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A New Era for the Waterways

Forward from the UK Gov consultation:

Britain’s network of inland waterways is one of its great unsung glories. Largely built in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, this man-made system of canals, canalised rivers and inland ports represents a magnificent feat of human endeavour and ingenuity. It reshaped whole landscapes, created transport links, new towns and villages, pioneered new techniques in civil engineering and made possible the world’s first industrial revolution.

Today our inland waterways are treasured for many different reasons unimagined by their original architects. They play a vital role in our leisure, recreation, health and well-being. They are precious habitats for wildlife; attractive places to visit for boaters, anglers, walkers and cyclists; and important heritage sites, with Britain’s third largest estate of listed buildings and structures. In recent times our waterways have often provided a catalyst to some of our most
impressive urban regeneration.

The Government wants to build on the successes of recent years and unlock the true potential of the network, so that it is valued and enjoyed by even more people both now and in the future. For this
reason, in October last year, the Government unveiled its proposal to transfer British Waterways’ canals and rivers in England and Wales from a public corporation into a new charity.

Transferring this precious legacy into the care of a new civil society body will create one of the largest charities in the country. It will give waterways’ users and the communities that live alongside them
a greater involvement in how they are managed, and ultimately improve the long term financial sustainability of the network.

This consultation document sets out a suggested approach for the way forward, and what the charity might look like. We want everybody to have the opportunity to enjoy, value and care for our waterways. We welcome your views on the emerging shape of our proposals.

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	A New Era for the Waterways	6086.78KB
	WTA Response to Waterways consultation	57.00KB