Waterways Magazine - Issue 283 Spring 2024

WATERWAYS EDITOR: Ross Stokes Tel: 01283 742962 r.stokes@wwonline.co.uk

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REGISTERED OFFICE: Unit 16B, Chiltern Court,  Asheridge Road, Chesham,  Buckinghamshire, HP5 2PX Tel: 01494 783453 iwa@waterways.org.uk www.waterways.org.uk

For press enquiries contact: pressoffice@waterways.org.uk

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Nothing printed in Waterways may be construed as policy or an o cial announcement unless stated, otherwise IWA accepts no liabili for any ma er in the magazine. Although every care is taken with advertising ma ers no responsibili whatsoever can be accepted for any ma er advertised. Where a photo credit includes a note such as CC-BY-SA, the image is made available under that Creative Commons licence; full details at www.creativecommons.org

P5 Welcome From the Interim Senior Management Team

P7 News

Round-up of all the happenings at IWA and beyond

P11 New award Launch of Sustainable Boating Award

P12 Campaign News

How your support is needed by our waterways

P14 More accessible waterways Catering for disabili

P16 Green spaces

Why our waterways are good for the environment

P20 Profile

Meet the man behind our latest member survey

P22 Member Survey Results revealed

P26 Summer Camps Join us for fun and endeavour

P30 Branch Focus Birmingham, Black Country & Worcestershire Branch

P32 Protecting our wildlife Volunteers step up

P33 Events Dates for your diary 12 30 14 16

SEVEN REASONS WHY YOUR MEMBERSHIP CONTRIBUTION IS VITAL

1. Your voice is counted when IWA speaks up for all those who enjoy the country’s canals and rivers

2. We lobby the government and work with other organisations to repair, improve and protect our waterways heritage

3. Restoration is kept high priori through funding for the Waterway Recovery Group

4. IWA campaign to defend the waterways om unwelcome development

6. IWA Canal Clean-ups led by our branches keep many waterways clear of debris

5. Over 10,000 days of volunteering each year will be supported with the right training, tools and materials

7. We pass on traditional skills and work-based experience for volunteering young people

Welcome from the Interim Senior Management Team

Writing at the start of 2024, we look back at 2023 as a year when it became clear that IWA is needed more than ever, to campaign for the government funding that is necessary to avert decline, and even closure, of our waterways. Since the launch of the Fund Britain’s Waterways campaign in June, a great deal has been achieved but, as Les Etheridge explains below, we need to do much more.

We have also been busy promoting and enabling waterway restoration, and our Sustainable Boating Group is leading the way in lobbying government to help boat-owners to take a more environmentally iendly approach. Indeed, every part of IWA is busy making a di erence for all waterway users.

We announced at the 2023 AGM that a working group was to consider options for the development of IWA in both the short and longer term. Rapid progress has been made,

including a member survey which a racted a pleasingly high response rate. Our thanks for your thoughtful and constructive input. The working group reported to a face-toface trustees meeting in January, and you can see the first survey results on page 22.

We would like to take this opportuni to thank all the volunteers and sta who worked so hard throughout 2023 to ensure that the vital work of IWA continues to be delivered. Without this support, we simply wouldn’t be able to achieve everything that IWA does and only IWA can do.

Nick Dybeck, Neil Edwards, Charlie Norman, Sue O’Hare and Mike Wills Interim Senior Management Team (neil@waterways.org.uk)

Fund Britain's Waterways Plans for 2024

by Les Etheridge, Chair

of Fund

Britain's Waterways

When IWA led the launch of Fund Britain’s Waterways (FBW) at the end of June 2023, I hoped we would be able to bring together many of the groups with an interest in our inland waterways. The target in my mind was 50 organisations, which I thought was a significant challenge. I am delighted to say we now have well over 100 and the number continues to grow, which reflects the level of support for our waterways and the wide concern about cuts to waterways funding.

FBW got o to a good start in 2023 and we know our views have been heard by government – and not simply as a result of the boats sounding their horns outside the Palace of Westminster last November! If the campaign is to meet its aims, we need to achieve much more in 2024, with a general election looming and the prospect of a new government.

FBW is about funding for all navigation authorities. It is not, as some have assumed, simply about ge ing more funding for Canal & River Trust. There are many examples of underfunded waterways – for instance the Environment Agency navigations, the Broads, the Basingstoke Canal and Sco ish Canals –and I have recently heard that Neath Port Talbot Council is considering withdrawal of funding to the Neath Canal, which could cause loss of public access to the canal’s towpath. FBW wants navigation authorities to clearly demonstrate publicly that they are making good use of the funds they have as government can’t and shouldn’t be expected to fund ine ciency.

Politicians will be invited to view the event and express their support for the waterways being enabled to maintain the economic, health, environmental and well-being benefits they provide.

FBW plans for 2024 include an important weekend of action over the May Day Bank Holiday weekend (4th-6th May) to highlight the impact of insu cient funding for all navigation authorities.

Boaters a ending Canalway Cavalcade at Li le Venice that weekend (at which the theme will be Fund Britain’s Waterways) are being invited to join a Campaign Cruise past the Houses of Parliament on Wednesday 8th May.

The weekend of action is planned to take place across the country and to cover all inland navigation authorities. We have asked for FBW members to organise events and I hope IWA branches and regions will be at the fore ont in spreading the word that waterways need to be properly funded to stop them falling into decline. Events can be as simple as a few boats gathered together at a public location where flyers can be handed out and people encouraged to sign our petition or get involved. The more events that take place, the more public support will be gained for the campaign.

We hope that activities taking place across the country over the weekend will a ract local and national media, building up to the Westminster cruise on 8th May for which we will be aiming for national coverage.

IWA has led FBW om the outset and is investing heavily in the campaign. But to get the best results om that additional investment, we need some more support om people willing to help organise events and activities, and in running the campaign itself. There has never been a more opportune time for you to get involved in IWA’s work. The more volunteers we have to run events or a end other people’s events, to spread the message, to obtain signatures to our petition and to recruit new members, the more we can look to achieve. But we also need the help of those with management and strategy-se ing experience. Please o er your support, ideas or donations by contacting info@fundbritainswaterways.org.uk. We will be only too pleased to hear om you.

To misquote, 'Your Waterways Need YOU!'

Photo © Kevin Maslin

School pupils volunteer to improve the towpath through Berkhamsted

On the scorching-hot final day of the summer term 2023, 40 pupils from Berkhamsted Boys’ School set to work painting infrastructure along the Grand Union Canal, adjacent to the school’s Castle Campus in Berkhamsted. The day – organised through IWA working in collaboration with CRT – formed part of the annual House Service Day, time set aside from normal lessons to make a difference for good in the local community.

After a health and safety briefing led by Jack Prothero from CRT, the boys were introduced to the history of the Grand Union Canal and work of CRT and IWA by Chiltern branch member and geography teacher, Paul Greenhalgh. Under the supervision of school and CRT staff, the boys divided into small groups, before walking to five sites along a mile-long stretch of the nearby canal.

In the space of just a few hours, the aesthetic of the towpath environment was transformed, as the boys demonstrated leadership and worked collaboratively to paint mooring bollards, railings and paddle gear. One yeareight student, who worked on painting the Castle Street footbridge (141), commented on how satisfying it was to renew a piece of infrastructure used by hundreds of people in the school community and wider public each day.

It is hoped the students’ efforts have been appreciated by waterways users throughout the summer and they look forward to new projects to work on next year.

Great Haywood Canal Junction saved from development

The historic junction of the Trent & Mersey Canal and the Staffs & Worcs Canal at Great Haywood has been saved from a housing development.

Waterways Management Show

Last year a new event, the Waterways Management Show, was held on 22nd-23rd November at ExCeL in London’s Docklands.

A planning application for 27 houses directly opposite the junction, on land that has been a meadow since the canals were built 250 years ago, has been refused by Stafford Borough Council.

At this iconic junction where the two canals join, the historic Junction Bridge is not only a listed building but a scheduled ancient monument. The council ruled that the development would have irreparably damaged the views and the setting of this unique part of the canals’ Conservation Areas.

The IWA Lichfield Branch had strongly objected to the plans on heritage grounds.

The many reasons include “substantial and irreversible change to the setting of the historic canal junction Haywood Junction which incorporates three conservation areas, two listed buildings, and a scheduled ancient monument” with “serious harm to the numerous heritage assets in this extremely sensitive and heritagedense location”.

IWA welcomes the decision for its comprehensive refusal which hopefully gives no grounds for an appeal.

It ran alongside the established Floodex and National Drainage Show, with the intention of encouraging a holistic approach to water and water level management. IWA had the opportunity to participate with a stand and speaker slot, and we decided to make the most of it to take the Fund Britain’s Waterways message to a professional audience from the water and waterways sector.

All three shows were located in one hall at ExCeL. Even as a whole they were much smaller than the kind of consumer-oriented events that IWA is more used to attending, and footfall was much lower. Nonetheless we had a steady flow of interested and knowledgeable attendees and are pleased to report good conversations, leads to follow up for both FBW and IWA, and signatures on the FBW petition.

Our thanks to the team of volunteers from IWA and our FBW colleagues AWCC and NABO who manned the stand, and to the IWA campaigns and marketing team, and especially John Fevyer for making it happen.

Volunteers get to work on offside vegetation

IWA Lichfield Branch volunteers have been busy cutting back the protruding off-side vegetation on the Trent & Mersey Canal. Having begun at Fradley Junction in October 2023, they are currently working their way north to Great Haywood, and will then head down the Staffs & Worcs Canal.

Since its inception in 2017 as a joint venture with CRT, IWA’s intrepid team have worked each winter addressing what is often one of the major sources of complaints from boaters.

