The Canal and River Trust’s Impact Report highlights the recent work done in 2021-2023 to protect and enhance the canal network for the benefit of current and future generations.
image for illustration: Canal &River Trust
The Canal and River Trust writes:
… It showcases how we use our network to bring communities together and provide green spaces.
Health, wellbeing and happiness
Ten million people walk, cycle, paddle, boat along and enjoy our green and blue spaces. We’re improving health outcomes, tackling health inequalities, and saving the NHS £1.1 billion every year….
Engaged people and cohesive communities
We provide vital green spaces for over nine million living within a 10–15-minute walk. This access to nature helps build and sustain social connections and communities….
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Prosperous and connected places
We’re contributing £1.5 billion per year to the UK economy and supporting 80,000 jobs.
Our canals and rivers provide tourism, spaces for sustainable urban waterside living and businesses, and host telecommunications and utilities across the country….
Green and blue futures
Our canals and river navigations are nationally important infrastructure.
We’re protecting homes and businesses from flooding by keeping our embankments and reservoirs in good condition. We’re supporting the green economy and water security….
Cultural and environmental assets
We’re caring for our internationally renowned working heritage and 2,000 miles of wildlife corridors, connecting people with our cultural heritage and nature.
Our work includes protecting these spaces for future generations, while keeping them open and accessible for the present….
