The results
The results reflect the impact of one of the most severe UK droughts on record in summer 2025, which led to widespread navigation restrictions and, at its peak, the closure of around 20% of the canal network.
The scale of disruption experienced by boaters is clear in the survey’s findings. Overall, 70% of boaters said they were unable to navigate as expected, highlighting the effect of reduced water availability and extended drought-related stoppages.
Stoppages emerged as the dominant factor affecting experience on the waterways, with 58% of boaters saying stoppages negatively influenced their satisfaction, a significant increase compared with 15% in 2025.
Boaters are, however, divided on the extent to which these challenges could have been mitigated. Just over half (51%) felt that closures were outside the Trust’s control due to the drought, while 32% believed more could have been done to reduce the impact.
Despite the impact on overall satisfaction, broader attitudes towards us have remained largely stable compared with 2025, with favourability, advocacy and trust holding steady and showing improvement from 2024.
Findings also indicate that some elements of delivery under the Better Boating Plan continue to perform relatively well with continued improvement in areas such as vegetation management.
The survey reinforces the importance of maintaining focus on core operational priorities. Measures relating to navigation and infrastructure, including keeping waterways navigable and locks operational, have seen a decline in sentiment this year, while essential facilities and waste services are identified as weaker areas of perceived performance.
A challenging summer
Alex Hennessey, our national boating manager, said: “These results reflect the impact of an exceptionally challenging summer, when prolonged dry weather led to significant disruption across the network. We know this had a real effect on people’s enjoyment, leaving many boaters high and dry and unable to complete their cruising plans.
“While overall satisfaction has reduced, it remains above the low point seen in 2024. Broader sentiment towards the Trust has held steady, suggesting there is a degree of resilience in how boaters view our work. We want to have a much better relationship with boaters, and we need to build that trust through better communication, a clearer explanation of our work, and involving boaters in the issues that affect them.
“The findings underline the importance of the Better Boating Plan’s ongoing investment, particularly our focus on navigation, maintenance and communication. We will continue to prioritise these areas as we invest in the network and plan for the increasing pressures of more extreme weather.”
The 2026 survey achieved a record 2,042 responses, providing a strong and representative evidence base for understanding boater experience across the network.