Volunteer coordinator and branch vice-chair Neil Barnett says: “It’s hard going at times, particularly in adverse weather, and progress can be painfully slow. We have to cease the operation as soon as the nesting wildlife begins (usually in early March), meaning that in the past we’ve run out of time and had to finish the operation before reaching some of the more problematic parts of the canal further ahead.”

Added to that is the fact that the vegetation cutting of the various stretches of canal have fallen so far behind. “Ideally, each stretch should be addressed every three years, but in reality it’s five or six years between each cut, which obviously adds to the time it takes us to deal with it. So this winter, in order to cover a greater distance and therefore deal with many more of the particularly problematic locations, we are having to just concentrate on the places which predominantly cause issues with navigation.

“These are places such as approaches to bridges and locks, narrow sections of canal, increasing the width on bends and the sight lines on the approaches to them, opposite popular moorings, and low hanging branches. Sometimes the occasional protruding branches may be left if there is room for one boat to hold back and give way to an oncoming boat.

“It’s not ideal, of course,” says Neil. “But needs must in order to get the job done. We also take into account what the actual vegetation is. For example, just a 10m section of hawthorn, blackthorn or brambles can take as long as two hours to address, so we will only deal with these if they particularly impede navigation.”

Heading the day-to-day operation is lead volunteer Jeff Steele, whose main responsibility is to ensure that all the safety criteria are strictly adhered to, as well coordinating the volunteers to ensure that there is enough cover for each day with the necessary skills and qualifications to operate the tools and machinery.

Neil is always looking for more volunteers, so please get in touch with him if you are interested in joining the team (lichfield@waterways.org.uk).

“There’s no need for any initial commitment, just come along and watch us in action and see if it might be something for you. It’s great exercise, with plenty of fresh air, lots of banter and camaraderie, and a chance to mess about in a boat, so what’s not to like? We work hard but we keep within our physical limitations. Most of us are in our advancing years so are always mindful of not overdoing it, and most of us do just one day a week.”

Annual Restoration Conference

Bookings are open for the 2024 Annual Restoration Conference. Jointly organised by IWA, Canal & River Trust and Buckingham Canal Society, it will be held on Saturday 13th April at the University of Northampton, Creative Hub.

The theme is Connected Working in Restoration and, given the current funding restraints, the conference will focus on the importance of working in partnership and maintaining positive relationships with a wide range of people including landowners, local authorities, navigation authorities, community groups and volunteering bureaux, as well as waterway and towpath users.

The conference is a must for anyone involved in waterway restoration and volunteering, and a great opportunity to network and have in-depth discussions with experts across the field.

The conference will run from 10am to 3.30pm, and the £10 registration fee will help cover costs.

For more information email verena.leonardini@ waterways.org.uk or call 01494 783453 Ext 607.

Lichfield Branch veg clearance. NeIl BARNett

Parliamentarians hear about achieving net zero on UK leisure craft

Legislative and tax barriers need to be overcome to achieve net zero emissions on the waterways, parliamentarians were advised at a recent meeting of the Waterways All Party Parliamentary Group.

The MPs and peers of APPG met in Westminster on 28th November 2023, and were joined by representatives from navigation authorities, waterway organisations and government officials. Two speakers gave presentations describing ways in which inland waterways could reduce emissions and contribute to the UK’s net zero carbon target and the barriers to doing so.

Bowman Bradley, chair of the joint IWA, RYA and Cruising Association Working Group, gave an overview of the issue, explaining that while technology for electric boats is progressing, the key to improved sustainability is the existing fleet. It is large, will be with us for some time (leisure boats have a very long lifespan) and many are unlikely to be converted to electric drive. They are mostly driven by, mainly small, diesel engines. These will need diesel fuel for decades to come. First-generation FAME biodiesel gives significant problems in a marine environment, even at the 7% level. It is even more water absorbent than mineral diesel and deteriorates with storage, particularly in a damp environment.

Mr Bradley explained how IWA’s Sustainable Boating Group has done extensive trials with a second-generation biodiesel, HVO (hydrogenated vegetable oil). This has been shown to be fully compatible with modern and traditional boat engines and other diesel-burning appliances found on leisure craft. It can be used at 100% or mixed in any proportion with mineral diesel. It can use all of the existing refuelling infrastructure, on shore and on board. It has none of the problems associated with FAME biodiesel. HVO offers a net CO 2 reduction of up to 90% and significant reductions in noxious exhaust pipe emissions when compared with mineral diesel.

Simon Lawford from Crown Oil gave a presentation on the factors preventing HVO from being widely available. Like most biofuels, HVO is inherently more expensive than mineral diesel and thus benefits from a government-managed subsidy (RTFCs), but this only applies to fuel used for boat propulsion, not for domestic purposes. Most leisure boats have only one fuel tank and there are different tax and duties applied to mineral diesel when they refuel (the 60/40 split) and this also applies to HVO. Several government departments own different parts of this problem. The overall result is that HVO is expensive and complex for the suppliers to market to leisure boaters. Hence wholesalers and retailers are reluctant to supply it and boaters cannot, or will not, buy it.

IWA, the RYA and the Cruising Association have recently formed a joint working group to bring this problem to the attention of government. After the presentations to the All Party Parliamentary Group for the Waterways, they met with the Department for Transport to explain the issue, but more needs to be done.

After the presentations to the All-Party Parliamentary Group for the Waterways they met with the Department for Transport to explain the issue, resulting in changes to the Renewable Transport Fuels Subsidy (see following news story for more detail).

Leisure boaters move closer to using subsidised biofuel in battle to decarbonise waterways

A subsidised biofuel, which will help decarbonise the waterways, has been given the green light for more widespread use on leisure boats by the government. The Department for Transport (DfT) provided written clarification over the Renewable Transport Fuel Certificates (RTFCs) subsidy after the HVO Joint Working Party – representing IWA, RYA and the Cruising Association – met with officials from the DfT in Westminster in November 2023.

Leisure boaters looking to reduce their carbon footprint while cruising will be able to take greater advantage of a government-managed subsidy on hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO), after the DfT agreed that the benefit can apply to fuel used for onboard domestic purposes, as well as for the propulsion of vessels.

The move will narrow the price gap between HVO and mineral diesel. It will also mean that it will be easier for suppliers to market HVO to the leisureboating sector in the future as they will not have to establish what proportions of the fuel will be used for domestic and propulsion purposes on the vessel, a requirement complicated by the fact that most leisure vessels have only one fuel tank.

Bowman Bradley, chair of the Joint Working Party and IWA’s Sustainable Boating Group, said: “We are delighted that DfT appears to have recognised the problems that the leisure-boating sector faces and has taken this important first step towards resolving them.”

However, the group warned that even with the new measures, there will still be a significant price gap between HVO and mineral diesel. The Joint Working Party will continue to work with government to seek to make HVO affordable to the leisure boater to allow the sector, and the existing fleet in particular, to transition away from fossil fuels.

This will also then resolve the safety issues associated with using B7 diesel in a marine environment, particularly in craft that cruise challenging waters.

Mr Bradley added: “We look forward to continuing the dialogue with DfT, and other relevant government departments, to find a complete solution. In this way we can significantly transition the leisure-boating sector away from fossil fuels and eliminate the engine failures associated with B7 diesel. If you are in the middle of the Trent & Mersey Canal, it is just an expensive inconvenience but on the tidal Trent, in a fast-flowing estuary or 2 miles off the coast in a force eight, it becomes a problem.”

Conference celebrates life of IWA co-founder

The 50th anniversary of the death of L.T.C. Rolt, co-founder of the Inland Waterways Association, will be commemorated with a major conference at the Ironbridge Gorge Museum in May. The conference, led by academics from Keele University, will celebrate the prolific author’s life and his contribution to recording the country’s industrial history.

L.T.C (Tom) Rolt was a renowned practical engineer and prolific writer who wrote on many subjects, including canals, railways and cars, as well as fiction. Regarded as one of the founders of the 20th-century waterways and railway preservation movements, he actively participated in the foundation of numerous organisations including IWA, Talyllyn Railway and the Vintage Sports-Car Club. His book Narrow Boat, published in 1944, is credited with reviving interest in Britain's canals and saving them from dereliction.

Rolt was an early supporter of the Ironbridge Gorge Museums, which made the trust a natural choice of home for Rolt’s papers after his death. The conference will be a major retrospective of his life, work and legacy, and chart the story of at least some of the organisations and initiatives he founded and supported.

Dr Ben Anderson, senior lecturer in environmental history at Keele University, said: “Rolt’s prodigious writing and practical intervention resulted in the first heritage railway and the restoration of thousands of miles of waterways.

L.T.C. Rolt: Life, Work, Legacy will be held at Ironbridge Gorge Museum on 10th May. ironbridge.org.uk/learn/ltc-rolt-conference

IWA responds to Increase in Navigation charges

IWA has submitted a representation to the Secretary of State regarding the toll increases imposed on boaters on Broads Authority navigations. In December 2023, the Broads Hire Boat Federation launched a challenge, under the Harbours Act, against the Broads Authority's decision to increase tolls by 13% in 2023. As part of this process interested parties were invited to submit representations to the Department of Transport to assist with the decision.

The Norfolk and Suffolk broads have National Park status, but navigation is integral to their character, bringing economic, environmental and societal benefits to the region. Consequently, maintaining the safety of navigators and funding adequate maintenance is crucial. Unlike other major inland navigation authorities, the Broads Authority does not receive government funding for navigation maintenance and relies solely on toll revenue.

In the letter to the Secretary of State, IWA expressed concern over the toll increases but acknowledged the challenges faced due to inflation and climate change. Climate change, in particular, has significantly impacted the Broads, necessitating increased resources for maintenance and safety provisions.

However, boatyards and private boat-owners are finding these toll rises difficult. The toll hikes have led to a decline in boat movement, posing a threat to the essential character of the Broads and potentially degrading its National Park status.

