Specialist teams

It takes an awful lot of hard work to make sure that our canals and rivers stay special. This is why we have around 1,600 members of staff and hundreds of volunteers dedicated to making our waterways the best places they can be.

From hydrologists to historians and ecologists to engineers, our experts work together to ensure that every time you step onto the towpath you experience the best the waterways can offer. An enticing natural environment, a refuge where nature and history can exist alongside each other, ready for you to discover.

Ladybird sat on leaf

Going green

Here you can read about our Green Plan, how our canals have been awarded Green Flag status and how we care for our special sites

Engineering

200 years old and our network is still working as it was designed to do. More about our engineers past and present here
Photo of Tardebigge Reservoir

Water management

Ever wondered what happens to water in the canals, how it moves and where it goes? Find out more about how we manage water in all seasons
Restoration and repair site on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal

Restoring lost waterways

From industrial revolution to leisure evolution, many of our waterways have seen neglect along the way. Read more about how we're trying to save our country's lost waterways
Employee in hi-vis and white hard-hat repairing stonework on bridge

Heritage heroes

Meet our heritage team and learn all the wonderful things they do to keep our historic structures in shape for generations to enjoy
Young volunteers working on the Desmond Canoe Trail in 2018

Youth engagement

Check out how you can get involved in our youth projects and be part of your waterways' future
Cotswold Canals

Planning permission

Our planning team protect our waterways from inappropriate development and help to create successful waterside places and spaces for people to thrive