CANAL & RIVER TRUST APPOINTS INTERIM FUNDRAISING DIRECTOR
18 December 2025 The Canal & River Trust, the national charity caring for 2,000 miles of waterways in England and Wales, has announced that Tim Hunter will be joining as the charity’s interim fundraising director in February 2026. Tim joins from the NSPCC, where he has been interim director of income generation since April 2025. Previously he was director of private sector partnerships and fundraising at the UN World Food Programme based in Rome. At WFP, he led the creation of a global digital individual giving programme to support humanitarian action around the world. Prior to that, Tim was director of fundraising at Oxfam GB, and before that spent five years in Geneva as international fundraising director at UNICEF. Before his international experience, Tim worked extensively in the UK non-profit sector including at Shelter and the NSPCC, helping to lead the iconic FULL STOP campaign. Campbell Robb, chief executive at Canal & River Trust, said: “I’m delighted that Tim will be joining the Trust. His wealth of experience will be of great value as our charity continues to appeal to the public to support our incredible 250-year-old canal network. “Our canals already bring so many benefits to the nation, bringing wildlife into the heart of our cities and improving biodiversity across nature-depleted landscapes, providing free-to-access green spaces where they’re needed most, and preserving our living heritage for the thousands of boaters and millions of visitors who spend time on our canals every day. But, with the right support, our charity could do so much more. We have ambitious plans for fundraising, and we believe that our supporters have a huge role to play in keeping this precious network thriving for generations to come. “My thanks go to Maggie Gardner, who laid the ground for our new fundraising strategy and the remarkable transformation of fundraising over the last three years. I wish her all the best for the future.” Tim Hunter said: “I am delighted to be joining the Canal & River Trust in February 2026 as their interim fundraising director. The work of the Trust is so important; preserving our incredible heritage, supporting important places for boating and nature, and providing unique spaces for all of us to enjoy and focus on our wellbeing. I’m looking forward to working with the Trust team, learning from them about this important work, and building on the great work of Maggie Gardner and the dedicated fundraising team.” Ends For further media requests please contact: Fran Read, Canal & River Trust m 07796 610 427 e fran.read@canalrivertrust.org.uk
Anderton Boat Lift gate repairs prioritised to get navigation back open
27 November 2025 The Canal & River Trust is today announcing that it will be prioritising the programme of works at Anderton Boat Lift during the year ahead that will see the ‘Cathedral of the Canals’ back open and operational for boaters. The investment will enable the lift to transfer boats between the Trent & Mersey Canal and the River Weaver once again in 2027. This will remedy the fault with the structure’s caisson gates, discovered during routine maintenance earlier this year, and also provide an overdue update to the lift’s operating system required to make the lift’s passage of boats more resilient. A much larger project at the Anderton site, that would require additional and unaffordable capital expenditure from the Trust alongside the submission of a successful bid to The National Lottery Heritage Fund, is being paused. This means prioritising the investment needed for navigation but deferring the painting of the lift’s three-storey high iron superstructure together with investment in the attraction’s Visitor Centre. Jon Horsfall, regional director for the Canal & River Trust, comments: “The priority for our charity is getting the lift open and operational for navigation. It is a remarkable structure and a defining landmark of Britain’s waterways that continues to hold national significance for the canal network. “The team remains committed to the long-term future of the Anderton Boat Lift. We are focussing on the works required to reopen navigation, whilst pausing the additional spend elsewhere at the lift which is currently unaffordable. In doing so, we are making sure that the limited money our charity has stretches as far as possible so that there is adequate investment in other key areas for navigation including locks, bridges, aqueducts and the network as a whole. “I’d like to thank our volunteers, donors, partners and the continued interest and vital support we received from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, both here at Anderton but also across the North West and wider canal network.” The Trust has already commissioned the detailed design of new gate lifting equipment to replace the wire rope system. The installation will happen over the winter of 2026/27 with one caisson being opened in time for the summer season in 2027 and the other caisson also opening as soon as possible after that. Although this seems a long time off, the works are complicated and time consuming. They will see a new lifting mechanism installed on ten separate gates, replacing the current ropes, wires and pulleys. The new system will be robust, future proof, safe to operate and safer to maintain. Anderton Boat Lift remains a popular visitor attraction, and the team is excited to welcome guests over the winter period. The Anderton Boat Lift Visitor Centre and coffee shop are open every weekend (10am-4pm) throughout the winter season. Don’t miss the free drop-in craft activities running this December, and popular Santa Cruises for songs and stories with Santa and his elves as you travel along the River Weaver. -ends- For further media requests please contact: Jonathan Ludford, Canal & River Trust m 07747 897783 e jonathan.ludford@canalrivertrust.org.uk
CANAL & RIVER TRUST ENDORSES BOAT LICENCE COMMISSION’S REPORT
