JD Narrowboats at Dobsons of Shardlow

17/09/2026

Would you like the chance to shape the future of waterway restoration across Britain, supporting 50+ independent groups working to reopen former navigable routes and forging new strategic waterway links? Do you have excellent communication and networking skills, project management experience and experience of waterway restoration, heritage restoration or similar?

We are currently recruiting for a Waterways Restoration Officer. You will be at the frontline of restoration, directly interacting with restoration groups and providing support by signposting to advice, identifying where IWA can develop resources and leading in their development.

This is a full time, but flexible role and all the information can be found on our website here: https://waterways.org.uk/about-us/the-charity/work-with-us

We are seeking a confident individual with sound organisational and communication skills who has a passion for the nation’s waterways and heritage. If this is you, we look forward to receiving your application! Closing date is October 12th 2026.

17/09/2026

This is from 1975. Someone with some vision. If it wasn't for the work of hundreds of volunteers, the canal system would still be in ruins.

15/09/2026

03/09/2026

Beautiful blue with stunning cream coachline.

31/08/2026

It's been a busy bank holiday,but what a beautiful evening. As the sun goes down here at the boatyard on the last day of Summer, we wish everyone a Autumn of joy 😊

31/08/2026

https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01173hf

The home movies of the enthusiasts who helped to save Britain's inland waterways.

31/08/2026

We are still short of water in the system, but thankfully things have improved slightly.

To continue conserving water across the network, the 14-day movement requirement will be suspended for a further month, lasting until 30th September when the situation will be reviewed again.

Please note this only applies to the 14-day movement requirement - time limits at visitor moorings, water points and other facilities still stand, ensuring they're available for everyone.

If you're on a waterway that's open and navigable, you're more than welcome to continue moving as you otherwise would. All we ask is for boaters to keep the ongoing water shortage in the back of their mind when making decisions.

Thank you again for understanding 💙

25/08/2026

😶 We've been updating our Risk Index and it doesn't make for pleasant viewing...

🛑Since January, indefinite stoppages across the waterways network have increased by 50% (ones that have been in place for over a month with no end date). In the last month alone, five new indefinite stoppages have been added as drought conditions worsen. With a further breach on the Llangollen Canal last week, and water sources being used to fight wildfires, the pressure on our waterways is greater than ever. And August's dry weather could bring further disruption. This isn't just a short-term problem. Growing demand for water from irrigation, new infrastructure like AI data centres that rely on large amounts of water to manage the heat generated by their servers and yet other pressures means we need to build a more resilient waterways network for the future.

💧 IWA is calling for investment to meet this challenge: better water management, greater water storage and a resilient, properly maintained canals and river network.

☀️ We used to fix the roof while the sun shone. Now, we need to fix the network before more leaks, drought and disruption leave even more of our waterways closed.

🪙 Our canals and rivers can play a vital role in the UK's water future if we invest in them. Please share our posts across social media and help us secure the long-term future of our waterways. Join your local branch or help us by becoming a member or chipping in. Your support will help secure the long term future of our waterways.

18/08/2026

We might even get the boats off the moorings!