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Canal & River Trust
branded as Glandŵr Cymru — the Canal & River Trust in Wales
Canal & River Trust Logo v2.png
Glandwr Cymru.jpg
Motto Making life better by water
Predecessor British Waterways
Formation 2 July 2012 (2012-07-02)
Merger of The Waterways Trust
Type Non-governmental organisation
Registration no. 1146792
Legal status Charitable trust
Purpose Responsible for 2,000 miles of canals, rivers, docks and reservoirs, along with museums, archives and the country's third largest collection of protected historic buildings.
Headquarters Milton Keynes, England, United Kingdom
Region served
 England and Wales
Membership
 Friends of the Canal & River Trust scheme
Official languages
 English and Welsh
Chief Executive
 Richard Parry
Chairman
 Allan Leighton
HRH The Prince of Wales
Main organ
 Board of Trustees
Staff
 1,500
Volunteers
 2,000

The Canal & River Trust, known as Glandŵr Cymru in Wales, looks after 2,000 miles of canals and rivers. They also care for reservoirs and many historic buildings and structures across England and Wales. The Trust started on 12 July 2012. It took over the important job of looking after these waterways from a government-owned group called British Waterways.

History of the Canal & River Trust

How the Trust Began

The idea for a special group to protect Britain's waterways started in the 1960s. A man named Robert Aickman first suggested it. He was a co-founder of the Inland Waterways Association. He wanted to make sure the canals and rivers would be safe for the future.

Later, in 2008, the managers of British Waterways brought this idea back. They were getting less money from the government. Also, people who used the waterways wanted more say in how they were run.

Becoming a Charity

In May 2009, British Waterways suggested a big change. They wanted to become a not-for-profit organisation instead of a public one. This meant they would be more like a charity. Many people who used the waterways had concerns about this plan.

However, in March 2010, the government agreed to turn British Waterways into a "mutually owned co-operative." This meant it would be owned by its members, not the government. After the 2010 general election, the new government also supported this change. They saw it as part of their "Big Society" idea, where local groups and charities do more.

In October 2011, British Waterways announced the new name: the Canal & River Trust. In Wales, it would be called Glandŵr Cymru. The Trust officially became a charity in April 2012.

The Launch of the Trust

In July 2012, all the waterways, buildings, and responsibilities of British Waterways in England and Wales were given to the new Canal & River Trust. On 12 July, the Trust officially launched. At the same time, the Canal & River Trust joined with The Waterways Trust. This was another charity that had similar goals.

The Canal & River Trust also owns a company called BWML. This company manages about 20 marinas. Marinas are places where boats can dock. BWML sells things, offers moorings, and helps with boat licences. In Scotland, British Waterways still operates as a separate public group called Scottish Canals.

Accessing Waterways and Towpaths

The waterways looked after by the Canal & River Trust can be used by boats, canoes, paddleboards, and other watercraft. You usually need to pay a licence fee to use them.

You can walk or cycle on the many towpaths next to the canals and rivers for free. Towpaths are paths originally used by horses to pull boats. You cannot ride horses on a towpath unless it's also a bridleway. Motorbikes and other vehicles are not allowed.

How the Canal & River Trust Works

The Trust is led by a group of 10 people called trustees. They are in charge of making sure the Trust meets its goals. They also set the main plans for the Trust.

There is also a 28-member council. This group checks the Trust's work. Its members represent different waterway users, like boaters, anglers, walkers, and conservation groups.

Finally, there is an executive team and six regional directors. They manage the daily running of the Trust.

The Council's Role

The Canal & River Trust's council has 28 members. These members advise on new plans and discuss important issues. They help guide the trustees and offer different viewpoints.

Local Partnerships

For each area where the Trust has waterways, there is a local partnership. These groups are made up of people from the local communities. There is also a special partnership for all Welsh waterways. Another partnership looks after the Trust's museums and attractions.

Who are the Trustees?

The trustees are legally responsible for making sure the Trust achieves its charitable goals. They are unpaid directors who make big decisions about plans and strategies. They also oversee the executive directors.

Daily Management

The executive directors manage the everyday work of the Trust. They also create plans and strategies for the trustees to approve.

Local Offices

The Trust's main office is in Milton Keynes. They also have 11 local offices. These offices handle the general care of the waterways in their areas. These local offices are based in regions like:

Funding the Waterways

The Canal & River Trust gets a set amount of money from the government each year. This money helps them look after the waterways.

They also earn money from other sources. This includes selling water and renting out properties. They get income from issuing licences for boats to use the waterways. This is one of their biggest income sources after the government grant. The People's Postcode Lottery has also promised over £1 million in funding.

Supporters and Partners

The Prince of Wales is the patron of the Canal & River Trust. This means he supports the Trust. The actor Brian Blessed also helps promote the Trust's volunteer efforts.

In 2012, the Trust announced three big partners:

  • Google worked with the Trust to add UK towpaths to Google Maps. This helps people find access points, bridges, locks, and tunnels. Soon, you will be able to plan journeys that include canal and river towpaths.
  • The People's Postcode Lottery promised £1 million to the Trust. This money helps with restoring and protecting the waterways.
  • The Co-operative Bank works with the Trust to offer financial products. These products allow people to support the Trust's work.

Waterways Managed by the Trust

The Canal & River Trust owns or manages over 2,000 miles of waterways. These include:

Museums and Attractions

The Canal & River Trust also runs several museums and places to visit. These places teach you about canals and waterways.