21 November 2025 The report of the independent Commission set up to review the legal framework around boat licensing has been welcomed by the Canal & River Trust’s Board, which thanks the Commissioners and endorses the report’s analysis and main conclusions. The report concluded that boat licensing needs reform to reflect the current and future use of the waterways and noted the considerable work ahead for the Trust to consider the recommendations in detail. Current licensing arrangements will remain in place in the meantime. The review shines a light on the varying needs of different types of boaters and gives insight into the scale and breadth of the problems they face. Its recommendations aim to make the licensing system clearer and easier for boaters while being more efficient for the Trust to operate and enforce, for the wider benefit of all canal users. David Orr, chair of the Canal & River Trust, said, “This report comes at a critical time for our ageing waterways, whose usage must continue to adapt to the needs of modern society. The Trustees and executive team welcome the recommendations and feedback received, and see this as an opportunity not only to reset relationships but also to revisit boat licensing arrangements so that they work better for boaters as well as for the Trust. “The report’s conclusions have given us a great deal to reflect on. We will now take our time to consider the package of recommendations in more detail and will consult further in due course.” Campbell Robb, chief executive of the Canal & River Trust, said, “This is an important and timely report. The Trust will take the opportunity it presents to think hard about what more we can do for those who live, work or simply enjoy time on the canals. We recognise the need to work closely with boaters across the canal network to bring about improvements in relationships and to make the system work fairly and effectively. “We also recognise the need for greater clarity and better communications in licensing arrangements and enforcement, and we are going to challenge ourselves to do better. We will continue to invest in our Better Boating Plan to tackle the issues that we know are important to the boating community. “It is also clear that some of the issues the Commission has highlighted are a symptom of the wider housing crisis, driven in part by the cost of living. More people are finding it harder to afford somewhere to live and turn to the waterways as a solution, and more people are vulnerable. We know that the recommendations in the report will not solve this. While the Trust is not a housing charity, we do recognise this reality and we therefore echo the spirit of the recommendations to offer the support that we can, within our means, while not compromising our obligations to others.” The Trust will now begin its detailed work on proposals for pursuing the recommendations in the report. We will take this forward as quickly as possible, recognising that some proposals will require relevant impact assessment, further consultation and engagement with boaters and others may require new or amended legislation. Further details will be published in the New Year. The Report is published online: Commission to review future framework for boat licensing | Canal & River Trust -ends- Please find the release with Notes to Editors attached. Fran Read (she/her – why is this here?) National press officer I work Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays M 07796 610 427 E fran.read@canalrivertrust.org.uk Sign up for the Canal & River Trust e-newsletter Become a fan on Facebook. Follow us on X and Instagram
COMMISSION REVIEWING THE BOAT LICENSING FRAMEWORK DELIVERS ITS REPORT
19 November 2025 The Report from the independent Commission set up to review the legal framework around boat licensing and whether it is appropriate for the canal network’s future is published today (19 November). Over the past ten months the Commission, chaired by Andrew Cowan, a former senior partner at law firm Devonshires, has undertaken an extensive review, engaging with several thousand individuals and organisations via a public online survey, and then meeting with and receiving further submissions from many representative groups. Andrew Cowan comments: “We were asked to review, independently of the Trust, the fitness for purpose of the licensing system in the light of widespread dissatisfaction with the way it currently operates, and to make recommendations for change where we consider that to be beneficial for the future management of the canal network.” David Orr, chair of the Canal & River Trust, comments: “I’d like to thank the Commission for its considerable time, effort and expertise. I’d also like to thank all the boaters, boating organisations and others who took the time to contribute – they greatly assisted the Commission in its review. We will now take some time to consider the report and will provide an initial response as soon as possible.” Chaired by Andrew Cowan, the Commission also included Penelope Barber, one of the elected boating representatives on the Trust’s Council, and trustee Sir Chris Kelly, a former senior civil servant and former boat owner. The Report is published online: Commission to review future framework for boat licensing | Canal & River Trust -ends- For further media requests please contact: Jonathan Ludford, Canal & River Trust m 07747 897783 e jonathan.ludford@canalrivertrust.org.uk
BOAT LICENCE FEES FOR 2026-27
12 November 2025 The Canal & River Trust is today announcing an increase in boat licence fees for both private boat owners and boating businesses of 4.85% from 1 April 2026. The rise is based on Bank of England forecasts that inflation will remain at around 3.8% through until April 2026. Surcharges for boats without a home mooring and wide beam boats, introduced from 2024, will be applied in addition to this rise. Boaters will be able to use the online calculator on the Trust’s website, available by the end of November, to calculate the licence fee for their boats: licensing.canalrivertrust.org.uk/LicencePrices. During 2026, the Trust will increase the scope of the Better Boating Plan to tackle more of the tasks that matter most to boaters. This year the focus has included fixing broken paddles, more planned preventative maintenance at locks and movable bridges, and improving grass cutting. In the year ahead this will be expanded with options including an increased focus on addressing lock gate leaks, removing sunken boats, accelerating offside vegetation removal and filling gaps in facility provision. Matthew Symonds, head of boating and customer service at Canal & River Trust, said: “We have faced almost unprecedented challenges in the last year in looking after and keeping the network navigable. At the same time, we are facing a long-term decline in our income from government. The additional income from boat licences, alongside growing income from our commercial and fundraising work, will help support the essential works we need to undertake together with the investment in the Better Boating Plan to address more of the things that are most important to boaters.” The Trust will continue to support boaters struggling to pay their licence fees on a case-by-case basis. This may include arranging flexible payment plans and signposting to relevant services and benefits, for example the Waterways Chaplaincy, local authorities and Citizens Advice. Following the National Boat Count in March which showed an increase in licence evasion, the Trust carried out a second count in September. This highlighted that there had been an error in the way the worksheet was pulling the data, with some numbers excluded. The actual evasion figure in March was 11.8%, while in September this had risen to 14.1%. Matthew said: “The current licence evasion rate is starving the canal network of over £5million a year: money that isn’t being