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British Waterways canal adoption schemes


What are British Waterways adoption schemes?

There is enormous volunteering strength in people’s desire to make a difference to their community. Local waterway adoption schemes have been set up to enable British Waterways to be part of that action.

Adoptions can form the heart of a community, and local businesses and groups can play a central role in improving facilities and promoting canals and rivers to their communities by formally adopting a stretch of waterway.

British Waterways want to engage people with their waterways by encouraging local businesses and groups to adopt the stretch of canal or river neighbouring their property or within their local community. BW will inspire key decision makers to get involved with promoting and enhancing stretches of waterway, working with local community groups on the different ways they can help. This could include recording and improving wildlife habitats, taking part in practical work parties, promoting the waterway to other local people and running events and guided walks.

The ultimate aim is to increase local ownership, build relationships with British Waterways at a local level and give local communities a say in their local waterway.

Who can adopt?

Adopters will essentially be working with British Waterways to make improvements to their local waterway for the benefit of the local people and all waterway users. Suitable candidates to engage in an Adopter Volunteer Agreement could be:

  • Local businesses
  • Schools
  • Community groups such as environment societies, waterway interest organisations or 'friends of the waterway' etc
  • Parish Councils
  • Residential Associations

An adoption scheme could be taken up by any of the above or several in conjunction with each other.

How can I adopt?

British Waterways has produced a Waterway Adoptions Handbook to tell you all about the scheme and show how you too can be part of this important community programme.
Download the Waterway Adoptions Handbook

British Waterways has also produced a Case Study based on the successful adoption scheme with HFC Bank in Birmingham.
Download the Case Study

If you are interested in becoming a British Waterways waterway adopter, please email volunteer@britishwaterways.co.uk

Last updated: 17/05/2011