More about IWA

A Linear National Park

Today, there are over 4000 miles of navigable waterways. These are seen as a valuable part of Britain's landscape. They are appreciated for their industrial heritage, for their contribution to urban landscapes and for their atmosphere of peace in a busy world. Their leisure value is accepted and there is increasing interest in the potential of some waterways for the development of water borne freight carrying.

About  Us

IWA is a national charity run by volunteers , and has over 18,000 members whose interests include boating, towing path walking, industrial archaeology, nature conservation and many other activities associated with the inland waterways.  Information provided by 188 corporate members with their own membership structures has revealed that they, in themselves, have a combined membership of at least 59,500 in support of IWA's voice.

Our Purpose

To ensure the inland waterways of England and Wales are restored and maintained to the best possible standards, and kept accessible for the benefit of all people.

Our Mission  

• To advocate the restoration, conservation, good maintenance and sensitive development of the inland waterways of England and Wales, including the structures and buildings of the waterways that are an integral part of the waterway environment.

• To encourage the fullest use of the inland waterways for recreation and commerce in so far as that is commensurate with their preservation, the maintenance and improvement of their historic and natural environment and the enjoyment of others.

• To educate everyone about the use and benefits of the inland waterways by means of publications (both printed and electronic), practical examples to demonstrate benefits and participative activities.

Our Work

The Inland Waterways Association ceaselessly works to achieve all this - and more.

Through its Waterway Recovery Group, IWA has enabled hundreds of miles of disused canals to be restored for use by boaters, walkers and anglers.

Restoration of many more derelict canals is underway, thanks to IWA's members, canal societies and trusts, sympathetic local authorities and others who support the work of waterways campaigners throughout the country.

Waterways are alive today, but still remain an endangered species.

IWA's campaign continues through lobbying and arguing the case for Britains waterways to opinion formers and funding authorities, to ensure that Britain's navigable rivers and canals stay alive for eveyone to enjoy.

Keeping Waterways Alive

Living waterways need BOATS and BUILDINGS....

Britain's waterways are alive today because they are navigable - and navigated.

A disused canal soon becomes choked with weed, stagnant  and is quickly un-able to support fish and waterfowl.

Waterways need boats, which add colour and vitality to the waterway scene. Bridges, locks, tunnels and aqueducts add interest. Much of the architecture of canals is unique and often spectacular, created over two hundred years ago by some of Britain's finest engineers, to serve the needs of the Industrial Revolution.

Much has been lost, but what remains is living history - not a re-creation in a theme park - but the real thing.

Navigation

IWA...

• believes that the primary use of waterways is to carry boats, both for leisure and commerce. 
  
• restores derelict waterways for use by suitable craft.
  
• campaigns for transport by water, lobbying government and industry to promote this environmentally friendly and economical form of moving goods.
  

Historic Buildings and Structures

IWA...

• believes the unique atmosphere of Britain's waterways must not be destroyed. We recognise that new development is inevitable and necessary, but it must not be at the expense of the historic environment. 
  
• welcomes the sympathetic conversion of historic buildings, especially where schemes allow access by the public or waterway related use. 
  
• monitors local planning applications to ensure that new proposals are in keeping with the waterway character of the area.
  
• supports, restoration schemes both financially and with volunteer labour

Wildlife

Living waterways need diversity of Wildlife. Birds, plants, trees and animals all have their place in the canal environment, and are appreciated by all who enjoy waterways.

IWA...

• believes  that living creatures need living waterways. Disused waterways soon become stagnant and unable to support a broad diversity of wildlife, and opposes unnecessary disturbance of the waterway environment. We recognise that the primary function of waterways is to carry vessels, but we should endeavour to achieve minimum disturbance to wildlife.
  
• believes that restoration of derelict waterways will increase the quality and quantity of habitats for wildlife dependent on water. Where appropriate, waterway restoration schemes should include the provision of alternative habitats and the planting of trees.
  
• makes an active contribution to improving the environment by organising waterway clean-ups - both nationally and locally.
  People
  Living waterways need People. Young and old, walkers, cyclists, boaters and anglers; in fact anybody who has an interest in seeing Britain's waterways heritage cared for today.
  
  IWA...
  

• campaigns for proper maintenance of waterways, which benefits all users.
  
• believes that waterways are for everybody and we work with all waterway users to promote harmony where interests may appear to conflict.
  
• works with local authorities to improve the waterways within their boundaries.
  
• as advisors to the 'Wild Over Waterways' (WOW) scheme, seeks to encourage young people to have respect and understanding of the waterways, and to enjoy safe use of the many leisure opportunities offered by Britain's rivers and canals. [Top]

       Join Us Today and Help Safeguard our Nation's Heritage

                                                           click here   to support us ...