used to fund further maintenance. We’re continuing to target those who have chosen not to pay, whilst offering support to those living afloat who can’t afford to pay. For those in the latter category, our welfare team can help access the benefits that you may be entitled to, which often includes covering the licence fee.” The Gold Licence charges are being agreed with the Environment Agency and will be announced in due course. The surcharge for boats without a home mooring will be applied to the Trust’s portion of the fee. The wide beam surcharge will begin to be applied from January 2026. To find out more about the support on offer, visit: canalrivertrust.org.uk/enjoy-the-waterways/boating/do-you-know-a-vulnerable-boater More information on boat licences is available here: canalrivertrust.org.uk/enjoy-the-waterways/boating/buy-your-boat-licence/long-term-boat-licences -ends- For further media requests please contact: Jonathan Ludford, Canal & River Trust m 07747 897783 e jonathan.ludford@canalrivertrust.org.uk Notes to editors The average cost of a 12-month leisure licence is currently £1,185 (£98.75 month). Therefore, the additional 4.85% rise will equate to an annual increase of around £58 on the average 12-month leisure licence. The Gold Licence is a joint annual licence between the Trust and the Environment Agency allowing unlimited boating on both parties' navigable networks. Gold Licence increases are applied from 1 January each year, based on increases to standard licences in the previous year, and applied proportionately to the number of boats with Gold Licences on each navigation authority’s waterways. Keep in touch
LOTTERY PLAYERS’ SUPPORT HELPS CHARITY UNDERTAKE VITAL WINTER MAINTAINANCE PROGRAMME
29th Sept 2025 Canal & River Trust, the charity charged with the care of 2,000 miles of canals in England and Wales, is set to deliver a wide-ranging programme of major maintenance and preservation projects to help keep the nation’s historic canal network navigable, open and alive. It is a vast, multi-million-pound endeavour to upkeep the nation’s 250-year-old man-made canal network. This winter’s essential works will span 45 canals and rivers nationwide, including 137 separate projects at more than 100 locks, 14 bridges, two tunnels and a host of embankments, sluices, culverts and canal walls. The work, which spans the length and breadth of the country, takes place between November and March when there is less boating traffic. Six of these large-scale lock gate replacement projects are possible thanks to funds raised by players of People’s Postcode Lottery. This fantastic support enables 20 lock gates, which have reached the end of their 25-year lives, to be removed and replaced with new ones. Each lock gate is individually designed and hand-built at one of the charity’s two specialist workshops, by skilled craftspeople using traditional techniques. These lock gate projects include replacing: the bottom gates at City Road Lock on the Regent’s Canal in Islington, London, due to take place in November; the top and bottom end gates of Ham Lock 87 on the Kennet & Avon Canal at Thatcham, near Newbury, Berkshire, due to happen in November and December; the top end gates on Bottom Barge Lock on the Staffordshire & Worcester Canal at Stourport, Worcestershire, due to take place in January and February 2026; the top and bottom end gates on Gees Lock 36 on the Grand Union Canal, near Leicester, due to happen from January to March 2026; the top and bottom end gates of Lock 12 on the Calder & Hebble Canal at Brighouse, Yorkshire, due to be replaced between January and March 2026; the top and bottom end gates on Lock 87 on the Rochdale Canal in Manchester, due to take place between February and March 2026. The public can see this important work for themselves at City Road Lock on the Regent’s Canal in London, where the site will be set up with viewing areas. People can discover more about the colossal effort and skills involved in maintaining the canals from the Trust’s in-house construction team. The charity’s colleagues will be on hand to provide information and answer questions about the works. Malcolm Horne, chief infrastructure and programmes officer at Canal & River Trust, said: “Winter is the time of year when the focus for our skilled in-house construction teams turns to delivering the larger maintenance and engineering projects that are essential to keeping our 250-year-old canal network open and alive. “Canals are centuries-old working heritage and, with rising costs, climate pressures and more extreme weather events, the challenge of keeping them in good condition for navigation has never been greater. “While millions of people use and visit the canals every week, perhaps they don’t stop to think about what it takes to look after them – or what we would lose if they were gone. Our canals cannot take care of themselves - keeping the nation’s canals open and safe requires millions of pounds. And the reality is, we cannot keep them alive without the support of boaters, our volunteers, supporters, and the wider public.” Canal & River Trust is calling on people to donate and help safeguard our canals and rivers for the future, visit: Canal & River Trust | Making life better by water For more information and to see what’s happening near you, visit: Notices and stoppages | Canal & River Trust (canalrivertrust.org.uk) ENDS For further media information contact: Natalya Catton, Communications & Campaigns Manager: natalya.catton@canalrivertrust.org.uk / 07776 664714 Notes to Editors Canal & River Trust cares for and brings to life 2,000 miles of canals and rivers across England & Wales. We believe waterways have the power to make a difference to bringing communities together to make a difference to their local waterway, we are creating places and spaces that can be used and enjoyed by everyone, every day. www.canalrivertrust.org.uk £24 million has been awarded by Postcode Earth Trust thanks to funds raised by Postcode Lottery players to support Canal & River Trust in delivering a wide range of important waterway and wellbeing projects, helping the Trust to preserve and transform canals and waterways into spaces where people can spend time and experience the benefits of being by water. For more information visit www.postcodelottery.co.uk/good-causes/charities/canal-river-trust Natalya Catton (she/her) Communications and Campaigns Manager PLEASE NOTE I WORK PART-TIME (Direct Services team on Wednesday; Yorkshire & North East region on Thursday and Friday). On Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday please contact my Yorkshire & North East job share: naomi.roberts@canalrivertrust.org.uk M: 07776 664714 Canal & River Trust, The Coach Works, 1st Floor, 21 The Calls, Leeds, LS2 7EH Lock gate replacement credit Clare Green Canal River Trust
SPOOKTACULAR HALLOWEEN EVENTS TO SCARE YOU'RE SOCKS OFF ON YORKSHIRE’S CANALS
