Inland Waterways Association

Reopen the Wendover Arm! Boaters Unite as Sir David Suchet Backs Canal Campaign

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Web Editor

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October 30, 2026

Boaters, kayakers and paddleboarders have joined forces in a campaign flotilla calling for the reopening of the Wendover Arm of the Grand Union Canal. The Inland Waterways Association and Dunstable & District Boat Club are pressing for action, with support from actor and IWA vice president Sir David Suchet. The Inland Waterways Association and Dunstable…
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Historic Tooley’s Boatyard Fights for Survival as Oxford Canal Closure Threatens Livelihoods

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Mark Lancaster

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October 27, 2026

After another year of disrupted access to its historic dry dock in Banbury, Tooley’s Boatyard is appealing for funds to begin restoring the wooden narrowboat Hardy. The £29,000 restoration appeal could also help sustain traditional boatbuilding skills while canal closures prevent customers reaching the yard. Tooley’s Boatyard is launching a £29,000 appeal to begin restoring…
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HEADLINE: Navigating the switch to lithium batteries

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Web Editor

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October 24, 2026

NEW guidance from IWA and the Cruising Association (CA) helps boaters understand the opportunities, risks and practicalities of switching to lithium batteries. Lithium batteries are becoming increasingly popular with boaters looking for more efficient ways to power their boats, but making the switch is not as simple as replacing one battery with another. The Installing…
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New panel brings waterways groups together

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Web Editor

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October 23, 2026

A new restoration structure is now operational within the Inland Waterways Association so we can promote this activity wherever we can and have the most impact. IWA’S new Restoration Panel is our new forum for knowledge exchange on this, and we want the panel to be complementary and contributory to other networking and knowledge-sharing forums.…
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Canal groups criticise lack of vision for Exeter’s new A379 bridges

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Mark Lancaster

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September 7, 2026

IN a joint response to the public consultation regarding the A379 Bridges Replacement Scheme, the IWA and the Friends of Exeter Ship Canal & Heritage Harbour (FESCHH) say they also believe that the consultation is unrepresentative. Despite Devon County Council proposing five options for the new bridges at stakeholders’ meetings in October last year, the…
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£5.2m revamp for safer summer on eastern waterways

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Mark Lancaster

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July 29, 2026

Boaters are set to benefit from a £5.2 million programme of improvements across Anglian Waterways – but campaigners say the figure just isn’t enough. WORK carried out at more than 14 sites – from Northamptonshire to Norfolk – are designed to boost safety, reliability and environmental quality, ensuring rivers remain open and accessible to thousands…
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IWA marks 80th anniversary with river cruise and call for waterways investment

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Web Editor

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July 25, 2026

The Inland Waterways Association marked its 80th anniversary with a special cruise aboard the historic SS Daniel Adamson. THE event celebrated eight decades of the IWA’s work to protect, restore and promote inland waterways, while highlighting the potential of the River Weaver and challenges affecting its future. It combines industrial heritage, important wildlife habitats and reliable…
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North West waterways closures force Fund Britain’s Waterways flotilla to abandon Liverpool plans

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Web Editor

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July 18, 2026

A campaign cruise intended to highlight the value of Britain’s inland waterways has itself been repeatedly disrupted by lock failures, low water levels and continuing closures across the North West. Fund Britain’s Waterways has warned that Britain risks developing a fragmented canal and river network after its 2026 campaign flotilla was forced to abandon plans…
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From revival to ruin? IWA presses CRT over delays on Wendover Arm

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Web Editor

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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…
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Campaign Cruise on ‘The Danny’ Celebrates IWA’s 80th Anniversary and Champions The River Weaver

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Mark Lancaster

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June 18, 2026

The Inland Waterways Association (IWA) marked its 80th anniversary of campaigning for Britain’s waterways with a special cruise aboard the historic SS Daniel Adamson affectionately known as “The Danny”, on Friday 12 June. The event celebrated eight decades of IWA’s work to protect, restore and promote the nation’s inland waterways, while also shining a spotlight on…
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Step back in time along London’s waterways

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Web Editor

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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…
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Milton Keynes clean-up collects seven tonnes of rubbish

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Web Editor

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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,…
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Calls grow for residential boaters to be recognised in housing and planning policy

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Web Editor

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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…
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Reservoir plan moves forward as waterways access is championed

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Web Editor

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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…
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