water quality testing programme and organising river clean-ups.

COMMERCIAL AWARD 2026

Awarded to the business that, in the opinion of the judges, has made the most valuable contribution to sustainable boating during the last twelve months. 

Landamores Ltd 

For being the leading constructors, converters and maintainers of electric boats on the Broads for some years and introducing sustainable propulsion and other innovations into a very traditional boat building market. v

[Details of the Awards are at https://waterways.org.uk/campaigns/sustainable-boating#award]

HIGHLY COMMENDED:

Circular Revolution Co-Op: For pioneering the collection and disposal of solid waste from separator toilets on boats. 

IWA NATIONAL AWARDS

RICHARD BIRD MEDALS 

For members of the Association whose efforts and support are considered to have brought significant benefit to the Association over a sustained period. 

•             Tony Clarke

Tony has been a dedicated Northampton Branch Committee member for many years and, for more than 15 years, has been the Editor of its quarterly magazine, Endeavour, keeping members informed, connected and engaged, while making a valuable contribution to the Branch.

•            George Rogers 

George has spent much of his life around canals and restoration. A civil and structural design engineer by training, he is Development Manager for the Chesterfield Canal Trust.

His contribution as a volunteer is equally impressive. George has led, cooked or volunteered on more than 60 WRG week-long camps and festivals and is currently a WRG Director. He has also been a Trustee of the Friends of the Cromford Canal, where he established and chaired its Strategic Restoration Committee, as well as serving as work party organiser and webmaster.

Within IWA, George became the inaugural Chair of the Restoration Delivery Group. He brings together professional expertise, practical experience and strategic thinking to help shape the Association’s restoration work.

From getting his hands dirty on WRG camps to helping deliver multi-million-pound restoration projects, George has made an outstanding contribution to the waterways over many years.

•            Debbie and Andrew Shepherd

Andrew and Debbie are being recognised for around 20 years of commitment to IWA activities in Leicestershire, including around 10 years as the Branch’s key officers.

Their determination and enthusiasm have been instrumental in keeping the Branch active and maintaining IWA’s presence in the area. They have organised and supported countless activities, with a particular highlight being the hugely successful Harborough ’75 event, which simply would not have happened without them.

They have also worked tirelessly to secure the completion of the Memory Lane Wharf visitor moorings and boater facilities, working with Canal & River Trust and Leicester City Council.

CHRISTOPHER POWER PRIZE

For a person, society or trust who has made the most significant contribution to the restoration of an inland waterway.  

There is a cash prize associated with this award, which is given to the waterway restoration group associated with the winner, where the winner is a named individual.  The aims and objectives of the group must be consistent with IWA’s aims and objectives.  The trophy is a carved wooden otter.

David Carter – Shropshire Union Canal Society

David Carter, Chairman of the Shropshire Union Canal Society, has made a major contribution to the restoration of the Montgomeryshire Canal over many years.

For at least nine years, David organised the restoration work parties on the ‘Mont’, helping to bring a long section of the canal back into use as far as Crickheath Basin.

Working with volunteer labour and funding from a Heritage Lottery grant, David led a team through an ambitious programme of practical restoration. He organised regular work parties and everything needed to make them happen, from materials and plant to volunteers and safety arrangements, including navigating the additional challenges of working during the Covid pandemic.

The result was a remarkable volunteer-led restoration effort that saw sections of canal reappear where they had effectively disappeared into farmland.

David continues to lead the Society’s enhancement team, helping to maintain and improve the canal around Ellesmere. As Chairman, he also supports volunteers, works with CRT, councils and landowners, and takes on the many less visible jobs that keep the Society moving.

BRANCH ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

For the IWA Branch which, in the opinion of a panel consisting of the National Chair, Deputy National Chairs and Chief Executive, has made the greatest progress and achievement in promoting the Association’s aims and objectives during the past year. All Branches are considered, without need for nomination. The award consists of a silver salver, donated to IWA by former National Chair David Stevenson for the purpose in 1998. 

South Wales Branch 

The Branch Achievement Award this year goes to the South Wales Branch.

Recently, the branch has been at the forefront of the campaign as a key member of the Preserve & Protect the Mon & Brec Canal (PPMB) coalition.

It was pivotal in supporting a highly successful Petition that gained over 14,000 signatures and in organising the Senedd Rally in July 2025, which preceded the debate that saw overwhelming cross-party support for action.

Campaigners rallied outside the Senedd on the day the petition debate was held, gaining attention from the press and Senedd members. 

Following the rally and debate, the Welsh Government announced the creation of the Task & Finish Group on 17th July 2025.

The Welsh Government then agreed a financial settlement of up to £400,000 every year, for the next five years to resolve the water abstraction crisis that threatened the future of the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal.

The hard work of the whole branch generated a campaign win that benefited IWA both locally and nationally.

JOHN HEAP SALVER

For an IWA member who, in the opinion of the trustees, has made an outstanding contribution to support the waterways. The trophy, a silver salver, was provided by then IWA trustee John Heap (who subsequently became national chairman) and first presented at the Association’s National Rally at Marple on the Peak Forest Canal.   

Bob Williams

Bob Williams is being recognised for his outstanding and sustained contribution to the restoration of the Lichfield and Hatherton Canals and for his long-standing responsibility for the financial affairs of the Lichfield & Hatherton Canals Restoration Trust. 

As a vital and committed member of the Trust’s committee for many years, Bob has played a key role in managing its finances and supporting the fundraising that has enabled its restoration work to continue. His dedication extends well beyond his formal responsibilities. Bob has consistently supported events and restoration activities, regularly being present on site and providing encouragement and practical support to volunteers. 