Things are getting very spooky around Halloween on Canal & River Trust’s canals in Yorkshire, with frightening family-fun Halloween events to scare even the most intrepid ghost hunter. The waterways charity, in association with Huddersfield Canal Society and the North of England Centre for Music & Arts, is inviting brave souls to discover the spookier side of Standedge Tunnel and get involved in a variety of ghost-busting activities on October 30 and 31, 10am-3pm. As well as being the longest, highest and deepest canal tunnel in England, Standedge is possibly also one of the most haunted, too. Visitors and staff have reported seeing strange lights, hearing unexplained sounds and there are rumours of a mysterious robed figure. Groups of enthusiasts have even undertaken a paranormal investigation within the tunnel. This Halloween, daring visitors can venture on a haunted walk to find the gravestones of 12 lost souls to unlock some magic words. For those who fancy a ghoulish transformation, there’s also free face painting. Courageous adventurers can take a special Halloween boat trip into the darkness of Standedge Tunnel with ‘Convict Con’ and hear the story of ‘Mad Millie’. The Friends of Standedge will be serving up a selection of fiendishly good treats at the Creepy Crawly Cafe And Huddersfield Canal Society will transport passengers aboard the scary shuttle, running between Marsden station and Standedge Tunnel, 11am-4pm. More details of the event can be found at canalrivertrust.org.uk Meanwhile, The Ghost Ships of Doncaster is sure to entertain visitors who are brave enough to venture to the Stainforth & Keadby Canal on Saturday 25 October. Last year’s creepy boat regatta saw crowds flock to watch a flotilla of illuminated boats cruise along the canal from Long Sandall to Stainforth, decorated with spooky ghosts, witches, pumpkins, dragons and much more - and this year’s event promises much of the same. “Our terrifying volunteer lock keepers will guide the flotilla through the locks along their creepy route,” said Canal & River Trust volunteer team leader Paul Tonge. “Though the event is free, we are raising funds for Canal & River Trust and the Yorkshire Air Ambulance, so please come along and enjoy this frightfully good community event – and you never know, you may even encounter a phantom ship!” For more, visit theghostships.co.uk ENDS For media enquiries please contact: Naomi Roberts (Mon-Wed): M 07557 256482 E naomi.roberts@canalrivertrust.org.uk Natalya Catton (Thurs and Fri): M 07776 664714 E natalya.catton@canalrivertrust.org.uk
CANAL CHARITY OUTLINES WINTER MAINTENANCE PROGRAMME ACROSS ENGLAND & WALES
23 September 2025 The Canal & River Trust is set to deliver a wide-ranging programme of major maintenance and preservation works over the coming winter months to help keep the nation’s historic canal network navigable. Works will span 45 canals and rivers and include 137 separate projects at more than 100 locks, 14 bridges, two tunnels and a host of embankments, sluices, culverts and canal walls. The work to tackle the big engineering and maintenance jobs takes place between autumn and spring when there is less boating traffic. However, following a challenging summer, with drought causing navigation restrictions, the Trust was able to bring forward some repairs where locks were already closed, including at Foxton Locks and on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal, to reduce disruption for boaters later in the year. Julie Sharman, chief operating officer at Canal & River Trust, said: “Winter is the time of year when the focus for our engineers, heritage experts and skilled craftspeople, and our amazing team of volunteers, turns to delivering the larger maintenance and engineering projects that are essential to keep the network available for navigation and, in turn, the millions of other people who benefit from this amazing legacy from the nation’s industrial past.” Regional highlights include: North West: major repairs to the 100-year-old Sutton Weaver Swing Bridge on the River Weaver, and relining a 60-metre stretch of the Peak Forest Canal at Strines Aqueduct. London & South East: the rare draining of Islington Tunnel on the Regent’s Canal for brickwork repairs and graffiti removal, alongside works at 16 locks across the region. Yorkshire & North East: a full overhaul of locks 15 and 18 on the Huddersfield Narrow Canal, plus embankment works on the Rochdale Canal. West Midlands: extensive lock gate replacements across 34 locks, and major canal bed replacement works on the Tame Valley Canal. Wales & South West: repairs at 10 locks, draining sections of the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal for inspections, and vital work to Purton Upper Bridge on the Gloucester & Sharpness Canal. East Midlands: a full refurbishment of Dratley’s Bridge on the Ashby Canal, and work including lock gate replacements and heritage masonry repairs taking place at 10 locks. Julie continued: “Canals are centuries-old working heritage and, with rising costs, climate pressures and more extreme weather events, the challenge of keeping them in good condition for navigation has never been greater. We can’t do it without the support of boaters, our volunteers, supporters, and the wider public.” For more information and to see what’s happening near you, visit: Notices and stoppages | Canal & River Trust (canalrivertrust.org.uk) To find out more about donating or volunteering, visit: Canal & River Trust | Making life better by water ENDS For further media requests please contact: Fran Read, Canal & River Trust m 07796 610427 e fran.read@canalrivertrust.org.uk
DROUGHT CONDITIONS: NAVIGATION UPDATE
8 August 2025 With water resources for the canal network dwindling as a result of this year’s continued low rainfall, and with little significant rain forecast in the short term, the Canal & River Trust is providing an update for boaters. Water levels in some reservoirs are dropping towards minimum levels, with particular pressure on reservoirs feeding the Ashton, Caldon, Grand Union Leicester Line, Leeds & Liverpool, Macclesfield, Peak Forest, Rochdale, South Oxford and Trent & Mersey canals. Some river-fed canals, less impacted to date, are now also increasingly feeling the effects of the continued low rainfall, with lessening flows and environmental legislation limiting the volume that the Trust can feed into the canal network and causing some localised disruption. While the Trust is doing all it can to keep canals open, the lack of water means the situation can change relatively quickly. The Trust is urging all boaters who are not already doing so to sign up to receive notifications by email or text message about stoppages or restrictions on their local waterways. This is the fastest way to receive up to date information on any local changes. The teams on the ground across the Trust, including many volunteers, are continuing to spend nearly all their time focussing on efforts to conserve