The heritage of the inland waterways system are not just the canals and rivers themselves but also the buildings, engineering structures, working mechanisms, artefacts, boats, people, skills and culture.

This heritage is what makes our waterways special and it must be actively protected – through the local planning system and sufficient funding.

Our waterways are not a museum; they are a usable asset with a living heritage. We want to make sure they evolve for the enjoyment and involvement of present and future generations.

Much of the waterways infrastructure is 200 to 250 years old; Government needs to ensure sufficient funding is in place for historic structures such as reservoirs, dams and embankments, and other structures such as locks, bridges, tunnels and aqueducts. We need to protect the small details that make it possible for traditional boating skills to be practiced and evolve.

To preserve our waterways for the future, we need to:

• understand how waterways heritage is at risk and what has been saved
• demonstrate how waterways heritage adds value through regeneration opportunities, visitor enjoyment, tourism and education
• make sure our planning officers are consulted on any waterways-related development
• lobby for waterways heritage protection, alongside other organisations