Canals and rivers are a world away from every day. They’re free, open spaces we can all enjoy - and it’s our job at the Trust to keep them that way.
We are a charity, here to protect over 2,000 miles of waterways in England and Wales. We're custodians of a rich, living history but we look forwards to a brighter, better future too.
On the water, on foot, on a bike, with friends or on your own, everyone should have a good place to go. So take a fresh look at what’s happening on your waterway. It’s closer than you think.
You make it happen
As a charity we rely on our supporters and a passionate team of staff and volunteers. We’re working together to create better, more open spaces, breathing new life into our canals and rivers. And that means joining forces with the communities who live and work around our waterways.
Over 200 years old
On top of maintaining 2,000 miles of canals and rivers, which are often over 200 years old, we are responsible for an enormous network of bridges, embankments, towpaths, aqueducts, docks and reservoirs and more.
From improving towpaths for cyclists and creating new wildlife habitats to maintaining our distinctive infrastructure, we constantly strive to make our canals and rivers the very best they can be.
And thanks to our efforts, millions of children have the chance to experience local wildlife - even to see a kingfisher or an otter close up. Those struggling with the pressures of day-to-day life have somewhere to rejuvenate themselves. And many of us have a place on our doorstep where we can simply stretch our legs and soak up 200 years of history.
Our waterway network is a national treasure. It makes people’s lives better. We’re here to ensure that it is protected forever.