and feed all available water – enabling navigation wherever flows allow, and protecting water levels where navigation is stopped to keep boats afloat and wildlife alive. Maintaining water levels where possible is also important to ensure the structural integrity of lock gates, canal retaining walls and the clay-lined bed of many canal stretches. While the northern canals remain the most severely affected, low water levels are also causing navigation restrictions in some parts of the Midlands and south, with even small pinch points potentially blocking cruising routes. Navigation is still possible in many areas, although the Trust is advising boaters to keep abreast of the latest stoppage notices by signing up for automated alerts via the Trust’s website. A map of the affected areas can be found on the Notices section of the Trust’s website: filter by reason: ‘Low Water Levels’ and select ‘Map View’. There is also advice for boaters affected by navigation restrictions: Drought FAQs. Boaters will today be sent a short video briefing covering the latest situation, recorded with the Trust’s national hydrology manager Adam Comerford, head of boating & customer service support Matthew Symonds, and operations performance director Daniel Greenhalgh. Visit: Water resources discussion and update 7 Aug 25. Matthew Symonds comments: “Our canal network is feeling the strain after one of the driest springs on record and several heatwaves already this summer. “On-the-ground teams are carrying out numerous tasks to manage water, including manually operating pumps, sealing up lock gates with ash, putting in stop planks, making ‘quick win’ leak repairs, checking flow gauges, and keeping feeders clear. Volunteer lock keepers are working with boaters to manage boat traffic at lock flights to save as much water as possible. Behind the scenes, our hydrology experts are keeping a day-to-day view of levels and planning for a range of scenarios based on projected demand and rainfall to see how to make best use of the available water.” Where possible, the Trust is bringing repair works forward to take place during these closures, carried out by different teams so no water management resource is lost. With such a requirement to focus on managing all available water, some tasks, such as routine planned preventative maintenance and keeping up with the paddle pledge, is having to take a necessary temporary back seat. Matthew continues: “The canal network has a constant demand for water. Whilst boat passage through locks is an obvious use of water, evaporation and transpiration can see canals lose as much as an inch of water on hot summer days. An underlying ‘sweetening flow’ is also always needed to support ecology and avoid canals turning stagnant. We rely on a certain amount of rain throughout the year to keep our reservoirs topped up, but this year we haven’t received anywhere near enough. “Despite a few heavy downpours recently, we need sustained rain over a number of weeks to recover. We know how disappointing the current restrictions are, and we’re working with hire boat companies who are ensuring that holidays booked this summer continue wherever possible by diverting boats onto routes that are available. As soon as water levels allow, we’ll get the canals back open and remain grateful to boaters for their support and patience. Thank you for helping us by sharing locks where possible, waiting if a lock is set against you, and closing gates and paddles after use.” The video briefing will be sent to all licence holders for whom the Trust holds an email address. The briefing is hosted on YouTube: Water resources discussion and update 7 Aug 25 -ends- For further media requests please contact: Fran Read, Canal & River Trust m 07796 610 427 e fran.read@canalrivertrust.org.uk
NATIONAL BOAT COUNT 2025
31 July 2025 The Canal & River Trust’s National Boat Count, conducted across the charity’s waterways each year, has seen a 1.5% increase in boat numbers together with an increase in unlicensed boats, with evasion standing at 9.9%*. Nationally, 33,080 boats were recorded on the Trust’s enforceable waters. The most populous regions, London & South East and the West Midlands, saw increases of 3.5% and 3.6% respectively. Numbers of boats without home moorings increased by 11.9% (to 8,519 boats), while boats with home moorings declined by 1.8% (to 23,889 boats)**. Approximately 92% of boats with home moorings are licensed compared to 84% of boats without home moorings. As a charity, the Trust uses the income from licensing to help fund lock repairs, provide boater facilities, and maintain canals for navigation and, following the creation of a new national licence, compliance and enforcement team last September, the Trust has pledged to address unlicensed boats faster. The team has been restructured to streamline case management and is improving customer communication, for example reminding boaters about shortly lapsing Boat Safety Certificates, with lapses commonly causing boats to become unlicensed and fall into the enforcement process. With the difficult economic climate felt to be an increasing contributor to boats becoming unlicensed, the Trust’s welfare support has been strengthened, with boaters in need signposted to financial assistance for support with licence payments, such as Universal Credit. The effectiveness of this new approach has been born out in London, which saw a reduction in licence evasion, from 17.9% to 15.5%, for the first time since 2018. Alex Hennessey, national boating manager at Canal & River Trust, said: “We’re seeing the harsh realities of the cost-of-living crisis play out on the waterways. More people have turned to life afloat or taking to continuously cruising but, for some, the financial and practical challenges of boating are proving difficult to manage. “We’re doing everything we can to support boaters who are struggling, and we urge people to talk to us early. Our welfare and customer support teams are helping people navigate complex situations, whether that’s applying for benefits, getting boats safety certified, or simply staying compliant. “As a charity we rely on income from boat licences to help fund the essential work needed to keep the canal network open and safe. While we help those who need assistance, where someone simply chooses not to license their boat, we’ll be doubling down and taking enforcement action.” Despite the licence, compliance and enforcement team’s best efforts to resolve matters, on occasion, when all other avenues have been exhausted, the Trust takes action to remove boats. In the last financial year, 101 boats were removed from the network that were abandoned and/or unlicensed. The National Boat Count is a physical sighting of boats carried out by the Trust’s towpath teams. * Licence evasion is 9.9% (2024: 8.2%). ** Since the last count, the Trust has introduced a requirement for boaters to provide proof of moorings they’ve paid for, which may be in part behind the rise. Not all boats have licences with or without home moorings, for example boats with licences from other navigation authorities. -ends- For further media requests please contact: Fran Read, Canal & River Trust m 07796 610 427 e fran.read@canalrivertrust.org.uk Fran Read (she/her – why is this here?) National press officer I work Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays M 07796 610 427 E fran.read@canalrivertrust.org.uk
