We've launched Love My Stretch, a new website inviting people to find their favourite stretch on a map, share their waterway love story, and donate to help care for the waterways.
Once busy trade routes, the last 50 years has seen the country's canals transform into havens for people and wildlife. With more people enjoying the waterways than ever before, they're home to more boats than at the height of the industrial revolution, as well as key traffic-free paths for walkers, runners and cyclists looking to escape the rat race.
Sponsor your favourite stretch
Ed Fox, from the Canal & River Trust, said: “The waterways are great places to be, they mean so much to so many people, so why not spread the love this year and sponsor your favourite stretch. We've already seen people support us in dedication to loved ones, their favourite view or even special canal memories going back to childhood.
“The canals we care for are more popular now than any time in living memory. As a charity we rely on support we get from local people who visit them, volunteer with our teams or donate money to help us look after them.
“This Valentine's Day we'd encourage people to take a waterway stroll, cycle or even a boat trip. And if there's a stretch particularly close to your heart get involved and help us to look after it.”
Each sponsorship lasts for a year, with a dedicated space on the map and a certificate to keep.
