What our supporters say
The Canal & River Trust launches publically today and amidst the celebrations taking place up and down our waterway network we’d like to say thank you to the many committed people and organisations, who have helped us get where we are today.
The canal and river network is the most valuable of our nation’s natural assets.”
If we listed all of the people who have helped make the Canal & River Trust a reality this page would probably stretch for a few metres! So we’ve invited a number of the organisations who’ve supported us to say a few words about their hopes for the years ahead.
“This is an exciting period in the history of our canals. By placing our waterways in trust for the nation, we are giving all those who love our rivers and canals an opportunity to get involved in how their local river or canal is run and help to provide a bright future for our historic canals. We have got the new charity off to the best possible start and now it needs the help of all those that use and cherish our waterways.”
Caroline Spelman, secretary of state for the Environment
“We wish the Canal & River Trust well in this new venture in the charity sector. We very much hope that our waterways continue to prosper, and that the Trust will help increase public support for heritage conservation. We look forward to working with the Trust in ‘stepping up for nature’ to make a significant contribution to the improvement of the habitats and wildlife of our waterways in England and Wales.”
Ian Darling, chairman, RSPB Council
“IWA has promoted independence for the waterways since our inception. We then called it a Conservancy and our co-founder Aickman was its first proponent, so of course we now welcome the Canal & River Trust and we look forward to working with you to help bring the wider 'conservancy' concept for all inland waterways a major step closer.”
Clive Henderson, Inland Waterways Association
“My aspiration would be for the Trust to manage and promote the full potential of the waterway corridor ensuring the shiny blue ribbons are fringed with an emerald edge that is both attractive to wildlife and accessible for people to enjoy whatever their ability.”
Jim Walker, chief executive, Walk England
“This Government is determined to deliver public services in different, better ways and that’s just what this new charity will do. The Canal & River Trust will empower the very people who know British canals and waterways the best to get involved in how they are run. This is the Big Society in action – and because it’s also the largest single transfer of a public body into the charitable sector, it’s also a major milestone in our programme to reform quangos.”
Francis Maude, minister for the Cabinet Office
“The canal and river network is the most valuable of our nation’s natural assets. The Angling Trust looks forward to working closely with the Canal & River Trust to protect and improve fish stocks and access for anglers of all ages and abilities over the years to come.”
Mark Lloyd, chief executive, Angling Trust
“Since 1963 RBOA has been the only UK wide organisation dedicated solely to the needs of residential boaters, wherever, however and on whatever type of vessel they live. We warmly welcome the Canal & River Trust and eagerly look forward to working alongside it to ensure that residential boating continues to contribute towards the vitality and sustainability of the waterways; and for the good of all who love our waterborne way of life.”
Alan Wildman, chairman, Residential Boat Owners’ Association
“In Volunteering England we welcome the new Trust enthusiastically. We see wonderful opportunities for people to enjoy our waterways and canals even more by helping look after them. As Chair of your Volunteering Advisory Committee, I’m looking forward to playing a part in developing exciting new strategy and opportunities.”
Dr Justin Davis Smith CBE, Chief Executive, Volunteering England
“Congratulations on your launch. We look forward to working with the Trust across the country, in particular on increasing access to the network, so more people can enjoy the beauty and tranquillity of the countryside. We also hope you will carry on the good work of British Waterways in tackling litter along canals and rivers through the Towpath Tidy.”
Ben Stafford, head of campaigns, Campaign to Protect Rural England
“The canals have come a long way over the past half century, from the demise of canal carrying and of little importance to becoming a leisure activity enjoyed by millions in different ways. We would hope that the Canal & River Trust can continue to improve the canals and the historical structures surrounding them for future generations.”
Tim Parker, Association of Pleasure Craft Operators
“Britain’s canals and rivers represent a hugely important part of our heritage environment. Before the arrival of the car and the train, they were the essential economic lifeline for our towns and cities. Society owes them a continued and flourishing existence and we know that they will be in safe hands in England and Wales under the care of The Canal & River Trust.”
Neil Marshall, Transport Trust
“The Woodland Trust is committed to working in partnership with the Canal & River Trust, building on the wonderful Caen Hillside Diamond Jubilee Wood that is being created close to the Kennet & Avon canal near Devizes. We hope to be able to explore opportunities for planting trees together alongside the canal network and look forward to helping contribute to the biodiversity value of the country’s canal network.”
Stuart Dainton, head of partnerships, The Woodland Trust
“The Arts Council is thrilled to be working with the Canal & River Trust to reach new audiences through exciting arts projects inspired by this country’s wonderful waterways. We look forward to helping artists and arts organisations to engage with the people who live and work on our waterways as we continue to develop this innovative partnership.”
Vivienne Bennett, director of visual arts, Arts Council England
“The Architectural Heritage Fund welcomes the launch of The Canal & River Trust and looks forward to working with you, not least to help to find sustainable uses for the wonderful range of historic properties the Trust owns. Our landscape is shaped by waterways and the buildings alongside them, and ensuring that they are in good condition and accessible to all is a vital role for the Trust, which we will be pleased to support.”
Ian Lush, chief executive, The Architectural Heritage Fund
“The NFWI has a long history of working with local communities on a huge range of environmental projects and we recognise that waterways are a key part of the nation’s heritage. The Canal & River Trust will play an important role in preserving and protecting British waterways and helping more people to discover this valuable asset. We wish them all the best with the future, and look forward to working together to engage with local communities to protect rivers and canals for every generation to enjoy.”
Ruth Bond, chair of the National Federation of Women's Institutes (NFWI)
“The Ramblers warmly welcome the new Canal & River Trust and its commitment to improving public access to our rivers and canals for recreation, health and social wellbeing. Walkers are amongst the largest group of people using towpaths for recreation, so we look forward to working with the Trust to improve and extend walking opportunities for all, as well as economic benefits for the businesses that align them.”
Kate Conto, senior policy officer, The Ramblers
“The Canal & River Trust is the opportunity to secure a thriving waterway system for all to enjoy whist protecting this unique asset for future generations. The Trust will create a feeling of public involvement and ownership so essential for the future of associated leisure pursuits and employment opportunities. AWCC looks forward to helping create this future.”
Paul Le Blique, chairman AWCC