A familiar and much-valued presence within the restoration community, Bob’s commitment over many years has helped sustain the Trust’s work and the wider effort to restore the Lichfield and Hatherton Canals.

CYRIL STYRING TROPHY 

This is the Association’s premier award. For an IWA member who has, in the opinion of trustees, made an outstanding contribution in furthering the Association’s campaign.   

Paul Waddington

Paul joined IWA in December 1982 and has been a dedicated waterways campaigner for more than 43 years. His involvement began with the Yorkshire Derwent campaign in the 1980s, including taking part in work parties.

But Paul’s greatest contribution has been to the Pocklington Canal. He served as Chair of the Pocklington Canal Amenity Society for an extraordinary 38 years, stepping down only earlier this year.

During that time, he masterminded much of the canal’s restoration, including the renovation of three locks, while building a strong and active canal society. Just as importantly, he ensured that the Society remained one of IWA’s most loyal and effective supporters of national campaigns.

Paul’s contribution therefore extends well beyond one canal. For more than four decades, he has worked tirelessly to restore and protect our waterways and to strengthen IWA’s campaigning work at both local and national level.

IWA is incredibly proud to recognise these champions for their vital contributions to our waterways. 

The post IWA National Awards & the Sustainable Boating Awards 2026 appeared first on The Inland Waterways Association.

Wolverton and Milton Keynes boast a unique canal and rail heritage. Canal workers moved to the area in the 19th century, and the canal helped bring the railway to Wolverton, with the arrival of the railway bringing employment and major changes to the town. 

David Wolfson, Chair of MK Canals, gave talks explaining how these two major industries developed and eventually came to exist side by side as Wolverton grew from a canal village into a railway town. 

David said:  

“We were delighted to run this exciting festival on such a unique historic site. We wanted to bring together the shared story and importance of the canal and the railway. Working with leading community organisations from Wolverton and Milton Keynes alongside IWA, CRT and the Accessible Waterways Association, we want to make Milton Keynes’ canals better known, better used, and improved for the future.” 

While celebrating this heritage, the festival also looked towards the changing needs and uses of the canal in the 21st century, with a growing focus on the use of the waterway system to support emerging climate needs and making the waterways accessible to everyone. 

In June this year, a pioneering bollard scheme was installed in Wolverton, creating the first public accessible mooring site of its kind. The scheme to make mooring easier was delivered by MK Canals, working closely with Birmingham City University, the Accessible Waterways Association and Canal & River Trust. 

Commenting on the pilot scheme, Tracey Clarke, Director at Accessible Waterways Association, an organisation led and run by people with lived experience who are motivated to make our inland waterways more accessible, said: 

“We are proud to have been involved from the outset of the development of these bollards. The heritage is fantastic, but it has to work in tandem with modern needs. These bollards offer something for everybody, from disabled people to someone with a temporary condition. From making it easier for boaters to moor up to providing a perch for a passing walker, this initiative will hopefully prove to make a real and positive difference.” 

In further, forward-facing canal innovation, a new electric bollard providing canalside utility hook-up point was installed along the Wolverton canal, providing power and water utilities specifically supporting the Electra, an all-electric community trip boat. This was installed with invaluable help from IWA’s Waterway Recovery Group. 

Chris Curtis, MP for Milton Keynes North, said: 

“It was a pleasure to come along to this event and see people celebrating our heritage, keen to learn about our waterway history and just having a good day. The new accessible mooring is an important example of how Wolverton’s waterways can continue to evolve so that everyone can enjoy the canal and the opportunities it provides.” 

The Canal & Rail Festival is planned as the first of an annual event, building on Wolverton’s rich heritage while celebrating the canal as a vibrant part of the town’s present and future. With its combination of history, heritage, community, entertainment and innovation, organisers hope the festival will continue to grow and become a regular highlight of Wolverton’s calendar. 

The successful first festival provided an opportunity to celebrate where Wolverton has come from, while looking ahead to what its canal and railway heritage can offer future generations. 

The post Wolverton Celebrates Heritage in First Annual Festival and Looks to the Future appeared first on The Inland Waterways Association.

IWA’s submission sets out five priority recommendations which offer the Treasury low-cost, high-return opportunities to support the Government’s stated priorities of regional growth, devolution, and economic and climate resilience.

Summary of IWA’s 5 Budget recommendations

• Devolve waterway powers and funding flexibility to Metro Mayors, enabling waterway-led regional renewal;
• Commission a cross-departmental review of England and Wales’s inland waterways, producing a long-term investment plan by 2028;
• Establish a national waterborne freight strategy, including expansion of the Modal Shift Revenue Support grant and affordable sustainable fuel¹;
• Fund the repair and resilience of canal reservoirs and feeder channels, protecting tourism revenue and building wildfire-response capacity; and
• Invest in the cultural and recreational heritage of waterways to benefit local economies and widen participation.

Charlie Norman, IWA’s Director of Campaigns and Public Affairs, said:

“Britain’s waterways are already delivering huge value along economic, environmental, and social lines, but chronic under-investment and fragmented decision-making hold them back. Giving Mayors the power to make waterways part of their regional growth strategies would unlock so much untapped potential.

“Modest and targeted intervention now will protect existing economic activity and allow waterways to contribute much more to the Government’s stated priorities for regional growth, devolution and economic and climate resilience.”

The representation from IWA (sent Tuesday, 9th September) comes ahead of the Autumn Budget on 28 October 2026.

¹ See also submission from the IWA Sustainable Boating Group

View our full Budget Representation.

The post Give Mayors the Power to Unlock Britain’s Waterways, says IWA in 2026 Budget Representation appeared first on The Inland Waterways Association.