4 July 2025 Following the driest spring since 1893* and continued hot sunny weather, with parts of England already officially in drought, the Canal & River Trust is advising that water availability across some parts of the canal network is under strain with low river flows and reducing water holdings in the charity’s canal-feeding reservoirs. Whilst the majority of the network is open and fully navigable, there are currently restrictions in place on certain canals. Mostly, this means reduced lock operating hours, which are intended to extend water supplies and navigation for as long as possible this summer. In some instances, low water supply means that boat passage through locks has been temporarily suspended. A map of the affected areas can be found on the Notices section of the Trust’s website: filter by reason: ‘Low Water Levels’ and select ‘Map View’. While navigation restrictions currently mostly affect northern waterways, the continued dry weather means that restricted lock opening times are now being introduced elsewhere, including sections of the Grand Union and Oxford canals, and in some parts of the midlands. Alex Hennessey, national boating manager at Canal & River Trust, said: “The conditions we’ve seen so far this year are putting pressure on the water supplies needed to facilitate navigation. “The lack of rainfall is the primary driver for low flows and, in some areas, this is compounded by essential reservoir repairs required by legislation, which are temporarily reducing their water storage capacity. In addition, the Trust is now required to comply with modern legally binding environmental conditions in place to protect rivers and streams which can limit the feed of water into the canal network, further reducing historic sources of water. “The canal network has a constant demand for water. Whilst boat passage through locks is an obvious use of water, evaporation and transpiration can see canals lose as much as an inch of water on hot summer days. An underlying ‘sweetening flow’ is also always needed to support ecology and avoid canals turning stagnant.” The Trust’s volunteer lock keepers have been helping to manage boat traffic at lock flights to ensure water supplies are used as sparingly as possible, and the Trust continues its programme of water saving repair works to increase all available water flows into the canal network. Water levels are being reviewed on a daily basis and the Trust will remove, or introduce, water saving measures as necessary. If it rains enough to allow safe navigation, restrictions will be lifted immediately: this is likely to require sufficient and prolonged rain over several weeks rather than a sudden very heavy downpour. Alex continues: “We know how frustrating navigation restrictions are. We’re grateful to boaters for their support and patience, including those with deeper draughted vessels. We’re asking everyone to be extra vigilant this summer; sharing locks wherever possible, double-checking that paddles are fully closed, and planning routes carefully. These all make a real difference in helping conserve water and sustaining navigation for everyone.” *Met Office figures for England, 2 June 2025 -ends- For further media requests please contact: Fran Read, Canal & River Trust m 07796 610 427 e fran.read@canalrivertrust.org.uk
DRY WEATHER: NAVIGATION UPDATE
Walsall Canal reopens after devastating toxic spill
05 June 2025 Canal charity’s towpath upgrade works see £3 million of investment into West Yorkshire’s canals Projects help improve access and encourage more people to get active Canal & River Trust, the nation’s largest canal charity which looks after 2,000 miles of canals and river navigations in England and Wales, is undertaking £3 million of towpath improvements along two canals in the Huddersfield area. Still navigated by boats as they have been for hundreds of years, and today used by more than 10 million people a fortnight, the Trust’s historic manmade canals and river navigations need constant care to keep them open and alive for local people and visitors to enjoy. Working in partnership with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and Kirklees Council, funding was secured to improve the towpath along the Huddersfield Broad Canal, from Aspley Basin in Huddersfield to Cooper Bridge, where the canal joins the Calder & Hebble Navigation. Meanwhile, resurfacing of the historic towpath between Marsden and Slaithwaite on the Huddersfield Narrow Canal is in the final stage of a five-year, three-phase project. As well as the towpath upgrades, a new ramp has been constructed at Scarwood Bridge to improve access to the towpath. The routes are being resurfaced with a tar and stone chipping finish. This will provide a durable all-weather surface to enable more people to walk, wheel, scoot and cycle more often, as well as complementing the natural environments surrounding the canal towpaths. With research showing that time spent by water helps people feel happier and healthier, and with more people looking for a local escape on their doorstep, the towpath upgrades will make it easier and more appealing for people to get out and explore their local canal. Other improvements include better access for people with mobility difficulties and for pushchair users; widening the towpath (where possible) to assist towpath use, while retaining heritage features, grass verges, and native plants and trees to support wildlife habitats; repairs to the canal walls; and new mooring bollards for boaters. Mark Robinson, enterprise manager at Canal & River Trust, said: “We know these canal towpaths are well used by the local community and it’s fantastic to see these two towpath improvement schemes under construction. The canals in the Huddersfield area were vital to the Industrial Revolution. And, thanks to the hard work of the Trust and our volunteers, they are still navigated by boats today, as well as providing much-loved walking and cycling routes for the local community.” The schemes are being delivered by Canal & River Trust in partnership with Kirklees Council and West Yorkshire Combined Authority. They will enable more puddle-free journeys on foot and by bike, as well as improving accessibility for wheelchair and pushchair users, and boosting economic growth by providing access to employment and education opportunities. The funding comes from West Yorkshire’s Active Travel Fund, which is grant funding provided by Active Travel England to support