Canal & River Trading CIC

Founded in 2012, the Canal & River Trust is the UK's largest charity, responsible for a vast network of canals and navigable rivers spanning 2,000 miles. These waterways serve as vital corridors connecting urban and rural areas, providing essential spaces for both wildlife and people, contributing to improved health and wellbeing. The Trust actively maintains and invests in these 250-year-old structures, including canals, embankments, culverts, reservoirs, bridges, locks, and towpaths, alongside their ecosystems, which are increasingly threatened by climate change and extreme weather.

Historically, these waterways were crucial for the Industrial Revolution, feats of engineering that continue to shape modern life. Today, they offer diverse benefits, serving as spaces for recreation, relaxation, and community engagement, and are experiencing more boat and human traffic than ever before. The canals also play a role in the future, providing water for agriculture, sources of renewable energy, and supporting businesses and jobs.

They contribute to urban cooling and home heating, and host essential infrastructure like broadband cables and utility lines. The Canal & River Trust is powered by millions of supporters and is dedicated to making life better by water. They provide essential green and blue spaces in urban environments and are committed to caring for these historic, precious, and fragile structures.

The team includes engineers, lock keepers, and volunteers working to keep waterways open and vibrant for boaters, local communities, and the public. The charity relies on donations, volunteer time, and support from partners and government to ensure the survival and thriving of these waterways for future enjoyment.