About Fund Britain’s Waterways
Campaigning for the future of Britain’s canals and rivers – protecting their public, environmental, economic and wellbeing value.
A National Campaign for Britain’s Waterways
Fund Britain’s Waterways is a coalition of organisations representing hundreds of thousands of users and supporters of inland waterways across Britain.
- Campaigning for national and local government to act now to protect canals and rivers
- Raising awareness of the huge economic, environmental and social wellbeing value of inland waterways
- Bringing together organisations and individuals with one clear purpose: securing increased government funding to avert decline
Fund Britain’s Waterways is led by a steering group and works independently of navigation authorities to build the broadest possible support for Britain’s inland waterways.
Why This Campaign Matters
Fund Britain’s Waterways was established in 2023 in response to the growing threat posed by inadequate funding for Britain’s inland waterways.
With rising costs, ageing infrastructure, inflationary pressure and the growing impact of climate change, the funding challenge has become more urgent. Without action, the public benefits provided by our waterways will continue to be eroded.
The campaign exists to make the case clearly and collectively: Britain’s canals and rivers are not optional extras. They are nationally important assets that deserve long-term support and protection.
The Scale of the Challenge
Responsibility for Britain’s 5,000 miles of navigable inland waterways is spread across several organisations. The Canal & River Trust manages the largest share, but other bodies including the Environment Agency and Scottish Canals also face serious financial pressures.
Fund Britain’s Waterways was formed because underinvestment is placing the entire network at risk. Failing to maintain waterway infrastructure can lead to severe consequences for communities, heritage, access and safety.
The campaign is calling for government to recognise the scale of that risk and act before further decline becomes irreversible.
The Value of Britain’s Waterways
Britain’s inland waterways deliver wide-ranging benefits. They support local economies, tourism, heritage, biodiversity, active travel, public health and wellbeing, and access to green and blue space.
The campaign highlights the fact that waterways provide enormous value to the country, while government funding remains far too low in relation to the benefits they generate.
Fund Britain’s Waterways is working to ensure that decision-makers understand that protecting canals and rivers is not just about preserving history — it is about investing in communities, resilience, nature and quality of life.
How We Campaign
Fund Britain’s Waterways brings people and organisations together to campaign collectively for change. The campaign encourages practical action from supporters across the country.
- Lobbying MPs and asking them to secure funding for canals and rivers
- Signing and sharing the national petition
- Supporting future events and public action
- Encouraging more organisations to join the campaign
- Volunteering for campaign roles
- Donating towards campaign costs
- Joining the mailing list for updates and information
- Sharing campaign messages on social media using #FundBritainsWaterways
A Growing Coalition
One of the strengths of Fund Britain’s Waterways is that it is a coalition campaign. It exists to unite the widest possible range of supporters around a single, shared purpose.
That includes waterways organisations, user groups, local communities, restoration interests, campaigners, volunteers and individual supporters who believe Britain’s canals and rivers deserve a secure future.
By working together, the campaign is able to speak with greater reach, greater credibility and greater urgency.
Working for Britain’s Waterways – Now and for the Future
Fund Britain’s Waterways believes that canals and rivers are among Britain’s most valuable shared assets. They connect people with place, improve health and wellbeing, support wildlife and tourism, and preserve a rich industrial and environmental heritage.
This campaign is about making sure those benefits are not lost through neglect. By building public support and pressing for greater investment, Fund Britain’s Waterways is working to secure a sustainable future for Britain’s inland waterways.
Whether you sign the petition, attend an event, volunteer, donate or help spread the word, your support helps strengthen the campaign.
Support the Future of Britain’s Waterways
Join the campaign, sign the petition, volunteer, donate, or get in touch to help protect Britain’s canals and rivers.