local transport authorities with producing cycling and walking facilities. Mark added: “As a charity, it’s so important that we work with other organisations to keep our historic canals open and alive. We would like to thank our funding partners - Kirklees Council and West Yorkshire Combined Authority - once again for enabling us to undertake this work. This towpath upgrade project is a fantastic example of how we can work together to make canals more welcoming and attractive, part of ensuring they remain navigable for boats and here for local people and in support of wildlife.” Councillor Peter Carlill, Deputy Chair of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority Transport Committee, said: “We’re enhancing canal towpaths to help people live healthier, more active lifestyles. Better surfaces and easier access will improve safety and encourage more people to walk, wheel and cycle. This is a vital part of our vision for a better-connected West Yorkshire where active travel fits seamlessly with buses, trains and trams.” Councillor Moses Crook, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Transport at Kirklees Council, said: "Our canals are not only part of Kirklees’ rich industrial heritage, they’re also vital green spaces that bring health, wellbeing and environmental benefits to our communities. We're proud to support this investment, which will make it easier and safer for everyone – from families with pushchairs to cyclists and wheelchair users – to enjoy these beautiful, historic routes all year round. It’s a great example of what we can achieve through partnership working to support active travel, accessibility and pride in place." Works on the Huddersfield Narrow Canal started this week and are expected to continue until October 2025. The towpath project on the Huddersfield Broad Canal starts in mid-June and is expected to finish in January 2026. During the works, both the Huddersfield Broad and Huddersfield Narrow canals’ towpaths will remain open with restrictions, meaning that people will be escorted through the sites safely. Last summer, boaters, local residents, businesses and other users were invited to share their feedback on the proposals, which informed the scheme’s designs. To find out about the work of the Canal & River Trust charity and how you can support, either through volunteering or making a donation, visit www.canalrivertrust.org.uk
Canal charity’s towpath upgrade works see £3 million of investment into West Yorkshire’s canals
05 June 2025 Canal charity’s towpath upgrade works see £3 million of investment into West Yorkshire’s canals Projects help improve access and encourage more people to get active Canal & River Trust, the nation’s largest canal charity which looks after 2,000 miles of canals and river navigations in England and Wales, is undertaking £3 million of towpath improvements along two canals in the Huddersfield area. Still navigated by boats as they have been for hundreds of years, and today used by more than 10 million people a fortnight, the Trust’s historic manmade canals and river navigations need constant care to keep them open and alive for local people and visitors to enjoy. Working in partnership with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and Kirklees Council, funding was secured to improve the towpath along the Huddersfield Broad Canal, from Aspley Basin in Huddersfield to Cooper Bridge, where the canal joins the Calder & Hebble Navigation. Meanwhile, resurfacing of the historic towpath between Marsden and Slaithwaite on the Huddersfield Narrow Canal is in the final stage of a five-year, three-phase project. As well as the towpath upgrades, a new ramp has been constructed at Scarwood Bridge to improve access to the towpath. The routes are being resurfaced with a tar and stone chipping finish. This will provide a durable all-weather surface to enable more people to walk, wheel, scoot and cycle more often, as well as complementing the natural environments surrounding the canal towpaths. With research showing that time spent by water helps people feel happier and healthier, and with more people looking for a local escape on their doorstep, the towpath upgrades will make it easier and more appealing for people to get out and explore their local canal. Other improvements include better access for people with mobility difficulties and for pushchair users; widening the towpath (where possible) to assist towpath use, while retaining heritage features, grass verges, and native plants and trees to support wildlife habitats; repairs to the canal walls; and new mooring bollards for boaters. Mark Robinson, enterprise manager at Canal & River Trust, said: “We know these canal towpaths are well used by the local community and it’s fantastic to see these two towpath improvement schemes under construction. The canals in the Huddersfield area were vital to the Industrial Revolution. And, thanks to the hard work of the Trust and our volunteers, they are still navigated by boats today, as well as providing much-loved walking and cycling routes for the local community.” The schemes are being delivered by Canal & River Trust in partnership with Kirklees Council and West Yorkshire Combined Authority. They will enable more puddle-free journeys on foot and by bike, as well as improving accessibility for wheelchair and pushchair users, and boosting economic growth by providing access to employment and education opportunities. The funding comes from West Yorkshire’s Active Travel Fund, which is grant funding provided by Active Travel England to support local transport authorities with producing cycling and walking facilities. Mark added: “As a charity, it’s so important that we work with other organisations to keep our historic canals open and alive. We would like to thank our funding partners - Kirklees Council and West Yorkshire Combined Authority - once again for enabling us to undertake this work. This towpath upgrade project is a fantastic example of how we can work together to make canals more welcoming and attractive, part of ensuring they remain navigable for boats and here for local people and in support of wildlife.” Councillor Peter Carlill, Deputy Chair of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority Transport Committee, said: “We’re enhancing canal towpaths to help people live healthier, more active lifestyles. Better surfaces and easier access will improve safety and encourage more people to walk, wheel and cycle. This is a vital part of our vision for a better-connected West Yorkshire where active travel fits seamlessly with buses, trains and trams.” Councillor Moses Crook, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Transport at Kirklees Council, said: "Our canals are not only part of Kirklees’ rich industrial heritage, they’re also vital green spaces that bring health, wellbeing and environmental benefits to our communities. We're proud to support this investment, which will make it easier and safer for everyone – from families with pushchairs to cyclists and wheelchair users – to enjoy these beautiful, historic routes all year round. It’s a great example of what we can achieve through partnership working to support active travel, accessibility and pride in place." Works on the Huddersfield Narrow Canal started this week and are expected to continue until October 2025. The towpath project on the Huddersfield Broad Canal starts in mid-June and is expected to finish in January 2026. During the works, both the Huddersfield Broad and Huddersfield Narrow canals’ towpaths will remain open with restrictions, meaning that people will be escorted through the sites safely. Last summer, boaters, local residents, businesses and other users were invited to share their feedback on the proposals, which informed the scheme’s designs. To find out about the work of the Canal & River Trust charity and how you can support, either through volunteering or making a donation, visit www.canalrivertrust.org.uk