IWA urged the government to recognise the necessity of financial support to ensure the continued maintenance of navigation and preservation of the Broads' character. Appropriate provision would enable tolls to be kept affordable and boats to continue as a defining feature of the Broads.

IWA concern at threatened closure of access to the Neath Canal

IWA has expressed its deep concerns at plans announced by the local authority, in a recent consultation, to cease funding of towpath access to the Neath Canal, which would likely lead to the canal being entirely closed off to public access. In a letter to the leader of the council, chair of IWA’s Navigation Committee, Sue O’Hare, urged Neath Port Talbot Council to recognise the value of public access to the whole length of the Neath Canal and to work with the private owner to ensure the continued benefits that use of this valuable asset brings to the community. Much of the Neath Canal is owned by property developers St Modwen, to which the council pays an annual fee to maintain public access.

IWA’s letter draws attention to the Association’s recent report Waterways for Today which demonstrates the benefits of inland waterways and highlights 12 specific themes, and the recent article ‘Waterways at Risk’ in the Local Government Association’s First Magazine, written by Sir Robert Atkins, IWA trustee, former waterways minister and MEP. The council has suggested that it could save £135,000 by terminating access agreements.

The benefits and importance of the towpath as a local amenity are recognised in the council’s Rights of Way Improvement Plan. There have also been, so far unsuccessful, attempts, dating back since 1990, to get the towpaths of both the Neath and Tennant canals recognised as public rights of way.

The 13½-mile (21.7km) Neath Canal stretches from Pontneddfechan to Neath, has 19 locks and was first completed in 1795, with extensions added from Neath to Giant’s Grave a year later, and further private extensions including the Jersey Canal, reaching Briton Ferry by 1842. Since construction, the waterway has been owned by the Neath Canal Company, but that company is currently owned by St Modwen, the property developers which acquired it from petrochemical giant BP as part of a major industrial land redevelopment. BP had originally acquired the canal company for industrial water supply purposes.

Use of the canal for navigation purposes ceased in the 1930s, but restoration was proposed in 1974 with the formation of the Neath & Tennant Canals Preservation Society (now Neath & Tennant Canals Trust), and more recently Ty Banc Canal Group has formed to work on the northern part of the canal. From 1974 to 1990, the canal benefited from job creation schemes run by the Manpower Services Commission and Youth Training Scheme to work on the northern section from Resolven to Ysgwrfa. By 1990 there was 3½ miles (5.6km) of navigable canal, including seven restored locks and a slipway at Resolven Basin. It received a 1998 Europa Nostra award for the quality of the work, and a Civic Trust Award in 1992. The £4m project was jointly funded by the Welsh Office and the Prince of Wales Trust. At one time, there were two trip-boats on the canal but both have ceased operating.

Launch of IWA/Towpath Talk Sustainable Boating Award

IWA is pleased to announce the launch of an IWA/Towpath Talk Sustainable Boating Award which will recognise the individuals and organisations or businesses making the most valuable contribution to sustainable boating during the previous calendar year.

There will be two categories: one for individuals or groups representing charitable or communi organisations and one for waterway-related businesses.

Towpath Talk has been highly supportive of the work of IWA’s Sustainable Boating Group and IWA is delighted to be partnering with Towpath Talk to give others the opportuni to showcase the contributions they are making towards moving leisure boating in the direction of ‘Net Zero’.

Janet Richardson, editor of Towpath Talk, commented: “The impact of climate change on the environment and our daily lives is increasingly in the headlines, and over the past year we have highlighted sustainable boating in our pages. This will be a continuing theme during the coming months, with more features in the pipeline.”

Nominations may be made by individuals or organisations wishing to be considered, or by third parties, and may relate either to sustainable methods of propulsion, the reduction in the carbon footprint of domestic energy use on boats, or both.

The closing date for entries and nominations will be 1st July 2024, and further information will be available in Waterways, in Towpath Talk and at waterways.org.uk in the coming months. The award will be judged by a panel comprising of representatives of IWA, Towpath Talk and the waterways communi . The winners will be announced at a presentation event later in the year.

RIGHT: NB Rowan recently converted from diesel to hybrid electric drive.

Ampère, the serial hybrid electric boat owned by Sustainable Boating Group member Malcolm Bridge.

JONATHAN MOSSE

Electric charging point and dedicated mooring, Brecon & Abergavenny Canal.

CAMPAIGNING WITH YOU

Here are some recent issues we’ve been campaigning on with your help

Protect Our Waterways

IWA launched the Protect Our Waterways campaign in March 2023 in response to a broad range of threats to the waterways. The initial focus was on funding for the waterways, in line with our trustees’ decision that campaigning for waterway funding should be the association’s number one priori .

The scale of the threat to our waterways om inadequate funding demands that we combine our voice and resources with those of other organisations. In May 2023 IWA, a er discussions with NABO, took the lead in establishing the Fund Britain’s Waterways action group, with the single purpose of ‘campaigning collectively for an increase in government funding of Britain’s inland waterways to avert their decline, and to promote awareness of the huge economic, environmental and social well-being value they provide’. To date, more than 100 waterway and non-waterway organisations have joined Fund Britain’s Waterways and IWA is playing a leading role on the steering group. In this way, the first strand of the Protect Our Waterways campaign is being delivered through Fund Britain’s Waterways.

Trustees recently reiterated that Fund Britain’s Waterways is therefore IWA’s number one priori at present. Further strands of the Protect Our Waterways campaign will follow when either Fund Britain’s Waterways is concluded or additional resource becomes available. Trustees have therefore resolved that in order to avoid confusion between the two campaigns, IWA will cease to actively promote the phrase Protect Our Waterways in the meantime, and focus solely on Fund Britain’s Waterways.

Fund Britain's Waterways

May Day bank holiday weekend

Since launching at the end of June 2023, Fund Britain’s Waterways has created an impressive coalition of well over 100 member organisations, representing hundreds of thousands of users and supporters of inland waterways. A public petition has a racted close to 50,000 signatures while three well-reported Campaign Cruises in Birmingham, Gloucester and Westminster have substantially raised awareness of the challenges facing our waterways and the need for action. This represents significant progress for Fund Britain’s Waterways. However, there is still a lot of work to be done in terms of expanding membership. We welcome suggestions so please let us know of any organisation that you think should join, by emailing: membership@ fundbritainswaterways.org.uk

Action plans for 2024 include an important weekend of action over the May Day bank holiday weekend (4th-6th May) to highlight the impact of insu cient funding for Britain’s 5,000 miles of inland waterways. The weekend of action is planned to take place across the country on waterways managed by di erent inland navigation authorities. IWA’s annual Canalway Cavalcade event at Li le Venice in London will be an important part of the weekend of action and will this year be themed on Fund Britain’s Waterways. Boaters a ending Cavalcade are invited to join a campaign cruise past the Houses of Parliament on Wednesday 8th May, as the culmination of the weekend of action. Parliamentarians will be encouraged to view the event and express their support for the continued maintenance of the waterways to enable them to keep on delivering economic, health, environmental and well-being benefits. We hope that activities taking place across the country over the weekend will a ract local and national media a ention, building up to the Westminster Cruise on 8th May for which we will be aiming for national coverage. We are looking for local groups to organise events during the weekend of action to spread the word that waterways need to be properly funded to stop them om falling into decline. Events can be as simple as a few boats gathered together at a public location where flyers can be handed out and people can be encouraged to sign the petition or get more involved in the campaign. If you or your organisation could organise an event over the weekend, please contact Hazel Owen (hazelowen.awcc@outlook.com). Please also contact Hazel if you can help promote the FBW campaign at any events you are involved in at any time throughout the year.

Westminster campaign cruise

On 14th November 2023, a flotilla of boats delivered a message to the Palace of Westminster that funding cuts for our canals and rivers are unacceptable and damaging. The boats, a mixture of leisure and commercial, drew parliamentarians’ attention to their presence and the FBW banners they were displaying by sounding their horns outside the Palace of Westminster. They were cheered on by a group of supporters on Westminster Bridge.

Sir David Suchet CBE FRSA, a long-term supporter of the waterways and a Vice President of IWA, said, “Our waterways are valued and used by millions of people. Over the years volunteers have not only worked to protect and restore them but also ensured that governments appreciate their value. I am pleased to see this proud tradition continue.”

Christine Kemp, a long-standing waterway volunteer and liveaboard boater who participated in the Westminster Campaign Cruise as well as in an earlier campaign in 2007, said: “Who would have thought after the 2007 campaign cruise against Defra cuts that we would need to be here again in 2023, asking the government to look after our heritage and infrastructure? My boat is my home, and I spend time volunteering to help keep the canals in as good a condition as we can, but cuts to waterways funding will have a devastating effect on the canals and my way of life. Our waterways are one of the things that make this country special – serious cuts to their funding risk losing them for everyone.”

Get involved Petition

Please sign our petition calling on prime minister Rishi Sunak to guarantee future funding of the entire 5,000-mile network of canals and navigable rivers. Our campaigning coalition aims to deliver at least 100,000 signatures to 10 Downing Street. There’s so much at stake. Add your name and help us by circulating to your networks. change.org/p/fund-britain-swaterways

Donate

Making a donation to FBW will help the group to continue campaigning for government to provide sufficient grant funding to retain the huge environmental, economic and social benefits that Britain’s inland waterways provide. All the donations raised will go into a restricted fund and will contribute towards campaign costs for Fund Britain’s Waterways. Donate here: https://justgiving.com/campaign/fbw.

Resources

We’ve developed a range of free resources to help you to get involved in the campaign and show your support for our waterways. The following can be downloaded from our website here: fundbritainswaterways.org. uk/fbw-resources.

