Led by an independent panel of experts drawn from the voluntary, environmental, arts, heritage, engineering and architecture sectors, the Living Waterways Awards celebrate the passion and energy that is improving canals, rivers, lochs, lakes and reservoirs the length and breadth of the nation, making them exciting places to live, learn and spend time.
Richard Parry, chief executive of the Canal & River Trust, explains: "We are delighted to open the 2017 awards for entries, and we look forward to shining a light on the most inspiring and engaging projects that are helping ensure their waterways matter.
"We are searching for those people and projects that have done the most to make a difference to the nation's canals and rivers - transforming the places they pass through, and enriching the lives of all who use them."
Sue Wilkinson, Board director of ALVA and chair of the awards' independent panel of experts, adds: “These awards celebrate the amazing improvements to our waterways across the country which help to make them the wonderful destinations that they are today, and importantly they shine a spotlight on the hard work and dedication of the people involved."
From dedicated volunteer-led schemes to exciting construction projects, and from innovative designs to pioneering environmental initiatives, there are seven award categories up for grabs:
1. Art & Interpretation
2. Community & Volunteering
3. Contribution to the Built Environment
4. Education & Learning
5. Natural Environment
6. Recreation & Tourism
7. Restoration & Historic Environment
The closing date for entries is Friday 17 March 2017. Further details can be found at Living Waterways Awards 2017
The winners of the 2017 Living Waterways Awards, which are sponsored by Kier, Arcadis, CPC Civils, Vinci and Fountains, will be announced at a ceremony in Birmingham on 27 September 2017.