CANAL & RIVER TRUST ANNOUNCES NEW CHIEF EXECUTIVE
15 May 2025 The Canal & River Trust is today (15 May 2025) announcing the appointment of Campbell Robb as its new chief executive. Campbell will be joining the charity on 6 October, after six years leading the social justice charity Nacro as its chief executive. Canal & River Trust is the UK's largest canal charity, caring for a 2,000-mile network of canals and navigable rivers that connect many urban and rural areas. The charity maintains and protects these 250-year-old waterways – the canals, embankments, culverts and reservoirs, as well as their bridges, locks and towpaths, along with their vital ecosystems – against the growing impact of climate change and more extreme weather, providing constant upkeep and investment to ensure they continue to offer an incredible range of benefits. Before joining Nacro, Campbell was chief executive of the Joseph Rowntree Foundation and Joseph Rowntree Housing Trust, steering the organisation through a significant change programme. Prior to this he spent seven years as chief executive of Shelter, building its ability to support more people than ever before and leading the organisation’s response to some of the biggest changes to housing and welfare policy in generations. Campbell also brings government experience: before joining Shelter, he was the first Director General of the Office of the Third Sector, an adviser to HM Treasury, and was previously Director of Public Policy at the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO). David Orr, chair at Canal & River Trust, comments: “The UK’s canals represent an extraordinary and enduring link to our industrial heritage. Today they play multiple roles, offering communities the chance to engage with nature and boost their mental and physical health, providing essential corridors for wildlife and biodiversity, and even helping to mitigate the effects of climate change. As age, reduced funding, and extreme weather take their toll, our charity’s mission of caring for them has never been more important. “I am delighted that Campbell will be joining the Canal & River Trust as its new chief executive. He brings a wealth of experience from across the charity sector, including 15 years in similar roles where he has successfully strengthened organisations to respond to challenges and opportunities. I look forward to working with him to secure the longer-term future of our canals.” Campbell Robb comments, “The role of chief executive of the Canal & River Trust is one of the most exciting roles in the public and voluntary sectors and one I am delighted to take on. To act as a steward for the history and protect the future of these amazing living monuments will be a challenge, but also an opportunity. I am also committed to the importance of community. In everything I do I wish to support, create and be part of communities. The canals and rivers are vital for those who live there, work there and volunteer there, as well as the wildlife they foster and support. To be part of that and to help them all thrive will be a privilege.” Campbell Robb replaces Richard Parry, who joined the Trust in 2013, a year after its creation, and who has led the Trust through its critical formative years to become an established and well-supported national charity. David Orr continues: “I’d like to extend my sincere thanks to Richard for the outstanding contribution he has made over the past 12 years. Under his leadership, the Trust has grown into a widely respected national charity. He has steered the organisation through both challenges and successes with commitment and clarity, always championing the unique value of our canal network. I wish him well in his future endeavours.” -ends- For further media requests please contact: Fran Read, Canal & River Trust m 07796 610 427 e fran.read@canalrivertrust.org.uk
CANAL & RIVER TRUST INVESTS IN BOATER FACILITIES
25 April 2025 Elsan points, pump out facilities and water points managed by the Canal & River Trust are set to get a boost over the next five years with an additional investment of £4.5 million to standardise and upgrade boaters’ facilities across the charity’s canal network. Over the coming months the Trust will be developing detailed plans for where the additional investment will be used, ahead of the five-year upgrade programme beginning this winter. The investment in the Trust’s boaters’ facilities is in addition to the annual cost of maintaining and looking after them. The money needed to upgrade the boaters’ facilities will come from the sale of investment assets owned by the Trust. The Trust’s investment assets are a vital pillar in generating a sustainable annual income each year for waterways maintenance. This sale is exceptional and has been agreed as the charity expects that providing more resilient services for boaters will deliver cost savings which offset any income lost from the sale of the investments in the longer-term. The investment comes as the charity continues to focus on improving navigation and the services provided for boaters through its Better Boating Plan. Matthew Symonds, head of boating at Canal & River Trust, said: “Boater facilities are vital for those living on and cruising around our network. Those owned by the Trust have been operated and managed locally, which has resulted in a wide range of components and arrangements which can be expensive and complex to repair when things go wrong. With this £4.5 million investment, we are spending now to be more efficient in the long term. By upgrading and standardising the facilities, we expect to see some cost savings for our charity in the longer term, while aiming for boaters to receive a more consistent service.” Details of how the £4.5m will be invested to deliver improved facilities will be shared in due course. The Better Boating Plan is set out here: Our plan for better boating | Canal & River Trust