Fund Britain’s Waterways (FBW) is a coalition of organisations representing hundreds of thousands of users and supporters of inland waterways. The campaign exists to press national and local government to protect the public benefit and natural capital of Britain’s canals and rivers by increasing funding and preventing further decline.

The campaign was set up in 2023 because inland waterways are facing a serious threat from inadequate funding. FBW says the situation is already causing deterioration and is being made worse by high inflation and the effects of climate change, both of which were not properly accounted for when current funding arrangements were agreed.

Britain’s inland waterways provide major economic, environmental, heritage, leisure, health and wellbeing benefits. The campaign highlights their importance for communities, access to nature, active travel, tourism, biodiversity and local economies, and points to their value being recognised in Defra’s Environmental Improvement Plan.

Britain has around 5,000 miles of navigable inland waterways. Responsibility for managing them is spread across a number of different bodies, with the Canal & River Trust being the largest navigation authority, managing around 2,000 miles.

FBW argues that the entire network is now at risk because of long-term underinvestment. The campaign points to the July 2023 Defra announcement on future Canal & River Trust funding as confirmation that already inadequate support would face further substantial cuts, while other bodies such as the Environment Agency and Scottish Canals also face similar pressures.

Without proper funding, waterway infrastructure will continue to deteriorate. The campaign refers to the Toddbrook Reservoir emergency in 2019, when 1,500 local residents had to be evacuated, as a clear warning of what can happen when vital infrastructure is not maintained well enough.

Yes. FBW highlights figures showing that the combined annual economic and social value of Canal & River Trust waterways alone has been quantified at £6.1 billion. The page also cites NHS-related cost savings of £1.1 billion from active use of waterways and towpaths, compared with current government investment of £52.6 million per year.

FBW is led by a steering group. The overview page also states that there is a full list of participating organisations available for people who want to understand who is involved in the coalition.

There are several ways to help. You can sign the petition, lobby your MP, attend campaign events, volunteer for specific roles, donate towards campaign costs, join the mailing list, and support the campaign on social media by liking, sharing and creating posts using the hashtag #FundBritainsWaterways.

Yes. The campaign invites organisations to become members, or for supporters to suggest relevant organisations that should be involved. The overview page asks interested groups to email with the organisation name, contact details, logo, website address if available, and written confirmation that the organisation agrees with FBW’s sole purpose.

The campaign’s stated sole purpose is to campaign collectively for an increase in government funding of Britain’s inland waterways to avert their decline, while also promoting awareness of the huge economic, environmental and social wellbeing value they provide.

Yes. The overview page highlights FBW’s submission to the Government’s Spending Review 2025, submitted on 27 January 2025. The campaign also encourages supporters to lobby their MPs and secure backing for waterways funding in their own local areas.

The campaign overview links directly to key sections including News, Future Events, Past Events and Resources. These sections are intended to help supporters keep up to date with the latest campaign activity and access materials they can use to spread the message.

Donations can be made through the campaign’s JustGiving link. The page explains that donations help to cover campaign costs and support wider awareness-raising and action.

To join the mailing list for news and information about Fund Britain’s Waterways, the overview page asks supporters to make contact directly by email.

The overview page provides a direct contact email address for the campaign. If you want to support the campaign, ask a question, discuss membership for an organisation, or request further information, contacting FBW by email is the best starting point.