Window stickers

Attendees at upcoming IWA and FBW events will be able to collect a free, professionally printed window sticker from the campaign stand. We are also considering ways to distribute window stickers to IWA members, either by including them in membership renewal packs or with future editions of Waterways magazine. In the meantime, please download, print and proudly display a temporary window sticker from the FBW website. Whether you are afloat or on dry land, these will send out a striking message.

Social media graphics

You can show your support for the campaign by sharing our social media posts. However, we also encourage you to create your own posts using the range of social media graphics available on the FBW website. Just make sure to include the hashtag #FundBritainsWaterways in your posts. You can also make a real statement by updating your cover photo on Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn to our FBW cover graphics.

Raising voices.

Campaigners on Westminster Bridge in November.

The campaign cruise descends on Westminster.

TOWARDS ACCESSIBLE WATERWAYS DAY

The recently formed Accessible Waterways Association held its first event on Saturday 2nd December – a joint venture with the Canal & River Trust. AWA founder Tracey Clarke reports.

The event, in celebration of the International Day of People with Disabilities, was designed to highlight what is already happening to make our inland waterways more accessible. It was also an opportunity for open discussion on the best ways forward. Several IWA representatives attended and IWA is very supportive of the new association and its aims. AWA is working with IWA Navigation Committee to revise all our policies with accessibility in mind.

Held in the fully accessible and well-equipped brand-new Trefoil House, built for the Girl Guides, the central Birmingham location proved a popular choice. It was unfortunate that the weather and rail strikes meant a handful of people were unable to attend, but those who did enjoyed the presentations and participated in very active discussions. The free buffet lunch also went down well.

contributors

The day was aimed at anyone who has a disability or who cares about the accessibility of our inland waterways and the surrounding environments. It included exhibition stands from:

• Accessible Waterways Association

• Canal & River Trust

• Waterlodge UK Ltd

• Overwater Wheelyboat Services

• Food Allergy Friends Ltd

• Bruce Boats

• Waterways Chaplaincy

• Navigating the System.

Unfortunately, two other exhibitors were unable to attend due to the day’s railway issues:

• National Association of Boat Owners

• Lyneal Trust

Tracey Clarke, founder of AWA

Tracey Clarke, founder of AWA, introduced the day, with Matthew Symonds from CRT doing the inevitable “housekeeping”. AWA was formed initially to administer the ‘Boaters’ Blue Card’, but it has become obvious that there is far more work to be done to make the inland waterways more accessible. They are currently working closely with CRT, but the aim is to get other waterways authorities involved too. To that end, it was unfortunate that the rail strikes put paid to the delegate from the Environment Agency attending. As AWA is still in its infancy, they are looking for more people to get actively involved. A few have already expressed interest in helping as a result of the day.

Paralympic kayaker Rob Oliver

Paralympic kayaker Rob Oliver (pictured) spoke about his experience of and gratitude for use of the canals around Birmingham during the Covid lockdowns, when training facilities were closed. Rob used the canals to train for the Tokyo Paralympics 2021, where he won a bronze medal. Through that time, he became very fond of our inland waterways

There were talks/ presentations from:

• Rob Oliver, paralympic medallist kayaker

• Tracey Clarke, AWA

• Matthew Symonds and Dick Vincent, CRT

• Liz Humphreys –

‘Having a boat built for full accessibility needs’

• Rekha Vijayshankar, Marie Curie

• Rev Richard Alford, waterways chaplain.

system, and says that he prefers them to the ‘clinical’ training facilities, because they combine his rigorous training with enjoyment of the wonderful and very varied surroundings.

Rob then opened a very interesting Q&A session, as he was keen to learn about the experiences of others in accessing the canal system. This highlighted a shared frustration with some of the barriers to those with accessibility needs, which were also the subject of the later talk by Dick Vincent (National Towpath Advisor for CRT), and Matthew Symonds (National Boating Manager and acting Customer Services Manager).

Matthew Symonds and Dick Vincent outline CRT plans

Dick and Matthew talked about their plans for towpath improvements. They referred to a recent site visit with AWA to discuss what had been done in Loughborough, and the problems with motorcycle barriers on the Erewash Canal. CRT reiterated its intent to remove all such barriers wherever possible as it was generally felt that they had outlived their usefulness. In fact, they posed more of a problem to genuine users of the towpath than those they were supposed to stop. In areas where these barriers have already been removed, or fixed open, there had been no noticeable increase in antisocial behaviour.

CRT also introduced a prototype of an accessible mooring bollard. This has been created in response to discussions on the Disabled Boaters’ Forum over the last few months. While it is acknowledged that there is no ‘one size fits all’, the bollard addresses most of the issues many boaters with mobility issues face. There was a very positive discussion about the introduction of this bollard.

Naturally, the subject of accessible moorings came up. CRT admitted that it does not have records of most of the current locations, but there was a commitment to introduce a significant number over the next few years, which was included in the new Towpath Policy. Usage would be difficult to monitor, but it was hoped that the general boating community would respect them. There was a very enthusiastic discussion about suitable locations for them, as well as surrounding facilities such as local shops and access to the canal. CRT is open to suggestions of places to trial them. This session proved so popular and interesting that it overran by 30 minutes.

Liz Humphries

Liz Humphries provided some insight into having her own bespoke boat built to accommodate her increasing health and mobility difficulties. This shows that it can be done and that a boat can be an excellent home, even when we face very challenging physical difficulties. Again, there was a very active Q&A session afterwards.

Rekha Vijayshankar, Marie Curie

Rekha Vijayshankar, from Marie Curie, was unfortunately unable to join us in person. However, thanks to the wonders of modern technology, she gave us a great presentation about the services that Marie Curie can offer for end-of-life care – especially for those living a nomadic life on the canals, either with or without a partner. This seems like a morose subject but it is one that we all face at some point. Rekha tackled the topic with wonderful sensitivity, delivering it in a delightful and sometimes gently humorous manner. It most definitely gave us all food for thought and for further conversation. As the presentation was recorded, it is available for all on the Accessible Waterways website.

Rev Richard Alford, Waterways Chaplaincy

Rev Richard Alford spoke about the ways in which the waterways chaplains are able and very willing to befriend, advise and assist any boater in need. Although they are Christian based, they only offer to share their faith if asked – their main work is solely based on providing support to those who need it. Over the years, they have built up an extremely good reputation around the network and are often the first port of call for anyone in distress of any kind.

The day closed with some final Q&A. The event was a great success, with many attendees saying they would love to attend a similar one in the future.

Tim and Tracey, the founder directors of AWA, are now in the process of applying for more grant funding to enable continued development of the work of the association. This will help fund more events like this in various locations around the country. They are open to suggestions of suitable locations to do this. They are also planning on holding a stand at both the BoatLife exhibition in Birmingham in February, and the Crick Boat Show at the end of May. If anyone is interested in helping out, please get in touch (info@awa-uk.org.uk) or by calling 07354 918196.

AWA Membership

Membership of AWA is open to anyone who identifies as having a disability or accessibility issues (whether diagnosed or not), or anyone with a personal interest. AWA is also keen to encourage businesses and organisations to join as corporate members. (awa-uk.org.uk)

HIGHLIGHTING THE BENEFITS WATERWAYS FOR TODAY

BENEFITS 4 and 10

In the last of our series on the benefits of our waterways, covered in IWA’s Waterways for Today report, Alison Smedley looks at how

they can protect and improve the natural environment while at the same time supporting and improving our health and well-being.

Benefit 4

Protecting and improving the natural environment

Our waterways are blue-green corridors that play a vital role in reconnecting disparate habitats, enabling biodiversi net gain and providing wider environmental benefits through habitat creation and improvement.

The o -side banks of canals and rivers o er largely undisturbed homes for wildlife to flourish, while at the same time providing opportunities for people to see plants, insects and birds that they wouldn’t normally experience in an urban environment.

Our waterways accommodate many protected species, including water voles, o ers, native crayfish and rare aquatic plants. Strategies being developed all over the country will enhance and restore habitats located on or near waterways and improve the ecological connectivi between them.

The Environment Act 2021 requires most development schemes in England to deliver a biodiversi net gain of at least 10%, and for this to be maintained for at least 30 years. Local authorities and developers should consider neighbouring waterways, whether navigable or restoration projects, as o site locations for biodiversi credits where a developer cannot achieve the target on its own site.

It is important to note that while managed waterways can boost biodiversi , the water quali of our rivers and canals must be improved, by upholding and enhancing legislation, for wildlife to flourish.

Facts & Stats

Among the interesting facts included in the report are:

■ In 2007 the Inland Waterways Ameni Council concluded that built waterways make an important contribution to biodiversi , and to aquatic wildlife in particular.

■ More recently, an international study in November 2020 found that “historic canals have the potential to contribute to both cultural heritage and biodiversi conservation”.

■ Navigable inland waterways are home to over 100 Sites of Special Scientific Interest.

■ More than 1,000 waterway-based coun wildlife sites are an integral part of the UK’s Nature Recovery Network.

■ Habitat creation (aquatic, land-based and aerial), improvement of wetland habitats, management of reed beds and installing new fish passes can all contribute to biodiversi net gain.

Released at the IWA’s AGM in 2022, the report provides evidence that demonstrates why waterways should be receiving full support and funding om government, and it is already being used in earnest as a campaigning tool in lobbying MPs and government about the future funding for the waterways.

WATERWAYS FOR TODAY OVERVIEW OF THE 12 BENEFITS

In this issue we explore two more of the 12 benefits outlined in the report, but here is a reminder of what they are.

The full report, available to download om IWA’s website, is being widely distributed to politicians, government departments, local authorities and funding bodies. It can be used as a tool for your local campaigns, with materials downloadable om the website including PDFs relating to each of the 12 benefits.

