177. Fund Britain's Waterways Cruise, River Thames, 8 May 2024

Our 5,000 miles of inland waterways, rivers and canals are major assets benefiting our economy as well as individual wellbeing. They provide about 80,000 jobs directly and contribute £1.5 billion to the economy every year. 2000 miles of waterways are managed by the Canal and Rivers Trust and contribute £6.1 billion in economic and social value.  However, their funding is being reduced by £300 million over the next 10 years. The Environment Agency, which manages 634 miles, is also facing challenges.

Founding members of the Fund Britain’s Waterways included:

• The Association of Waterways Cruising Clubs
• British Marine
• The Inland Waterways Association
• The National Association of Boat Owners
• The Royal Yachting Association

The Water Conservators were invited to join a short cruise on the Thames from Westminster Pier to hear more of the issues and action required to support our waterways. In agreeing to join the very diverse group I explained the work and interests of the Water Conservators in water and environmental management. The Worshipful Company of Water Conservators promotes a diverse and sustainable environment. Our rivers, streams and canals are a critical part of our environment. We depend on them for drinking water, recreation, navigation and wellbeing as well as part of flood prevention, supporting industry and agriculture. We must protect and enhance them for future generations.

We saw a large flotilla of small boats, including narrowboats, and larger commercial craft representing the many users of our waterways. 

We were addressed by Michael Fabricant MP who emphasised the importance of our rivers and identified what the government is doing to support them.

Sheila Hancock, who has successfully raised the profile of our canals, was concerned at the lack of maintenance and investment. We also heard some hard facts and experiences from businesses using the rivers and how we could make better use of them, taking significant traffic off our roads.

It was a lovely afternoon travelling down river talking to the various groups interested in our waterways.  We headed towards the Millennium Dome and back in the glorious sunshine.  We watched the river traffic taking people, construction materials and waste up and down the river. Others were watching and enjoying the river from the sides.  A sure example of why we must invest in our waterways for the future.