Fund Britain’s Waterways (FBW) - A coalition of organisations representing hundreds of thousands of users and supporters of inland waterways.

Fund Britain’s Waterways

A national campaign calling for urgent investment in Britain’s canals and rivers

Britain’s inland waterways are at risk from chronic underfunding. Fund Britain’s Waterways is bringing together organisations and individuals to campaign for the government funding needed to protect their economic, environmental and social value — now and for future generations.

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Working Together to Safeguarding Britain’s waterways

Fund Britain’s Waterways is a coalition of organisations representing hundreds of thousands of inland waterway users and supporters across Britain.

The campaign was set up in 2023 in response to the growing threat posed by inadequate funding for canals and rivers. With rising costs, ageing infrastructure, inflationary pressure and the effects of climate change, the need for action has become increasingly urgent.

Our purpose is simple: to bring together the widest possible range of organisations and individuals, independent of navigation authorities, to campaign collectively for increased government funding and to raise awareness of the enormous economic, environmental and social wellbeing value that waterways provide.

Britain’s canals and rivers are not just part of our heritage. They are valuable national assets that support communities, wildlife, recreation, tourism, health and local economies.

👉 Read more about the campaign here

Latest News

Photo call for Icicle Cruise to Walsall on 21st March

Photo call notice for an Icicle Campaign Cruise on the Walsall Canal on 21 March 2026, organised jointly by the Birmingham Canal Navigations Society and Fund Britain’s Waterways.

Additional Funding for Canal & River Trust

Fund Britain’s Waterways welcomed an extra £6.5 million for Canal & River Trust, while arguing that it is still not enough to provide sustainable long-term support for Britain’s waterways.

Brandon Lock Campaign 2025

Campaigners highlighted the long-running closure around Brandon Lock on the River Little Ouse and the knock-on impact on boating, local users and Brandon itself.

Fund Britain’s Waterways Responds to the Autumn Budget 2025

FBW criticised the Autumn Budget 2025 for failing to address investment in inland waterways despite worsening pressures from ageing infrastructure and extreme weather.

Westminster Campaign Cruise to Houses of Parliament

Fund Britain’s Waterways statement for the English local and mayoral elections

FBW urged candidates in the 2025 English local and mayoral elections to recognise the value of waterways and support urgent investment.

Fund Britain’s Waterways flotilla to Westminster and beyond

FBW announced a major flotilla travelling to Westminster in spring 2025 to urge government to review waterways funding.

Fund Britain’s Waterways representation to the Spending Review 2025

FBW submitted representations to the Spending Review 2025, arguing that relatively modest public investment in waterways would deliver substantial national benefits.

Extension to Navigation welcomed at meeting with Middle Level CEO

FBW members discussed finances, strategy and facilities with the Middle Level Commissioners and welcomed plans to improve navigation further along Monks Lode.

Fund Britain’s Waterways responds to Autumn Budget

FBW said the Autumn Budget 2024 failed to support inland waterways despite their economic and social value and the growing fragility of the network.

More News

How you can support the campaign

Lobby your MP

Help persuade national and local government to secure funding for canals and rivers in your area by contacting your MP and raising the issue locally.

Sign and share the petition

Add your name to the national petition and help spread the message by sharing it with your contacts, groups and networks.

Support events and campaign action

Attend future events, support campaign activity and help raise awareness of the urgent need to protect Britain’s inland waterways.

Volunteer, donate and spread the word

Volunteer for campaign roles, donate towards campaign costs, join the mailing list and support the movement on social media using #FundBritainsWaterways.

Why this campaign is needed

Responsibility for Britain’s 5,000 miles of navigable inland waterways is spread across a number of organisations, all facing increasing financial pressure. Today, the entire network is at risk from significant underinvestment.

Fund Britain’s Waterways exists to make the case for greater support before further deterioration causes long-term damage to infrastructure, heritage, access, biodiversity and the public benefits waterways provide.

These waterways deliver real value: from active travel, health and wellbeing, to tourism, nature recovery and stronger local economies. Protecting them is not a luxury — it is one of the most important investments the country can make.

👉 Explore campaign resources and background information

Protecting Britain’s waterways — now and for future generations

Britain’s canals and rivers need urgent support. Join the campaign today by signing the petition, attending events, donating or helping us spread the word.

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