FBW’s activities to date have focused on raising awareness of the challenges facing our canals and rivers and the message that increased and sustainable funding is needed.

At the same time as campaigning for increased funding for navigation authorities, FBW recognises the importance of those navigation authorities being able to explain how they are making the best possible use of funds for the waterways. FBW will therefore be holding sessions with major navigation authorities, which started with the Canal & River Trust on 10th April 2024 (see the full report and notes here).

The sessions are chaired by FBW and live streamed to FBW members, with a recording and written notes of the meeting to be made publicly available at a later date. FBW members are invited to submit detailed written questions, which will be collated and submitted to each navigation authority two weeks in advance of its meeting. FBW then asks the questions in the meeting and the navigation authority provides detailed answers, both in person in the meeting and also in writing.

By arranging these sessions, FBW is enabling its members to ask questions on any area including those where reservations are publicly expressed. These will be positive and constructive sessions which we hope will benefit both the navigation authority and FBW.

FBW also held a session with the Middle Level Commissioners on Wednesday 20 November 2024. Questions submitted by FBW members were answered in depth by the Middle Level Commissioners and the session was live streamed for FBW members.  The questions covered at this session are available to view.  Notes from the meeting are available here.