Restoration Resources

Here you'll find a range of resources produced by ourselves, the Inland Waterways Association and several restoration societies. The resources are separated into themes which reflect the work stages.

Beginner's guide to canal restoration

Your first steps towards restoring a waterway and where you can read our restoration delivery plan

If you're ready to take the next steps with your restoration project, please take a look at the categories for resources on specific topics.

Built heritage and natural environment

Keeping the surrounding environment central to your project

Communication and engagement

Telling the story of your canal

Construction and engineering

Building your canal

Fundraising

Raising funds effectively

Planning consents

Navigating the planning system

Project management and business planning

Planning your project

Governance, procurement and water management

Achieving good governance and managing water

Measuring success

Read our report about the positive effects of restoring waterways on local communities

Canal Restoration Events

We run a series of events throughout the year in partnership with the IWA. Take a look at what we have coming up or catch up on previous sessions.

Are you a restoration group looking for more support?

Are you a restoration group looking for more support? The Inland Waterways Association (IWA) have set up a waterway restoration hub to provide knowledge and expertise from staff and volunteers.

For more information and to access the hub please email [email protected]

Last Edited: 28 April 2026