Ambassadors for water

Over the last decade, we’ve campaigned hard to protect nature along our canals; to fight back against plastic pollution; to protect our canal heritage and support the nation’s wellbeing. Along the way our celebrity friends have helped us spread the word to millions. So now we’re delighted to welcome ten well-known, historians, boaters, naturalists, paddleboarders, entrepreneurs, walkers, doctors and canal lovers as our 10th Anniversary Ambassadors. Here, they kindly tell Waterfront why they are proud to encourage everyone to #ActNowForCanals.

Dr. Amir Khan

The TV doctor believes there’s no better prescription for our wellbeing than time by water: “Many studies show that time by water reduces stress, anxiety and blood pressure. After the pandemic, I’ve seen a huge spike in people raising concerns over their mental health. It’s so important to look after our canals, particularly in towns and cities where they are needed most.”

Stan Cullimore

The former Housemartins’ guitarist is now a journalist sharing his towpath adventures online: “We recently moored up by a field full of lambs enjoying life. Opposite was a lush woodland carpeted with bluebells and wild garlic. It was like a glimpse of paradise. I am always grateful for the work done by the Trust and its volunteers. Without all their hard work, the joy of canal and river life wouldn’t be possible.”

Jo Moseley

The paddleboard adventurer and keen plastic litter-picker says: “My hope for the next ten years is that more people discover the fitness benefits of being on your local canal. It’s never too late; I’m 57 but if you just look around there are people running, walking and cycling, as well as canoers or paddleboarders who are older than me. The canal offers so much to so many people.”

Nicola Thorp

Presenter, columnist and actress, Nicola, is a liveaboard boater: “After enjoying boats go by my flat, I went on ebay one night. Next morning, I was the owner of a 60-foot boat! Living afloat is so good for your wellbeing; the water is so calming. In the next ten years, I hope our charity’s amazing work to care for canals continues, and that canals become even more accessible for everybody to enjoy.”

Deborah Meaden

The environmental entrepreneur is a keen supporter of our Plastics Challenge: “When I see a problem, I try to be part of the solution. When you see plastic by the canal it’s very satisfying to simply pick it up, clean up your local area and stop it reaching our oceans. I want canals to be beautiful places where friends meet, families go for a walk and people find some peace.”

Paul Steele

Blogger, walker and dog lover, Paul, says. “I love spending time by canals and rivers because of the open air, water, nature and peacefulness. After half an hour walking down the canal my mind is clear. I remember 50 years ago the canals and rivers were basically going to ruin. Now our charity is making great improvements, both for those on the water and for people like me walking beside it.”

Sir Tony Robinson

Above all, the actor and historian values the heritage of our canals, telling us: “They have been a real part of our history for the best part of 200 years. There was a time when it looked like they were all going to fade away and I found that really distressing, because if we had lost it, it would have been gone forever. Now, having saved this wonderful heritage, it’s beholden on all of us to keep it alive.”

Saira Khan

TV presenter and former Apprentice, Saira Khan, offers a passionate plea for our planet: “It really shocks me that half a million pieces of plastic flow from our canals and rivers into the ocean. My plea to anyone is please pick up any plastic you see along your river or canal, because then you’re helping the environment. You’re helping our wildlife. Overall, you’re helping our planet.”

Iolo Williams

The naturalist and TV presenter believes canals can help us all connect with nature: “I run along the Montgomery Canal twice a week. It helps recharge my battery and is home to some amazing wildlife. In the next ten years, I would like canals to help nature move into our cities. Half of us live in urban areas and we all should see kingfishers, orange-tip butterflies and plants like cuckooflowers.”

Lucy Lapwing

“I grew up by canals and rivers, and as a naturalist, their wildlife brings me joy. Wherever water gathers or flows, life flourishes. My childhood is soaked in waterway memories from picking blackberries along the canal with my grandma to making bows and arrows out of willow with my dad. I want our charity to share the joys of canal and river wildlife with everyone, especially in towns and cities.”