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
29 March 2021
When photographer James Shenton and his toddler Nancy were in lockdown, they escaped for a daily walk on the Peak Forest Canal. This scenic canal runs past their back garden towards Marple Locks. Getting to know the characters on the canal gave James a wonderful idea. He tells Waterfront more about the stunning portraits he started to capture on the towpath.
Posted by: Waterfront
Few of us have dedicated our lives to canals quite like Ian McCarthy. From a magical boyhood boat trip, to becoming part of the restoration movement, to being a member of the Canal & River Trust council today, Ian has enjoyed, restored and served canals proudly all his life. Waterfront caught up with him to hear more.
15 March 2021
Time by water is just as important for elite athletes during lockdown as it is to millions of us who use our canals for daily walks or runs. The canals of Birmingham have been essential to Paralympian Rob Oliver’s preparations for Tokyo. After a chance towpath meeting with one of our volunteers, Waterfront caught up with the K1 200m kayaker.
As the pandemic shrank my world, I've been yearning to tour our canals. Thankfully YouTube’s many narrowboat vloggers have given my partner and I the perfect escape. My name is Clare Stevens and Waterfront have asked me to share my discoveries with you, my fellow Friends of the Canal & River Trust. So if you’ve exhausted your favourite TV streaming service, why not spend a night in, enjoying a day out on the water?
26 February 2021
Last year marked the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Waterways Museum Society who established its Ellesmere Port home. From the very beginning, it was a venture driven by the passion, drive and determination of volunteers. Many of them dedicated a whole life’s work to restoring and securing the heritage of our canals. Today we pay tribute to all they’ve done to save it for us all to enjoy today.
Life can have many challenges and for liveaboard boaters it’s no different, but problems can often be magnified when you live on the water. When you move around the country, it can be difficult to access essential services such as healthcare, welfare benefits or other support services. That’s why our welfare officer, Sean Williams, works with vulnerable boaters to ensure they get the help and support they need.
To mark International Women’s Day, we’re celebrating just a few of the women who are challenging stereotypes and leading the way on our canals.
16 February 2021
Our canals and rivers have a way of bringing people together, uniting communities and forging lasting friendships. For Steff and Thomas, their connection to the water helped them find love. Here they share their story to bring us some Valentine’s Day cheer.
You're reading Waterfront, the online home of our supporter magazine.