Economic

1. Contribute to economic recovery

2. Encourage increased spend in local communities

3. Facilitate savings to the NHS and social care budgets

Natural & Built Environment

4. Enhance and improve the natural environment

5. Protect heritage for future generations

6. Improve sustainabili and help to combat climate change

Local Communities

7. Connect communities

8. Provide opportunities for education and young people

9. Create jobs, training and apprenticeships

Improving People's Lives

10. Encourage improved physical health

11. Improve mental health and well-being

12. Create be er places to live

Case study

canal park improves biodiversity

In 2019, the Wilts & Berks Canal Trust initiated a major project to improve the biodiversity along the line of its canal, including the 4-acre Shrivenham Canal Park it owns. The project aims to establish the park, which is adjacent to the canal, as a community and environmental asset. It hopes to increase the number and type of habitats to attract species back into the park, while implementing a maintenance strategy that preserves and encourages biodiversity gains. Visitors will learn about biodiversity and habitat creation through community engagement events.

The work was supported with a £14,000 grant from IWA, which enabled studies of the flora and fauna, and plans to be drawn up. Among steps taken to improve biodiversity in the park are leaving areas of longer grass, sowing wildflowers and planting for species attraction, bird and bat boxes, bug ‘hotels’, habitat refuges within the copse, sanctuary zones and natural fencing. Information panels, signage and seating will all help to make the park a place people want to visit. A key feature will also include rewatering the 125m section of canal, enabling canoes and paddleboards to be launched from the existing slipway. This project is a small part of the long-term plan for the eventual reopening of the 70-mile canal across Oxfordshire and Wiltshire.

“I have been lucky enough to explore the joy of waterways all across Great Britain and they remain one of the great hidden assets of this country. People swim, drink, float, fish and sometimes just marvel at them. But I am shocked by what terrible custodians we have become of this great resource. We need awareness and we need support for this hidden glory before it is too late.”

Griff Rhys Jones, actor and comedian

Benefit 10:

Improved physical health

The inland waterways open up incredible opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, running, cycling, fishing, sailing, canoeing, paddleboarding and volunteering. Waterside routes are free and accessible to all – on foot, by bicycle, with the family, with a dog, on the way to work – and, due to their topography, offer flat or shallow gradients on good-quality paths, making them ideal for people with mobility problems. Hundreds of miles of existing canal towpaths are already incorporated in the National Cycle Network 45 but there are many more paths which are not suitable, or which do not exist, such as along rivers and navigable drains, or the towpaths of waterway restoration projects.

New paths will provide improved health and well-being for the millions of people who live near these waterways. Disability friendly towpaths mean inclusive access by wheelchairs, mobility scooters and with pushchairs.

Waterways also offer affordable ways to get afloat, such as canoeing and other paddle sports, trip-boats or hiring a boat for a day. The Covid-19 pandemic brought significant numbers of people to the waterways for the first time, and in some locations this has put huge strains on existing infrastructure. Further investment in facilities such as parking, access points and long-distance trails is needed to improve accessibility for even more people.

Shrivenham Canal Park –autumn water.

Griff Rhys Jones opens Flatford Lock, 19th October 2014.

Family towpath cycling.

Case study:

#ShePaddles ambassador

British Canoeing, Canoe Wales and the Scottish Canoe Association choose a series of inspirational #ShePaddles ambassadors every year, with the aim of promoting the fantastic variety and benefits of paddle sports, and encouraging more women and girls onto the water.

One of the #ShePaddles ambassadors revealed in 2021 was Charlotte Ditchburn. Charlotte works on public rights of way for a local authority, and fits her paddleboarding into her spare time when she’s not volunteering. Charlotte is also an ambassador for Ordnance Survey and ‘This Girl Can Suffolk’, where she inspires women and girls to get moving, regardless of their shape, size or ability.

Charlotte got involved with paddleboarding in 2020 through a group called the Outdoorsy Type UK. During her first lesson she fell in several times but loved every minute of it. Buying her own board a few months later meant she could head out for trips to the Yorkshire coast, the Lake District and even the Outer Hebrides. Charlotte would love to see more women on the water, no matter their experience. She says: “Paddling makes me feel free: free from the stresses of my working week, free from my social commitments and free from any expectations from others. I would say to someone thinking of trying kayaking, canoeing or stand-up paddleboarding to give it a go!”

“In

1996, Tim was diagnosed with leukaemia. We had a dream of spending time on our boat when he was better. The nature-based therapy of the inland waterways helped his recovery, and today we are still living that dream on The Princess Matilda.”

Facts & Stats

n A study led by Glasgow Caledonian University between 2001 and 2017 focussed on the impact of regeneration along the Forth & Clyde Canal in Glasgow. It found a decline in mortality rates among people living close to the canal, restored with millennium funding in 2001, compared to people living further away.

n Another report concluded that canals generate a public health value of £6.4m each year, based on almost 3.9m additional kilometres of active travel per year, along with over 1m cycle kilometres taken off the roads, and an annual safety benefit of £220,000. Reduction in exposure to poor air quality of almost 85,000 hours per year for people using urban sections of canal was also found.

n 9.1m people visit the Canal & River Trust’s 2,000mile network of waterways every two weeks. Some 690,000 of them cycle, 650,000 people run or jog, 180,000 go fishing and 1.2m use it as a transport route or for commuting to work. Over 1m more visits every fortnight would be possible by creating or restoring an additional 500 miles of waterway paths.

n The Thames Path is a 184-mile long National Trail, which follows the river from its source in Gloucestershire to the Thames Barrier downstream of London. The whole path can be walked, taking in urban and rural landscapes, before heading out to estuary and marshland.

n British Canoeing saw a 40% rise in membership during the summer of 2020, largely due to the Covid-19 pandemic, with 19,000 new members joining during a three-month period. This trend continued in 2021 and the organisation now boasts 92,000 members.

n Just 4% of English waterways currently have uncontested access for paddle sports, with tens of thousands of miles where access could be improved to allow many more people to benefit from healthy outdoor activity and exercise.

Shane Spall, wife of actor Timothy Spall and IWA member

Charlotte Ditchburn, #ShePaddles Ambassador.

Enjoying the waterways in a kayak.

Al IS on Smedley

Tim Spall’s boat The Princess Matilda

Profile Peter Marlow

Ross Stokes talks to the IWA trustee about his passion for our waterways and his involvement with the members survey

At 71, Peter Marlow could be forgiven for looking to take life a little easier, indulging his passion for walking, and spending more time with his young grandchildren. But the retired engineer and project manager, whose distinguished career included working in both the private and public sectors, is embracing new challenges in his role as an IWA trustee.

Over the past few months, Peter has used his considerable skills in IT and AI to help devise and formulate a comprehensive survey of members, the results of which will be key to planning short- and long-term strategies for the association.

This in turn will help IWA to campaign effectively to protect the thousands of miles of inland waterways which are coming under increasing pressure due to recently announced cuts in government funding.

Unlike many members, Peter doesn’t own a boat but, as a keen walker and nature lover who regularly uses the canal paths near his home in Cheltenham, he is passionate about their future. His enthusiasm started when he was a young lad and was taken to see Sapperton Tunnel to research a school project. “Railway tunnels going underground was okay but the idea of putting waterways underground was bizarre,” he recalls.

Peter went on to study at Imperial College in London and started his career as a chartered engineer, specialising in electronic hardware design before branching into software development and later into technical project management. His company Softcopy provided electronic publishing solutions to industry and the media.

As a project manager, Peter was responsible for implementing extensive changes to government IT systems, which included the Cabinet Office.

In more recent years, since he retired, he has turned his skills to the voluntary sector, completing two terms as a trustee of a US-based NGO PM4NGOs which develops free project management guides and certification for the international development sector.

Peter is particularly proud of the fact that 35,000 project managers around the globe have now benefitted from the scheme, which is designed to be cheaper and more accessible than other project management methodologies.

Peter is also a trustee of the Kamba Appeal, a UK-based charity which aims to improve the medical conditions in that area of Sierra Leone.

Survey

Peter and his colleagues began their task by interviewing IWA staff, trustees and branch chairs before setting the survey questions. Pitching these at the right level proved to be quite a challenge. “It was like the story of the three bears,” Peter laughs. “The questions couldn’t be too long or too short. We did 11 revisions before they were finalised.”

To be effective, the questionnaire – the first major survey for eight years –had to offer respondents the chance to share their thoughts and ideas on some of the major issues as well as the usual tick-box answers.

The online survey links were distributed to the membership of around 6,000, mostly by email, with 1,000 posted out. Just over 1,200 responses were received, representing an impressive 20% of members.

The completed submissions contained masses of information, with the final question alone (Anything else you would like to add?) prompting 22 pages of text. Peter used AI to summarise the data and to produce the key findings which are now available to see online (see page 22).

He used a freemium UK-based system for the survey instead of the ubiquitous American versions, paying a modest £170 for a subscription because there were over 1,000 responses.

The survey findings will now serve as a guide for IWA policy and the way forward, but Peter is eager to point out that member expectations will need to be managed. Finite resources will limit what can be realistically achieved.

In the meantime, IWA will continue to campaign for funding to protect our waterways and act as what Peter terms a ‘critical friend’ to all navigation authorities, including the Canal & River Trust which is responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of much of the waterway network.

One of the findings of the survey revealed that 89% of respondents were aged over 60, prompting IWA to look at ways membership can be extended to the broader public.

Peter believes one way to secure additional funding for our waterways is to convince local authorities that they are a vital amenity.

“We often talk about green space but what about blue space as well?” he asks. “I think we should also engage with cycling and other organisations to work together. We face an emergency with our waterways and we could lose them. We all know we are stronger when we work together.”

“We

often talk about green space but what about blue space as well? I think we should also engage with cycling and other organisations to work together. We face an emergency with our waterways and we could lose them. We all know we are stronger when we work together.”

