The Waterways Trust is an independent national charity. Since 1999 the Trust has worked with its partners to enrich people’s lives through waterways.
The Trust's vision is to see the UK waterway network supported, valued and enjoyed by everyone.
To achieve this, the Trust identifies need, builds partnerships, raises funds and delivers projects focused on realising benefits for people in five core areas: environment & heritage, improved health, stronger communities, improved learning and regeneration.
The Trust also cares for the nationally important inland waterways collection and the National Waterways Museum at Ellesmere Port, the Waterways Museum Gloucester and the Canal Museum at Stoke Bruerne, are an integral part of its work. By building partnerships with volunteers and the local community, the Trust is re-invigorating the Museums, opening up the story of our waterways to new audiences, creating new opportunities for activity and learning, enhancing the visitor experience and supporting wider regeneration.
The Trust also operates a Small Grants Scheme, and administers the annual Waterways Renaissance Awards jointly with the British Urban Regeneration Association (BURA).
The Trust's principal funder is British Waterways, Great Britain's largest navigation authority. Its Patron is HRH The Prince of Wales, and its Vice Presidents are Paul Atterbury, John Craven OBE, John Fletcher, Sonia Rolt, David Suchet OBE and Timothy West CBE.
The Waterways Trust is a registered charity in England and Wales (Charities Commission no.1074541) and in Scotland (Scottish Charity SCO39264).