Inland Waterways Association

From revival to ruin? IWA presses CRT over delays on Wendover Arm

by

Web Editor

–

June 18, 2026

The Inland Waterways Association is actively campaigning to resolve the ongoing issues affecting the Wendover Arm, following significant delays and restrictions imposed on its restoration. For many years, the Wendover Canal Trust has led extensive work to restore the previously dry section of the Wendover Arm between Little Tring and Drayton Beauchamp. This has included…
Continue reading »
Step back in time along London’s waterways

by

Web Editor

–

June 16, 2026

LONDON’S canals and rivers will take centre stage over the coming months as the IWA Towpath Walks Society unveils its full programme of guided walks through to November. The programme offers people the chance to explore centuries of hidden history along some of the capital’s most characterful waterways. July 7: Starts at 6pm, following the…
Continue reading »
Milton Keynes clean-up collects seven tonnes of rubbish

by

Web Editor

–

June 15, 2026

THE IWA’s Milton Keynes branch held its annual Canal Clean-up across the 10-mile stretch through Milton Keynes from Fenny Stratford to Cosgrove on April 10/11. The usual mix of discarded items were found, including several supermarket trolleys, six tyres, four electric hire scooters, three bicycles, an outboard motor, a plastic barrel, a motor bike frame,…
Continue reading »
Calls grow for residential boaters to be recognised in housing and planning policy

by

Web Editor

–

June 3, 2026

Thousands of people make their homes on Britain’s canals and rivers, but many residential boaters say they face mounting barriers to healthcare, basic services and legal security, with campaigners warning that unclear rights and patchy recognition are leaving a significant community exposed. PRESSURE is growing on ministers to confront what campaigners describe as a blind…
Continue reading »
Reservoir plan moves forward as waterways access is championed

by

Web Editor

–

March 23, 2026

Anglian Water, in collaboration with Cambridge Water, is progressing with plans for a new reservoir to be established within the Cambridge Fens. THE Fens Reservoir Project aims to secure a reliable water supply for Cambridge, neighbouring communities, and West Norfolk. The region is among the driest in the UK, and the growing number of technology…
Continue reading »
Trust accused of ‘abandoning restoration’ as flagship projects stall

by

Web Editor

–

March 12, 2026

The Inland Waterways Association (IWA) has challenged the Canal & River Trust’s draft Restoration Delivery Plan, arguing that restoration is being treated as a low priority. The organisation says several major projects have stalled and has raised concerns about new financial and administrative requirements for volunteer restoration groups. IWA challenges Restoration Delivery Plan THE IWA…
Continue reading »
Campaigners Renew Calls for Long-Term Waterways Funding After £6.5m Government Boost

by

Web Editor

–

February 26, 2026

CAMPAIGNERS responding to the Government’s extra £6.5 million investment in England’s and Wales’s canal network are once more calling for a top-level rethink into how waterways are funded. They say although the boost is welcome, it yet again underlines the ongoing underfunding crisis – and warn that this is only a one-off payment, not systemic…
Continue reading »
£220k project to restore historic water-saving canal engineering at Hanwell

by

Web Editor

–

February 20, 2026

Work underway on a Historic England-funded project to restore 200-year-old side ponds at the Hanwell Flight of Locks in West London. The initiative follows a year of navigation closures caused by drought and climate change and focuses on locks 94 and 95. The scheme is supported by Historic England, the Inland Waterways Association and the…
Continue reading »
From industrial lifeline to revival

by

Web Editor

–

February 13, 2026

Early industrial achievement THE Stroudwater Canal, completed in 1779, stands as one of Gloucestershire’s earliest and most significant industrial achievements. Designed to connect the River Severn at Framilode with the market town of Stroud, it was conceived and financed by local merchants and mill owners seeking a reliable route for transporting coal, stone, and timber…
Continue reading »
IWA Pushes for Higher Clearance on New Exeter Ship Canal Bridges

by

Web Editor

–

January 7, 2026

The Inland Waterways Association (IWA) is calling for increased air draft clearance on replacement bridges planned for the Exeter Ship Canal, as Devon County Council moves forward with proposals to renew two ageing structures on the A379. The council intends to replace the existing westbound steel swing bridge, dating from the 1930s, and the eastbound…
Continue reading »
SHROPSHIRE COUNCILLORS Tour Montgomery Canal Restoration with Volunteer

by

Web Editor

–

January 6, 2026

Senior councillors from Shropshire Council have taken part in an introductory boat tour of the Montgomery Canal, hosted by the Montgomery Canal appeal and restoration groups. The visit marked the first opportunity for senior councillors to view restoration work on the Montgomery Canal since political control of the council changed following local elections in May.…
Continue reading »
CLIMATE CHANGE RISKS to UK Waterways Raised in Parliament

by

Web Editor

–

December 18, 2025

Members of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for the Waterways have heard urgent expert evidence on the growing impacts of climate change on the UK’s inland waterways, including canals, rivers and low-lying navigation systems. Meeting under the secretariat of the Inland Waterways Association (IWA), the APPG received evidence from the Canal & River Trust (CRT)…
Continue reading »
NAVIGATION CHARGES on the Broads welcomed by IWA

by

Web Editor

–

December 17, 2025

The Broads Authority has invited public comment on proposals for a below-inflation increase in boat tolls for 2026/27, alongside planned investment in navigation improvements across the Broads. Under the proposal, boat tolls would rise by 2.5%, despite a continuing decline in boat numbers. The authority says this has been made possible following recognition by Defra…
Continue reading »
DUAL CRISIS and ‘irreversible decline’…

by

Web Editor

–

December 6, 2025

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…
Continue reading »