Peter's favourite walks

“We are blessed with lots of walks here in the Cotswolds. One of my favourites, which I like to do two or three times a year, is the 14 miles from Stroud to Kemble along the Thames & Severn Canal. It takes about 4½ hours and there are railway stations at each end. We also recently walked part of the Grand Western Canal at Tavistock which I like to hold as a fine example of a restored waterway. It is absolutely fantastic. It was taken on by the Devon County Council which created a linear country park. I rarely see kingfishers but on that day I saw three. Another walker saw six.”

Stunning view of the Grand Union Canal photographed on a recent walk.

Photo taken on a recent visit to the Sapperton Tunnel.

IWA MEMBER SURVEY RESULTS

As part of IWA’s Reinvigoration Plan, members and corporate members were invited to give their opinions on a range of subjects. These included:

• What is important to you?

• The unique position that IWA holds.

• How do we get our message across? What do we need to do more of? What could we do less of?

• Our future priorities. How do members engage with IWA and vice versa?

• How do we recruit more members?

• The enhanced roles that volunteers could play in the future.

Member survey results

1. What were your reasons for joining IWA?(tick all that apply)

 Overall interest in waterways (81%)

 Campaigning (18%)

 Restoration (43%)

 Events (10%)

 Environment (22%)

 History and heritage (51%)

 Hired a boat on the inland waterways (28%)

 Became a boat-owner (53%)

 Interest in narrowboating (48%)

2. Were there any other reasons for joining?(open text)

• Support for IWA’s aims, including recognition of the historical reputation of the association, and as a way to make a financial contribution

• General interest in the waterways, the importance of their preservation and the shared responsibili for maintaining them for future generations, ‘giving something back’

The survey ran שׁom 27 November to 12 December 2023. It was sent to IWA members under legitimate interest for research purposes. It was anonymous so the data collected was not personally identifiable data.

• More than 6,000 members received the survey (5,187 by email, 1,159 by post) and given links to the Member Survey and the Corporate Member Survey.

• There were 1,228 responses to the Member Survey giving a response rate of 20% (although some joint members may have made individual responses which could have inflated this figure). The 2021 survey response was 13%.

• There were 18 responses to the Corporate Member Survey out of the 321 Corporate Members. These responses contained some helpful comments but it was felt that there were insufficient responses to make any meaningful conclusions. We will be following up with another consultation.

• The need for advocacy and campaigning, to counter government, EA and CRT, and IWA’s role as an independent and collective voice

• Opportunities to network and meet people with similar interests

• Restoration and work of WRG

• Interest in waterways heritage

• Being a boat-owner

• Recreational use of the waterways beyond boating (walking, fishing, kayaking), and interest in the environmental benefits of waterways

• Learning more and keeping up to date about the waterways

• Family connection to the waterways, or being given membership as an o er or gi

• Specific local interests or connection to another waterway organisation, mostly canal restoration trusts

3. Please rate the importance of the following IWA activities (very/quite important %)

• Branch and region social activities and talks (35%)

• Campaigning to preserve navigation and funding for navigation authorities (93%)

• Waterway Recovery Group activities (80%)

• Support for waterway restoration groups and projects (86%)

• Work parties held on navigable waterways, clean-ups etc (74%)

• Holding festivals and events (50%)

• IWA attendance at events and festivals organised by others (59%)

• Support for environmental issues: wildlife/climate/sustainable boating (68%)

• Educational activities (59%)

• Insurance benefits (20%)

• History and heritage (81%)

4. How effective are the following ways of attracting new members?

• Advertising (47%)

• Social media (59%)

• Educational engagement (59%)

• Collaborations (62%)

• Celebrity promotions (48%)

• Waterway events (82%)

5. Are there any other ways we could attract new members? (open text)

• Widening who we engage with

• Collaborations with other waterwaysrelated organisations, particularly hire firms. Stronger outreach with all waterway users through a greater presence on the towpath. More focused involvement in local communities.

• Educational activities in schools and youth groups

• Adopting new ways for how we engage. Stronger social media presence to resonate with a younger audience. Get in on what is already there (e.g. TV programmes and YouTubers). Encourage existing members to spread the word. Discounted memberships and make joining easy, e.g. use of QR codes.

• Strengthening the message of why membership matters

• A united, assertive message that makes it clear how IWA differs from CRT. Target the message at specific user groups, beyond boat-owners. Be forward looking about the value of the waterways, as well as celebrating past achievements.

• IWA needs to collect evidence of what works and adapt

6. The list below shows the main differences between IWA and navigation authorities such as CRT. Do you agree or disagree?

• IWA has an independent voice (91%)

• IWA lobbies government directly (89%)

• IWA lobbies local authorities and other organisations directly (86%)

• IWA has a leadership role (75%)

• IWA is supportive of navigation authorities but can ask difficult questions (87%)

• IWA covers all Britain’s inland waterways (85%)

• IWA supports canal restoration (92%)

• IWA has a vast depth of knowledge of Britain’s inland waterway network (91%)

7. What is IWA's main purpose and how could we better achieve it?

• Preservation and restoration of the inland waterways as a national asset. Clean and navigable waterways for all.

• Lobbying and advocacy to secure funding and support to future-proof the waterways. Holding CRT to account.

• Public awareness and engagement to be more visible and engage with the wider public, beyond boat-owners.

• Educational initiatives providing materials and resources to educate the public about the benefits of waterways.

• Media presence and communication to highlight IWA’s successes via social media and engaging with boaters.

• Collaboration and independence. IWA can achieve more by collaborating but it must retain its independence.

• Collaboration with restoration trusts by providing support, technical advice and resources, and promotion.

• Differentiation from CRT. Focus on areas where IWA can bring unique value, such as political campaigning and independent scrutiny.

• Supporting all waterway users, representing the interests of walkers, cyclists, wildlife enthusiasts and other groups, ensuring inclusive access and enjoyment.

• Strategic focus, the need for a clear direction for IWA.

8. How concerned are you about these current issues with Britain's inland waterways?

• Inadequate funding (99%)

• Pollution (84%)

• Drought and lack of water (88%)

• Climate change (74%)

• Loss of heritage (91%)

• Inappropriate development (86%)

• Poor maintenance of waterway infrastructure (95%)

• Lack of dredging (90%)

• Poor vegetation control on off-side, as well as towpath side (86%)

• General mismanagement of funds on vanity projects (69%)

• Overstaying and or inconsiderate boaters (75%)

• Loss of access (78%)

9. What are your interests in waterways?

n Boat-owner (56%)

n Hire-boater (22%)

n Canoeist/kayaker (5%)

n Walker (56%)

n Angler (4%)

n Paddleboarder (1%)

n Cyclist (13%)

n Restoration volunteer (19%)

n Heritage enthusiast (53%)

n Former boater (23%)

n Concerned about the environment (53%)

n Birder (11%)

n Model boater (1%)

n Other (10%)

10. Where do you live?

• East (9%) • East Midlands (12%)

• London (7%) • North East (2%)

• North West (10%) • Scotland (1%)

• South East (20%) • South West (12%)

• Yorkshire (6%) • Wales (2%)

• West Midlands (15%) • Other (3%)

11. How long have you been a member of IWA?

• Less than 1 year (3%) • 1-5 years (14%)

• 6-10 years (14%) • 11-20 years (22%)

• 21-30 years (17%) • 30+ years (30%)

12. What is your age group?

• Under 30 (0%) • 31-45 (1%)

• 46-60 (8%) • 60+ (89%)

• Prefer not to say (2%)

13. I expect still to be a member of IWA in five years' time.

• Strongly agree (59%)

• Mildly agree (21%)

• Neutral (13%)

• Mildly disagree (2%)

• Strongly disagree (4%)

14. Do you volunteer for IWA or other waterway charity?

• Yes 38% • No 62%

15. If you do volunteer, or you would like to volunteer, what is the main thing you can offer?

Respondents collectively offer a wealth of skills, experiences and passion for waterways. While some face physical limitations, there is a shared desire to contribute in various capacities, emphasising the importance of diverse skills and perspectives in the continued preservation and promotion of waterways. Key themes include:

• Professional and technical expertise including fundraising, senior management, government relations, engineering, software development, archiving, project management, policy, communications, media, digital and communication and administration. Sector specific skills range from expertise in education, planning and historic preservation to practical skills like bricklaying, excavation and boat handling.

• Interest in specific activities including canal restoration, clean-ups, vegetation control and water safety are highlighted. Support for specific projects, events or initiatives, like waterway festivals, heritage preservation and local clean-up efforts, is evident.

• Knowledge and advocacy providing talks, educational partnerships

and raising awareness in their local communities reflecting a deep understanding of waterway systems, historical knowledge and a passion for advocating the importance of waterways.

• Utilising past experience in CRT, restoration societies, as well as WRG and IWA, in roles such as lock-keepers, committee members and newsletter editors, showcasing their longstanding commitment.

16. If members wish, we will organise an online group discussion to cover the issues raised by this consultation early in the New Year. Would you be interested in taking part?

• Yes 30% • No 70%

17. Would you be interested if IWA ran a series of discussions, via Zoom, for members to share their views? If so, please list up to five key topics that would interest you.

• Funding: how it works, other funding sources, what does a reduction mean?

• Restoration: the work of WRG, the future, how far should it go?

• Heritage: historic features and buildings, the evolving use of canals.

• Waterways management: how it works, role of navigation authorities, role of IWA.

• Monitoring: how we scrutinise CRT, how we influence them, how this develops in future.

• Boater issues: support, training, safety, sustainability.

• Environment: climate change, wildlife protection, nature trails, pollution, water supply

• Campaigning and lobbying: how can IWA secure greater political influence?

• Volunteering: recruitment and engagement.

• Membership: cost, retention, engagement.

• Management and leadership: governance in IWA and how it could be improved.

