Skip to main content

The charity making life better by water

Entries open for the 'Oscars of the waterways'

Due to the current travel and work restrictions we have extended the deadline for the 2020 Living Waterways Awards to 12 June 2020. Make sure you submit your entry so that you and your team get the recognition they deserve.

Dad and two sons bird watching

The search is on for the best schemes, projects and initiatives that are helping to make life better by water. Now in our seventeenth year, our Living Waterways Awards celebrate the most exciting and inspiring waterway-based projects across the UK.

Getting the recognition you deserve

Sue Wilkinson, chair of the Awards and one of our trustees, said: “We know there are hundreds of brilliant projects taking place along our waterways and we want to shine a light on the incredible contribution that those involved are making to the lives of many thousands of people living near these canals, rivers, lakes and lochs. We urge those involved in these initiatives to enter the Awards and get the recognition they rightly deserve.”

The Awards

The Living Waterways Awards are judged by an independent panel of experts from the heritage, arts, environment, community and engineering sectors and are sponsored by Amco Geffen, CPC Civils, Fountains and Land & Water.

From inspirational education programmes and innovative construction projects, to exciting community-binding environmental initiatives, these awards have celebrated hundreds of organisations and individuals over the years.

Award Categories

There are six award categories available:

  • Art, Culture & Events
  • Built Environment
  • Engaging the Community
  • Heritage & Conservation
  • Learning & Skills
  • Natural Environment

Awards timeline

  • Friday 12 June 2020: Awards close to entries NEW CLOSING DATE
  • Wednesday 1 July – 30 September 2020: Assessment visits to shortlisted projects
  • Wednesday 14 October 2020: Finalists announced
  • Winners announced a gala ceremony in Birmingham in January 2021

Last Edited: 01 April 2020

photo of a location on the canals
newsletter logo

Stay connected

Sign up to our monthly newsletter and be the first to hear about campaigns, upcoming events and fundraising inspiration