Skip to main content

The charity making life better by water

A blue narrowboat heads along a canal which is lined with a lush green towpath and trees

Place & prosperity

Just as our canal network helped to spur innovation and growth over 200 years ago, it can be part of the solution today.

Culture and Environment

Sustainable living, boating, and development

We're connecting communities, servicing businesses and contributing to the wider economy.

Too few homes, slow economic growth and insecure energy supplies are serious challenges facing our nation. And it’s impacting communities, who feel left behind.

Our canals are living, working heritage like no other, connecting us to our past and inspiring our future. They drive regeneration and enhance the quality of our lives, making our towns and cities better places. Our network can fuel economic growth by supporting tourism, our utilities and the marine economy, as well as support resilience of water supply, flood mitigation and renewable energy generation.

Our impact on place & prosperity

Kingfisher in flight with small fish in its beak

Support our work

We need your support to keep canals and rivers alive. Donate today to make a difference

Explore more about our work and impact

Last Edited: 12 January 2026

photo of a location on the canals
newsletter logo

Stay connected

Sign up to our newsletter and discover how we protect canals and help nature thrive