• Branch structure and value including relationship with local restoration groups.

• Inclusivity: engaging new audiences, disabled boating.

• Other: water transfer, promotion of waterway tourism, waterway photography.

18. Anything else you would like to add?

There were several key themes outlined by respondents to the final question. This includes the perceived strengths and weaknesses of IWA, concerns about the organisation’s leadership and mission, the state of waterway maintenance, the need for increased engagement with

younger members, and questions about the organisation’s relevance and structure. It underscores the importance of effective leadership, communication, member engagement and strategic focus.

POsItIVE FEEDBACK

The role of IWA in preserving and extending inland waterway navigation, engagement of volunteers

CONCERNs AND CRItICIsMs

Relationship with CRt – the role of IWA in holding CRT accountable.

CommuniCation and tRanspaRenCy – dissatisfaction with IT infrastructure and the website, calls for more transparency in communication. membeRship and engagement –discussion on the tiered structure of regions and branches, the need to engage more members and the importance in involving younger generations.

leadeRship and oRganisational stRuCtuRe – questions about internal issues, leadership changes and the need for transparency and communication about the organisation’s issues, including financial stability publiC peRCeption and advoCaCy

The need to improve perception and actively dispel the notion that ‘everything is wonderful in the world of waterways’.

These results are available in diagrammatic form as a PDF on the IWA website.

My grateful thanks to Hannah Rigley and Harri Barnes for their help in analysing the data.

Next steps

The Trustees met in mid-January to consider the Member Survey results and map a way forward. Our initial followups are to:

• Refresh our campaigning strategies

• More widely promote our restoration work

• Aim to attract younger members.

• Conduct a wider survey of nonmembers/members in Autumn 2024

• Consult with Corporate Members

• Further improve the website

• Widen our volunteer database

• Encourage members to let us have their email addresses that we don’t have!

Peter Marlow, Trustee

WRG Canal Camps Programme now live!

There are still more than 500 miles of derelict waterways that need your help to restore them. Bookings are open for our 2024 programme of working holidays in England and Wales. IWA’s Waterway Recovery Group has launched its summer programme of working holidays called ‘Canal Camps’. These week-long getaways mean that you can help restore the derelict waterways of England and Wales.

This year, volunteers will support 11 di erent canal restoration projects and undertake a range of work over 17 weeks. For example, you could help build a brand-new traditional-s le brick arch bridleway bridge on the Wey & Arun Canal, rebuild a ‘bullnose’ and help reinstate a section of the Manchester Bolton & Bury Canal that has been closed since the disastrous breach in 1936, or create a flood storage compensation area by the River Erewash on the Cromford Canal using dumpers and excavators.

This year we will be heading to:

10th-17th February

Lancaster Canal FULLY BOOKED!

28th March-2nd April

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Montgomery Canal (Thu to Tue) FULLY BOOKED!

29th June-6th July

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Wey & Arun Canal Rooks Bridge (NWPG) Canal

6th-13th July

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Manchester Bolton & Bury Canal (week 1)

6th-13th July CC2024-05

Wey & Arun Canal Rooks Bridge (KESCRG) Canal (week 2)

13th-20th July

Manchester Bolton & Bury Canal (week 2)

20th-27th July CC2024-07

Cromford Canal

27th July-3rd August

Cotswold Canals JRL (week 1)

3rd-10th August

Cotswold Canals JRL (week 2)

10th-17th August

Louth Navigation 10th-17th August

Cotswold Canals JRL (week 3) 17th- 24th August

Lapal Canal

17th-24th August

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Cotswold Canals Weymoor Bridge (week 1)

24th-31st August

Wey & Arun Canal Bonfire Hanger Towpath (week 1)

24th-31st August CC2024-17

Cotswold Canals Weymoor Bridge (week 2)

31st August-7th September CC2024-18

Wey & Arun Canal Bonfire Hanger Towpath (week 2)

19th-26th October

Coombeswood Canal

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Volunteers at work on the Cotswold Canals (John Robinson Lock).

Derby Canal camp.

WRG volunteers are also invited to join the BCN clean-up on 16th-17th March

– an opportunity to have fun and meet new people while clearing shopping trolleys, tyres, bicycles and even more exciting treasures from the Birmingham Canal Navigations.

Please be aware that some camps are particularly popular and they might get fully booked very quickly If you would like to join in, then do not delay!

If you’re looking to complete the residential part of your Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Award find out more here: waterways.org.uk/waterways/ sites/waterway-recovery-group/dofe-award.

WRG Leadership Training Day and WRG Training Weekend will also open for booking shortly. Don’t forget to check WRG website/social media for any updates.

The waterways of today would not exist without IWA and the work of our dedicated members and volunteers who, over many years, ensured that canals and rivers were saved and enhanced. IWA’s Waterway Recovery Group has helped restore waterways by running Canal Camps, our week-long working holidays, and weekend digs on restoration sites, as well as by providing training for restoration volunteers. Over 500 miles of the UK’s waterways have been saved from dereliction since IWA was founded in 1946. Many more miles are gradually being brought back to life, thanks to the work of IWA and WRG volunteers as well as the extraordinary hard work and dedication of restoration groups all over the country.

Prospective volunteers should email us (verena. leonardini@waterways.org. uk) to reserve a space on our waiting lists.

About WRG Canal Camps

Canal Camps are a great experience for anyone who loves being outdoors and enjoys meeting new people from different backgrounds and of different ages.

Experience is a bonus but isn’t necessary. Our camps offer you a fantastic chance to learn new skills such as:

• Bricklaying

• Stone walling

• Machine operation

• Heritage restoration techniques

Volunteers on our camps work together and make a real difference over the course of the week. They leave with a sense of pride, knowing that they have helped to bring a waterway back to life.

Commenting on her experience, Ju, one of our volunteers, said: “I love the work and seeing the progress and difference we make on so many canals. I also love the social side and the fantastic family you all become!”

Will, another volunteer, said: “One of my favourite parts of the week was the frequent involvement with copious amount of mud and the things lurking in it. I will definitely be returning for another camp and wholeheartedly recommend anyone else considering it to go for it.”

Why restore canals?

We believe they are a key part of our 21st-century green-blue infrastructure. They act as a huge, linear national park, connecting communities, providing safe havens for wildlife and spaces for people to enjoy. They are also an integral part of our industrial heritage and could play an important role in protection from flooding due to climate change.

We welcome volunteers of all skills and ages (minimum age 18 applies). Please note accommodations for WRG Canal Camps are basic and participants will share a room with up to 16 other volunteers. Don’t forget your own sleeping bag, camp bed or inflatable mattress!

Pictures: Projects on the Manchester Bolton & Bury canal (riGHt) and the Louth Navigation (BeLOW).

canal camps offer fun for volunteers of all ages, however, minimum age for all camps is 18.

CRICK BOAT SHOW

 THE UK’S BIGGEST BOATING MARKETPLACE with exhibitors covering everything from across the canal world and a huge dedicated boating marquee

 MORE BOATS ON SHOW THAN EVER – new and used boats (narrowboats and widebeams) to view

 FREE SEMINARS FROM BOATING EXPERTS covering buying, designing, living on and maintaining boats

 MASTERCLASSES – learn from the experts in our presentations by exhibitors

 MOORING – moor in one of three zones along the Grand Union towpath from £1.21 per foot

 CAMPING – from one to five nights, from £25.40 per night

 BEER FESTIVAL – Sponsored by

 FREE BOAT TRIPS – reserve on the day

 VOTE FOR YOUR FAVOURITE BOAT IN SHOW – Sponsored by

 HISTORIC BOATS

 LIVE MUSIC FESTIVAL – Sponsored by

sure

TBirmingham, Black Country and Worcestershire Branch BRANCH FOCUS

he branch covers a wide range of waterways including the River Severn, the urban canals of the West Midlands and the more rural Sta s & Worcs and Worcester & Birmingham and Droitwich canals.

The branch won the achievement award in 2023, particularly for the organisation of the first Fund Britain’s Waterways event in Birmingham in August, and gaining Heritage Inland Port status for Stourport.

The branch maintains its winter social programme, with a varie of speakers at Coombeswood Canal Trust, Hawne Basin, Halesowen. The branch is also active in the heritage and planning areas, working with planning authorities and other heritage groups to preserve the history of our waterways. Regular Himalayan Balsam bashing last summer made a real di erence around Falling Sands Lock on the Sta s & Worcs Canal. An email newsle er is aimed at keeping in touch with the less active membership, providing links to what is going on in the branch area.

Restoration – Droitwich

Some years ago, Birmingham BC&W Branch took a lead in the eventual restoration of the Droitwich Barge and Junction canals, the last restoration project to be fully completed and a success story for the communi and economy of Droitwich. We still take an interest in these waterways and, although ecology and particularly the important reed beds were a vital part of the project, we are now having to argue for adequate cu ing back of reeds to maintain the channel and mooring points for visiting boats.

Lapal Canal

The branch has worked with and supported the Lapal Trust since its foundation in 1990. The trust is restoring the derelict section of the Lapal Canal (formerly the Dudley No 2 Canal) in south Birmingham between Hawne Basin in Halesowen and Selly Oak on the Worcester & Birmingham Canal. Two members of our commi ee are trustees of the trust and our treasurer also acts as their treasurer. Our support extends to donations towards the restoration but we also provide guidance on contacts for technical advice, contractors, the IWA Restoration Hub, CRT and the wider canal restoration communi . Currently the trust is preparing an application to the National Lo ery Heritage Fund for the next stage of the restoration, having completed the first stage at Whitehouse Wharf, funded om its own resources. As well as providing a winding hole for boats to enter the Lapal Canal om the south, it also features moorings and a big civic improvement compared to previously.

Reeds on Droitwich Barge Canal.

