Historic canals repurposed to address modern UK’s challenges
The Canal & River Trust, a charity responsible for maintaining 2,000 miles of canals across England and Wales, has released an Impact Report demonstrating the ongoing relevance of these waterways. The report also details the challenges posed by the ageing infrastructure and the organisation’s efforts to preserve and enhance the UK canal network.
The report underscores the role of canals as significant habitats supporting biodiversity. The network includes 304 conservation areas, 68 sites of special scientific interest, and numerous biodiverse corridors that act as ‘nature highways’, enabling species to thrive and navigate the fragmented landscape. The charity has mapped the ecological footprint of its waterways, identifying their contributions to resilient ecosystems.
A new report highlights how the UK’s historic canal network, originally a product of the Industrial Revolution, is being adapted to tackle key contemporary issues. These interconnected waterways, rich in biodiversity, are contributing to efforts addressing the biodiversity crisis, improving public health, and mitigating some effects of climate change.
The network flows through 32 of 48 local nature recovery strategy areas, with the charity advocating for canals to be integrated into these strategies to help reverse biodiversity loss and promote greener communities.
Access to green spaces has proven benefits for mental health, and canals provide unique blue-green environments. Over nine million people live within a 15-minute walk of a canal, and research shows that visits improve mental wellbeing by six per cent—an impact greater than green spaces alone. In areas with health and wellbeing disparities, canals offer accessible opportunities for exercise, relaxation, and nature connection. With 859m visits recorded last year, the network’s significance to communities continues to grow. Over one-third
126 | ISSUE 111 | MAR 2025 | THE REPORT
of the canal network has achieved Green Flag status, with urban areas receiving special focus.
As the effects of climate change worsen, canals are providing urban cooling, water security and flood protection. During the heatwaves of 2022, urban canals reduced temperatures by an average of 2°C in three cities. The network also supports flood defence through embankments and reservoirs, aids water security, and facilitates low-carbon transport such as cycling and walking.
Despite their value, the network faces challenges linked to ageing infrastructure. Last winter, £9m in storm damage was recorded, highlighting vulnerabilities. The Canal & River Trust is conducting over 150 critical maintenance and conservation
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