Making life better by water
Specialist teams
Find out how our expert teams work together to make life better by water
Work for us
We have vacancies across all of our waterways and in the offices, museums and attractions that support them. We're one of the UK's biggest charities and we take pride in everything we do
Contact us
If you're thinking of getting in touch then please take a moment to look through these pages as we probably have the answer on our website
Summer safety by the water
As the weather is warming up we want everyone to be able to enjoy our canals and rivers in the safest possible way
Stoppages and notices
We're continually carrying out work to improve our canals and rivers. Find out if we're working along your route before you set off on a boat trip
10 reasons to take up canoeing
It's a great way to get fit and explore our waterways at the same time
Share the Space
Take a look at our common sense guide to sharing the towpath
Winter open days
Our open days offer a different perspective of our waterways, a behind-the-scenes look at the great work we do. A free day out for all the family.
Find a place to fish
From reservoirs to club-managed canals and river stretches - find your nearest place to fish
Get your free guide
Download your free guide today and start exploring the waterway nature near you
Download your free guides
You've nine free days out guides to choose from - where will you go first?
Find a walk near you
Are you ready to ramble? Find a waterside stroll or a satisfying hike along our beautiful canals and rivers
Art Events
Take a look at our upcoming events here.
Something for everyone
Help us make a difference and have fun along the way. Find your perfect volunteer role today
Join our team
Could you join your local Towpath Taskforce team and help us to keep our canals looking lovely?
Volunteering in partnership
Want to make a real difference to your community? You could join over 400 groups who volunteer with us every year
Desmond Family Canoe Trail
If you're aged 16-25 and would like to get involved with this exciting project, please get in touch
Could you be a volunteer lock keeper?
Find out what's involved with this popular volunteering opportunity
Donate today
100% of your donation will be used to make life better by water
Canals are better with Friends
Becoming a Friend by making a monthly donation is one of the most effective ways to support our work
Leave a legacy
Will you leave a gift in your Will to keep the canals and rivers you care about alive?
Give in memory
Celebrate the life of a loved one by giving a gift in their memory
Give in celebration
Got a favourite place in mind? Dedicate it in celebration of a loved one today
Corporate giving
Make a difference to the wellbeing of your community
We care for our supporters
We are caring and open and aim to put our supporters at the heart of everything we do
Use My Location
26 February 2021
Welcome to the latest edition. In it you'll find news of how we might (it's not definite yet!) all be able to get back out on the cut in the months ahead. Along that good news you'll be able to read about how you can take part in the census, why 2020 saw record number of breakdown call-outs to boats and the answers to some of the questions you sent in after reading the composting toilet article in the last edition.
Posted by: The boaters' update
12 February 2021
Welcome to the latest edition where you'll find out how the pandemic and severe weather has affected our winter stoppage programme. Along with that you can read about composting loos, the 2020 Lockage Report, otters, four million bricks and an iguana... You read that correctly!
29 January 2021
This latest edition includes information about accessing coronavirus vaccinations if you live on your boat, a summary of the havoc wreaked by Storm Christoph and an update on the London Mooring Strategy along with the routine roundup of news, stoppages and ways to get involved.
15 January 2021
Welcome to the first edition of the year. In it you'll find a summary of the impact of the national lockdown on boating, how we're progressing with our winter stoppage programme, some tips to help you be a good boaty neighbour (if you're currently on your boat) as well as a request for research participants in London. Of course, the usual roundup of news and stoppages can be found.
18 December 2020
Welcome to the last edition of 2020. In it, along with the usual routine round-up of news and stoppages, you'll find a message from chief exec, Richard Parry, a roundup of what's happening in your region and much more besides.
4 December 2020
This latest edition gives an update on how the latest coronavirus restrictions affect boating along with some winter boating tips, an appeal to support your fellow boater and an update on our water management strategy along with lots of ways to get digitally involved.
20 November 2020
This latest edition gives a roundup on the work we've been doing as part of our major, £45 million, winter work programme. You also get some winter safety tips, news of a major dredging project in Gloucester Docks as well as a request for your views on podcasts (among others!)
6 November 2020
Welcome to the latest edition that has an important update on the latest national lockdown and how it affects boating. Along with that you'll find answers to the common questions asked at our digital Annual Public Meeting, news of the latest annual Boater Report and how you can get support and contact us in an emergency.
Think of this blog as your one-stop shop for up-to-date boating news. It's packed full of useful information about boating on canals and rivers, as well as important safety announcements and upcoming events.
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