The waterways are home to such a diverse range of wildlife species in the UK. From common Ducks & Swans to the elusive Otter or Kingfisher, spotting wildlife on the network is always a joy. Today is National Wildlife Day! So tell us, what is the best wildlife sighting you've had on our waterways?

With September looming, here are a few summer moments from the waterways to remind us why the network is so special 🌞 ✨️ What's been your favourite summer moment on the water this year? #summer #summermoments #inlandwaterways #canal #river

🚨 CALLING ALL MEMBERS - HAVE YOUR SAY! 🚨 IWA’s 67th Annual General Meeting is Saturday 19 September 2026 at the University of Worcester. Please register via our website (in person or remotely) so we can gauge numbers. Deadline extended to 3 September! We look forward to welcoming you! #agm #iwa

Have you taken a summer canal trip yet? Did you know that on our website, we have a section dedicated to trip boats? Wherever you are in the country, you can check out the operators on that section of waterway: waterways.org.uk/trip-boats Tell us about your favourite recent canal trips you've taken👇️

📸 Today is World Photography Day. And if we do say so ourselves, the waterways offer some stunning photo opportunities. Here are just a few of some of the beautiful images people send us from their time on or by, the water. So today, tag us in any of your beautiful waterways photos!

This season's Waterways magazine is landing on doormats across the country as we speak! In our new membership feature, 5000 miles 5000 reasons, we interview Bryony about why she has made her life & work around the waterways & what makes them special for her. Join as a member to read the full article

This trend is for the hardcore amongst us - which Blue is IWA blue?! Drop your guesses in the comments below 👇️ #whichcolour #whichone #inlandwaterways #trending

From industrial highways to peaceful getaways, our canals have a rich history. What's the most interesting thing you have heard about your local waterway? #canal #inlandwaterways #heritage #history #narrowboat

Yes, you read it correctly - the UK has 5000 miles of waterways. And we feel that's worth celebrating and protecting. They support our wildlife, our local economies, our mental and physical health. Be one of the reasons: waterways.org.uk/support 💙

Week one of the Waterway Recovery Group summer camp at Darnford Moors Ecology Park is complete. The volunteers worked really hard to get four concrete bases completed. Well done team! Next week the wall construction starts. 📷 by Colin Hobbs. #WeDigCanals #Lichfield #UKCanals @iwa-uk.bsky.social

The new edition of Waterways will soon arrive on members' doormats. Across the country, canal societies & local groups run trip boats that let you get afloat without hiring a whole narrowboat. IWA highlights these options in the latest issue. Join at www.waterways.org.uk/supportto receive your copy

The Walsall Canal remains closed at Lock 7, reportedly because a lock gate needs replacement. We have repeatedly asked CRT for an update but have had no meaningful response. It's one of many peak season stoppages - we'll keep chasing, monitor closures via our Risk Index & campaign for transparency.

The Waterway Recovery Group (part of @iwa-uk.bsky.social) canal camp volunteers have made an excellent start on constructing the new canal bed at Darnford Moors Ecology Park. Fantastic progress in just a couple of days! lhcrt.org.uk/closures/ #WeDigCanals #Lichfield #UKCanals

Hazy summer morning on the Rochdale Canal at Hebden Bridge. #UKCanals @towpathtalk.bsky.social @iwa-uk.bsky.social #LifesBetterByWater @slowwaysuk.bsky.social The start of a very hot walk to Halifax, canal and hills.

Tonight takes us to the @wiltsberks.bsky.social where @iwa-uk.bsky.social London WRG and KESCRG descend on Pewsham Locks for a massive restoration effort to bring this canal back to life. They Came From Across Britain to Save This Canal Lock youtu.be/eczb-cGfEd0

How volunteers are bringing this canal back to life

YouTube video by Court Above The Cut

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💙 IWA’s 67th Annual General Meeting will be held Sat 19th Sept '26 at the University of Worcester. Registration & refreshments from 10:00am; the formal AGM starts at 11:30am with lunch at 1pm. Please book your place via our website: waterways.org.uk/agm We look forward to welcoming you!

Prep is underway for the Waterway Recovery Group ( @iwa-uk.bsky.social ) summer camp at Darnford Moors Ecology Park. From 18 July to 1 August, the park will be closed while volunteers build the new canal walls. Exciting! More updates soon. #WeDigCanals #Lichfield #UKCanals

London's canal network is a quieter side-street to the Thames' main road. The waterways offer us calm in busy areas. Once used to carry goods into the city, London's canals now provide havens for walking, cycling, paddling or relaxing in the sun with friends. Where's your favourite London spot?

Happy Summer Solstice! The longest day is here - celebrate the long evenings on the waterways. Book a sunset cruise, take a late nature walk & spot bats at dusk, or stay up 'til dawn for an early river dip. However you welcome the season, enjoy it - send us photos of how you spent the longest day.

Becoming an IWA Trustee helps protect & champion waterways for future generations. You don't need lots of time, expertise, or to be a boater - just passion & energy. Whether you're driven by wildlife, the environment, or reopening neglected canals you walk past, if you can help, send us a message!

Volunteers Week! IWA is largely run by volunteers. Their passion makes our work possible. From events, litter picks & canal restoration, to staffing campaign stands or serving as Trustees, volunteers keep IWA going. Thanks to everyone who gives their time. Check our website for new opportunities 💙

Did you visit Crick Festival last weekend? It was great to speak to lots of you at the event, both on the IWA and WRG stand and to celebrate all things waterways! #crickfestival #crick #inlandwaterways #canal #wedigcanals

🚨 Calling all painters & photographers! Beat the heat—send your waterways Christmas or winter-themed paintings and photos to be considered for our annual calendar or a Christmas card cover. Email entries to comms@waterways.org.uk for a chance to be featured! #photography #painting #inlandwaterways

It's Rivers Week! We're celebrating rivers - vital waterways that connect us (hello boat trips), link us to nature, support wellbeing & wildlife and boost local economies. They need our support to thrive. IWA campaigns for all UK waterways, including rivers. Want to help? Sign up, donate or join us!

⛵️ It's World Boating Day! Lets celebrate by sharing favourite pictures of your boat or a boat you have seen on your travels. It could be a bright colour, an unusual craft, your own beloved vessel or from a trip you once took. Boats of all shapes and sizes welcome! #worldboatingday #inlandwaterways

As we are celebrating birthdays this year (did you know IWA is 80!?), here are a few moments from this year's Batchworth Boat Rally in Rickmansworth, where the theme for the last few years is historic boats, some turning 90 yrs old! 🎂 #batchworthboatrally #boatrally #inlandwaterways #historicboats

Who's ready to get out on the water this coming weekend? Tag us in your weekend waterways adventures! #inlandwaterways #canal #river #narrowboat

Hannah is an IWA trustee whose environmental policy expertise & narrowboat experience fuel her passion for protecting Britain’s canals & rivers. This year, IWA is recruiting trustees. If you want to champion Britain’s waterways, contact us to learn more. All welcome - you don't need to own a boat!

A fabulous weekend was had at Cavalcade this year! A huge thanks to all the volunteers who made it possible, plus the stall holders and food vendors who came. If you attended, thank you for supporting the IWA and we hope you had a great weekend!