Campaigners warn three quarters of Britain’s canals face ‘dual crisis and irreversible decline’
The Inland Waterways Association (IWA) is calling for an urgent government review after issuing a stark warning that 75% of Britain’s waterways are now at serious risk due to a “perfect storm” of chronic underinvestment and escalating climate impacts. The country is bracing for heavier winter rainfall, and the IWA says action is needed now to safeguard the nation’s navigable canals and rivers.
In response to the Climate Change Committee’s guidance to prepare for 2°C of global warming by 2050, the IWA has published a first-of-its-kind national climate risk map, highlighting the likely effects on the UK’s 5,000-mile inland waterway network. The newly released map shows that every single canal in Britain will face increased risk from summer drought and winter flooding, posing a significant threat to navigation, heritage assets, wildlife, tourism, communities, utilities, and businesses connected to the waterways.
The map (https://waterways.org.uk/campaign-map) reveals that 99% of the UK’s navigable waterways are now at heightened climate risk, with increased winter rainfall expected across almost the entire network. This comes as three-quarters of all canals are identified as financially insecure, struggling with ageing infrastructure and declining funding despite rising environmental pressures.
Using Met Office long-term rainfall projections, the IWA’s research demonstrates that no part of the inland waterways network will escape increased winter rainfall under a 2°C warming scenario, while many navigations will also face severe low-water conditions in summer months.
Charlie Norman, the IWA’s Director of Campaigns, said: “Our findings paint an alarming picture of vital national infrastructure under increased strain. Decades of erratic government support, along with more frequent extreme weather events, have left many waterways vulnerable to breaches, closures, and mounting maintenance costs.”
“This year’s drought led to the closure of dozens of canals around the country, affecting wildlife, tourism, businesses and people living on the canals. Without intervention, the network – a cornerstone of the UK’s industrial heritage, providing leisure and tourism destinations for millions, as well as green corridors for wildlife – faces irreversible decline by 2050.”
The IWA is now calling on the Government to undertake a full review of Britain’s inland waterways and develop a long-term investment strategy. The association wants to see a robust, well-managed network that remains open, accessible, and resilient for future generations.
Norman added: “Improved infrastructure can attract new businesses and enhance the experience of all who use them. Waterways also play a very important role in mitigating the effects of climate change by cooling our cities, transferring water, providing active travel routes, and supporting biodiversity. The case for action is clear: protect and invest today, and our waterways will continue to serve communities, nature and the economy for generations.”
