Date Announced for AGM

The Inland Waterways Association’s annual general meeting will be held on Saturday 23rd September, 2023 at the Civic Hall, Stourport-on-Severn, Worcestershire DY13 8UJ. Further details, including the meeting agenda, will be confirmed in due course, posted on the IWA website and shared through the IWA Bulletin email as they become available.

Waterways APPGW

essential role of the waterways in the Government's Environmental Improvement Plan

At its meeting on 28th March in Westminster, the All Party Parliamentary Group for the Waterways (APPGW) heard from Heather Clarke (Canal & River Trust’s Director of Strategy) and Eoin Harris (Canal & River Trust’s Head of Environment) on how inland waterways are a key contributor to the Environmental Improvement Plan. Attendees also heard from Michael Limbrey (Chair of the Montgomery Waterway Restoration Trust) about the Montgomery Canal as a practical example.

The presentations highlighted some of the issues facing our waterways including climate change, plastic pollution, water quality, ageing infrastructure, biodiversity loss, and invasive species. As it was once again held as a hybrid meeting, over 70 representatives of waterways organisations were able to join remotely. A Q&A session followed, in which some of these waterway organisation representatives raised questions which were discussed by the MPs and presenters.

The meeting was chaired by Michael Fabricant, MP for Lichfield and APPGW Chair, and was also attended by Simon Baynes, MP for Clwyd South and APPGW Vice Chair.

Restoration Conference

The 2023 Waterway Restoration Conference, which was jointly organised by the Inland Waterways Association and Canal & River Trust, took place on Saturday 18th March. The event was attended by more than 100 delegates at the Winding Wheel Theatre in Chesterfield, where they explored the journey from pre- to post-restoration with a series of speakers and workshops. This year’s theme was Creating a Sustainable Waterway.

Keynote speakers included George Rogers, Development Manager at Chesterfield Canal Trust, who delivered a presentation about CCT’s successful bid for £5.3m from the Towns Fund. The talk also explored how CCT is having to evolve to lead the delivery of this major scheme – including project governance, resourcing and procurement of external consultants and contractors.

Gemma Gregory, Countryside Service Manager at Derbyshire County Council, also made a presentation about the challenges of operating a canal – from restoration to operation. The third keynote speaker – Roger Clay, Engineering Director at Avon Navigation Trust – explored some of the challenges that can occur in the post-restoration stage, from the perspective of an external navigation authority.

Delegates also had the opportunity to participate in breakout sessions, with an environmental session delivered by Canal & River Trust and a technical session from Terry Cavender, Trustee & Executive Officer at Buckingham Canal Society.

After the conference, delegates were invited to attend an optional site visit led by Chesterfield Canal Trust or go on a self-guided walk. An online survey was conducted during the conference which has prompted some excellent feedback. We thank those who attended the event and look forward to seeing you again at the next Restoration Conference.