The plan
At the heart of the new plan is a step-by-step process to help restoration groups deliver projects that meet legal and regulatory requirements, with a particular focus on the construction design and management regulations. These requirements can be complex, and the plan is designed to provide clarity, consistency and confidence at every stage of project delivery.
Alongside improving compliance, the plan also introduces greater transparency around the time, expertise and input required from us to support restoration work.
This is reinforced by the appointment of Andrew Dobson as senior restoration engineer, a dedicated role funded by us. Working on secondment, Andrew will provide support to restoration groups and act as a central point of contact – marking a significant step forward from previous arrangements, where support was often provided on an ad hoc basis alongside other responsibilities.
Recognising the vital contribution of restoration societies in reopening canals, preserving heritage and revitalising underused waterways, the new approach is designed to support stronger, more effective partnerships. It aims to ensure that projects are not only ambitious, but also realistic, well-planned and deliverable within the wider context of our responsibilities.
The framework has been developed collaboratively with the IWA and restoration groups, with feedback from across the sector helping to shape a more practical and user-friendly approach.
To support adoption of the new framework, we have suspended cost recovery for our work on restoration projects until 31 March 2027, enabling organisations to focus on meeting the requirements of the plan and progressing delivery.
Bringing our waterways back to life
Sean McGinley, our regional director for Yorkshire & North East, said: “Restoration projects play a hugely important role in bringing our waterways back to life, but they also involve complex legal, technical and safety requirements that must be properly understood and managed.
“Our new Restoration Delivery Plan sets out a clear, step-by-step process to help groups navigate those requirements, particularly around the construction design and management regulations, ensuring work is carried out safely.
“Just as importantly, it provides clarity on the level of input and specialist support needed from us, so that projects can be planned realistically and delivered in a coordinated way alongside our wider responsibilities.
“The appointment of a dedicated senior restoration engineer is a major step forward. It means we now have focused resource in place to support restoration groups, rather than relying on goodwill and limited capacity alongside other work.
“We are committed to working in partnership to support restoration where we can, while continuing to prioritise the safe upkeep of the existing network. This new approach will help ensure projects are delivered safely, sustainably and with the best possible outcomes for everyone involved.”
Collaboration with the IWA
The IWA has welcomed both the launch of the Restoration Delivery Plan and the collaborative approach taken in its development.
George Rogers, Chair of IWA’s Restoration Delivery Group, said: “The updated Restoration Delivery Plan significantly progresses restoration efforts. IWA has collaborated closely with Canal & River Trust to help enhance both the Plan itself as well as the processes, and we welcome the positive changes that have resulted.
“We remain committed to working with the Trust and the wider restoration community to support the successful delivery of these shared objectives.”
The plan will be reviewed after its first year of operation, with us, IWA and restoration groups working together to identify opportunities for further improvement.
