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About the Inland Waterways Association

We are the only independent, national charity campaigning for Britain’s canals and rivers.

We are dedicated to supporting and regenerating Britain’s waterways – for leisure, living and business.

Why? Because we believe the waterways are vital and precious environments for everyone to enjoy.

For over 75 years, we have campaigned locally and nationally for the waterways. Quite simply, they wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for us.

Today, we lobby Parliament, champion the waterways and support waterways restoration. Plus, we love to roll up our sleeves and give the waterways a bit of TLC.

Our supporters are waterways-lovers from all walks of life. Join with us to keep and improve the waterways for the future.

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How the charity is organised and governed.

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Our work

We work to protect and restore the waterways.

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Contact us

Get in touch with our team.

IWA at 75

The Inland Waterways Association has just notched-up 75 years of campaigns to save, restore and protect our canals and rivers.

Follow our photographic journey, which celebrates the work of volunteers and campaigners across the country who saved the waterways and helped to make them what they are today.

Waterway underfunding

Hundreds of miles of waterways – along with their unique heritage and habitats – are currently starved of funding and rely on constant lobbying by us to safeguard their future.

Sustainable Boating

We want boating on canals and rivers to be more sustainable and – even though the current overall contribution to UK carbon emissions is very small – we want to help reduce emissions on the waterways.

Waterways Heritage at Risk

Britain’s canals and rivers are a unique, living heritage. But that heritage is at risk – from urban development, lack of protection, loss of skills and knowledge and climate change.

You can help Save Waterways Heritage.

Waterway restoration

Restoring the UK’s blue infrastructure – our inherited network of navigable canals and rivers – is good for people and places.