Thank you so much for signing our petition to save our inland waterways for future generations. Every signature makes it harder to ignore our message that the waterways bring huge social and economic benefits and we need to invest now to stop their decline.

But we need many more signatures and this is the time to keep pushing, to show government how much our waterways matter.

There are less than 3 weeks left for the Chancellor to finish the Spending Review and decide UK Government spending plans for the next 3 years.

A group of boats has taken the message to Parliament and is working its way round the country raising awareness of the opportunity and the threat. They need everyone’s support.

Could you please take a moment to help keep the momentum going?

Please do as many of these as you can

1. Can you think of 3 people who would want to support this cause? Maybe friends and family, neighbours or colleagues. Please send the petition to them directly – the link is here

2. Can you share the petition on social media? Even if you’ve already done it, please do it again. Often people need to see a message several times before they take action. The link is here and please use the hashtag #FundBritainsWaterways

3. Can you write to your MP, Mayor or councillor? Tell them about the benefits of canals and rivers, the threats they face, and the increased funding that is needed – and above all, how important they are to you and how many people care about them. Guidance and template letters are available here

4. You can follow the progress of the boats by joining the Facebook group Fund Britain’s Waterways – Cruises for 2025

Why does this matter?

Britain’s canals and rivers are a unique national asset which is enjoyed by millions of people each year, promoting health and wellbeing as well as providing employment and enabling regeneration. New opportunities like water transfer can benefit even more people. Yet without sustainable funding arrangements for the future they are already deteriorating. All these benefits are being put at risk – and at the same time risks to communities are increasing from possible failure of reservoirs, tunnels and embankments.

This government was elected on the promise of a decade of national renewal. It is time to invest in our waterways as a vital part of our national infrastructure.

There is so much at risk if waterway funding continues to shrink. But imagine the renewal we could witness if our canals and rivers prosper again.

Thank you for being part of Fund Britain’s Waterways.