Delph Flight – Dudley No 1 Canal.

Bradley Canal Restoration

The branch has supported the Bradley Canal Restoration Socie with a recent donation of £250 and help at their regular work parties which are currently focused on clearing vegetation om the Moorcro Junction end up to the bo om two lock chambers. CRT has been helpful by training and certi ing volunteers in the use of some power tools. Branch members are also involved with accessing funding for a detailed feasibili study and funding streams are being sought through meetings with West Midlands Combined Authori Mayor, Andy Street, and also with the leader of Wolverhampton Ci Council, to explore funding opportunities. Branch members were also involved with organising and running the Socie ’s rally at CRT’s Bradley lockgate workshop last June.

Birmingham Canal Navigations

The campaign event at the Mailbox in Birmingham was well a ended with good press and TV coverage despite the short lead-in period. This was appropriate as much of the branch area is in challenging urban areas, including the Birmingham Canal Navigations (BCN) which are shared with Lichfield Branch. As a less-used waterway which is still partially designated a ‘remainder waterway’, it is at particular risk om future funding cuts and we focus on campaigning for greater maintenance, especially dredging on di cultto-navigate sections. We also support any events which encourage more boats to cruise there and the eventual restoration of the Lichfield and Hatherton canals to create the much-needed through routes. We are particularly interested in making Walsall Town Arm a be er destination for boaters and enhancing local communi benefits to generally increase activi there.

Stourport Heritage Inland Port

A major achievement in 2023 was the o cial designation of Stourport as an Heritage Inland Port, joining Chester and Shardlow, marked in a formal ceremony on 9th September. This was the culmination of many years of background work, led by former branch chair, David Strucke .

‘Heritage Stourport’ was formed through a partnership of Stourport Forward, Stourport Civic Socie , Stourport Yacht Club, Sta ordshire and Worcestershire Canal Socie and IWA, several town councillors and other interested local people who saw the benefit of applying for Heritage Inland Port status.

The historic Georgian Canal Basins, which connect the Sta s & Worcs Canal to the River Severn at the heart of Stourport, have shaped the history and development of the town since its establishment in the 1770s.

We hope that this formal recognition will further stimulate tourism around the canal basins and within the town itself, focusing more a ention on the heritage of the town for tourists and local people and underlining the importance of our heritage when planning decisions are considered.

A Midland Metro tram crossing the canal line west of Moorcroft Junction.

Fund Britain’s Waterways gathering at The Mailbox.

Volunteers step up to protect wildlife

Volunteers have responded to the threats faced by the historic Sankey/St Helens Canal in the Mersey Valley by forming the Save Spike Island & Widnes Canal Restoration Group. They have built clay dams, designed to contain saltwater ingress om high tides on the Mersey, into a canal bed currently low on water a er the closure of Fiddlers Ferry Power Station pumping, and thereby preventing damage to wildlife needing eshwater for survival.

Water levels almost back to normal at Spike Island, Widnes

The power station – now closed and awaiting demolition – had previously pumped cooling water which it had extracted om the River Mersey and then returned to keep this southern section of the canal full of eshwater. It utilised canal water for cooling with some extremely large pumping engines. However, these were taken out of commission before adequate replacements were put in place.

To add to the problem, leaks were found at the Widnes end of the canal, which would have drained what water there was at the Warrington end on this long level pound, so a second clay dam was needed to protect the remaining water in the canal. However, Halton Borough Council has now appointed contractors to both clear the vegetation around the leaks and seal them beginning early in 2024.

Warrington Borough Council will continue to pump water into its section of canal when necessary and, for a long-term solution, a lease has been taken on the former power station pumping house. More suitable pumps will be installed when essential services, including electrici and pipework, are completed.

In the meantime, volunteers om the Sankey Canal Restoration Socie (SCARS) used the months of autumn 2023 to continue treeclearance and Himalayan Balsam-bashing work parties.

Progress in St Helens

O cials at SCARS have been very busy at the other end of the canal in St Helens, where they are now regularly invited by local authorities, rotary societies and scouting organisations to a end press, walking and educational events.

The St Helens council sees the development of the redundant canal as a means to help with town centre rejuvenation and SCARS has been included in the consultations about how to both landscape and develop the Foundry Wharf site.

In addition, SCARS has been asked by council o cials to develop a strategy document on what it wants to do with the canal in the next five years so that the council can assess how it can contribute.

Colin Greenall (member of IWA North West Region Commi ee and chair of SCARS) said: “The future does now look brighter for the canal, and we can only thank the local volunteers and the authorities for their tremendous e orts to secure and retain this important component of Britain’s industrial past.”

Jim Forkin (chair of IWA Chester & Merseyside) said: “It is a great credit to the councils through which this canal flows who see it as a wonderful green space for leisure and, in the case of St Helens, a glorious opportuni for town centre rejuvenation.”

Spike Island pictured in 2022 with boats firmly aground and yachts at a precarious angle.

Water levels almost back to normal at Spike Island, Widnes.

IWA Events 2024

Ashby Trailboat Festival 2024

The 2024 IWA National Trailboat Festival will be held at Moira on the Ashby Canal over the weekend of 18th-19th May, and hosted and organised by Ashby Canal Trust. The event is the largest annual gathering of trailable boats in the UK and has been held annually since the first gathering in 1989 on the Lancaster Canal, although, owing to the pandemic, there has been a gap of five years since the previous event, held in 2019, also on the Lancaster Canal. The event has previously been held on the Ashby Canal in 2000, 2009 and 2017.

The 2024 Festival will take place at the historic Moira Furnace, on the restored length of the Ashby Canal in north-west Leicestershire (DE12 6AT). As well as a large gathering of trailable boats on this northernmost and isolated section of the Ashby Canal, there will be a wide range of activities and a ractions. A Beatles tribute band will perform songs om the beginning of the Fab Four’s fame to the very end, with the twice-daily performances including plen of costume changes to reflect the changing eras. Other entertainment will include a trad-jazz band, Morris dancing and children’s activities. Train rides, a varie of stalls and demonstrations, classic cars, historic engines, boats, bar and re eshments will also be on o er.

The organisers hope to have a visit om the Ba le of Britain Memorial Flight, and Mother Duck will be there with her ducklings for visitors to enter the duck race along the Ashby Canal. The Military Wives Choirs om No ingham and Co esmore have also been invited to perform. The Military Wives Choirs became famous under the tutelage of Gareth Malone, on BBC television, and have now formed many local groups. An illuminated boat parade will be a highlight on the Saturday evening.

All the festival activities will be held around the banks of the Ashby Canal at the Grade II-listed Moira Furnace at the heart of the National Forest.

The festival will raise money for the Ashby Canal Restoration Project, which aims to restore the canal om its current terminus at Snarestone to Moira. The project will ultimately reconnect Measham, Oakthorpe, Donisthorpe and Moira to the national waterways network, and provide a green gateway to the heart of the National Forest. Proceeds om the festival will assist the further restoration of the canal and contribute to its upkeep for people to enjoy throughout the year.

IWA currently has a Silver Propeller Challenge location on the Ashby Canal at the end of the connected length to encourage visiting boaters to use as much of the canal as possible. We are looking forward to moving it to Moira once the isolated length is restored and reconnected.

Boat entry details: fionapursglove@outlook.com. Trade booking enquiries: moiracanal@mail.com. Classic vehicle entry bookings: alan.cu 1@ntlworld. com. General enquiries to ashby.canal@outlook.com

IWA Canalway Cavalcade 2024

IWA Canalway Cavalcade returns to London’s Li le Venice on the first May bank holiday weekend, beginning on Saturday 4th May. Every year we celebrate the best of life on the waterways in London and its communi at IWA Canalway Cavalcade.

Boat bookings are now open. Complete our online form or download a paper booking form to book. Please contact Mike Moore at mike.moore@ waterways.org.uk or 07545 546865 for boat booking enquiries.

Please contact cavalcade-commercial1@ waterways.org.uk for trader enquiries.

There’s something for everyone at IWA Canalway Cavalcade – a vibrant canal festival in the heart of London’s waterways. Whether visiting by boat or on foot, it’s a splendid day out for you and your family. Soak up the atmosphere surrounded by colourful cra of all shapes and sizes, alongside a multitude of unique stalls, a real ale bar, and delicious foods for all tastes.

There will be a varie of activities over the weekend, including live music and kids’ entertainment, not forge ing the famous illuminated procession. You’ll also find amazing art om local schools on display.

There are plen of opportunities to get involved at IWA Canalway Cavalcade and we are currently looking for volunteers.

BCN clean-up weekend

Ever wondered what’s lurking beneath the waters of the Birmingham Canal Navigations? The Birmingham Canal Clean-up weekend on 16th/17th March is a great opportuni to have fun and meet new people while clearing shopping trolleys, res, bicycles and even more exciting treasures om the canal. It is hoped this annual e ort on the BCN will help keep the less well-used parts of the BCN & Black Country Network om ge ing choked up with rubbish and becoming impassable for boats.

WRG volunteers are supported each year by others om IWA, Birmingham Canal Navigations Socie , Coombeswood Canal Trust, Canal & River Trust, Friends of Tipton Cut and local residents.

This year volunteers will be based at Minerva Wharf, Hurst Lane, Tipton DY4 9AB.

CANAL BOAT SHORT BREAKS AND HOLIDAYS FOR COMMUNITY GROUPS AND ORGANISATIONS

• Weekend and midweek canal boating short breaks and holidays

• For community groups and organisations of all ages and interests

• Youth, social and community projects

• Schools and Colleges

• Explore the Grand Union and Oxford Canals in Central England

• Great choice of routes, places to visit, things to see and do

• Two full-size fully-equipped canal boats with qualified skipper provided

• Enquire and book now for 2024 and 2025

• Ask about our Taster Days for group leaders and organisers