Making More Use of Waterway Paths

22/11/2010
IWAC’s latest report has researched evidence on the potential for sustainably expanding the use in Britain of waterway paths and their surrounding corridors.

The report’s authors Entec UK Ltd and Asken Ltd have identified over 7,500km of waterway paths and found evidence that indicates over half the nation’s population visited a waterway in 2009 and contributed some £8 billion to the wider economy.

The report proposes immediate action to increase sustainable use of waterway paths:
• Increasing path awareness among local communities
• Ensuring people know how to access paths
• Improving path surfaces, addressing users’ fears for their personal safety, bridging minor gaps in paths and eliminating smaller obstacles to different users
• Incorporating into local development plan documents more ambitious projects such as new bridges, major waterside developments, restored waterways or destination attractions
• Establishing appropriate developer contribution models to maximise contributions from development projects.

IWAC Volunteer Member Mike Cooksley, with a successful Visitor Economy background, said:
“Waterway paths are an invaluable countrywide asset helping local communities access tranquil green spaces, providing a recreational resource which encourages healthy exercise and acting as routes for sustainable transport. Of over 900 million visits to the waterways in 2009, most were dependent on waterway paths, with water-based activities accounting for less than 10% of visits. “

IWAC’s Chair, John Edmonds, said:
“Local communities, businesses, authorities and voluntary bodies have an interest in increasing the use of their local waterway paths. Our report points towards the conclusion that local waterway partnerships between community organisations, planning authorities, landowners, navigation authorities, user bodies and local businesses provide the best mechanism for delivering the benefits that waterway paths provide. IWAC recommends their widespread establishment.”

Note to Editors:
1) IWAC’s report “Making More Use of Waterway Paths and their Surrounding Corridors” is available online at http://www.iwac.org.uk/reports
2) If you have any comments or questions then please contact IWAC at iwac@iwac.gsi.gov.uk or on 020 7253 1745.
3) IWAC is sponsored by the UK Government (Defra) and the Scottish Government. It offers advice until the end of 2010 to:
• the UK Government on matters relating to all inland waterways in England & Wales, and
• the Scottish Government on matters relating to canals in Scotland.
In addition, IWAC advises navigation authorities and other interested organisations and bodies. [End]

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IWAC Proposes Major Overhaul of Inland Waterways

01/10/2010

After a two year study, the Inland Waterways Advisory Council (IWAC) has identified “serious flaws” in the funding and organisation of the inland waterways of England and Wales, and has called for a comprehensive programme of reform.

IWAC’s Report, entitled Surviving the Cuts and Securing the Future, describes the present structure as “cumbersome” with many “inefficiencies and weaknesses”. The inland waterways are operated by more than 20 navigation authorities which vary greatly in size, structure, governance, objectives and funding.

Introducing the Report, John Edmonds - Chair of IWAC - described the inland waterways’ system as “fragmented and under-resourced” with limited engagement with either local authorities or the private sector. The two largest navigation authorities (British Waterways and the Environment Agency) are “heavily dependent on public funds and the level of public funds is not secure”, while many of the smaller navigation authorities “lack management capacity and relevant specialist advice”.

The Report sounds a strong warning about the likely damaging effects of cuts in UK Government funding that are expected to be announced later this year:

“Substantial reductions in funding will have a long term detrimental impact on the condition of the network, and will very likely lead to reduced standards of service provided to users, such as deterioration or loss of towpaths as footpaths, and over time to the loss of some existing waterways. This bleak outcome is particularly likely if serious breaches and collapses occur and, against the background of funding cuts, funds for repairs cannot be found.”

IWAC finds the case for a measure of public funding to be “strong and convincing” and argues that instead of each year’s funding for the waterways being set by short term decisions, the level of public funding should be based on a framework of funding principles recommended in the Report.

The Report reminds the UK Government that any “intention to apply cuts in public expenditure in the immediate future does not relieve it of the responsibility to preserve the important national asset in the long term”. The UK Government should use the funding principles to establish “the basis and trajectory for long term public funding” and, “although immediate economic pressures might mean that Defra is unable to follow this trajectory for some years, Government will need to return public funding to this trajectory as rapidly as possible.”

To reduce the reliance on public funding, the Report points to a number of opportunities for the inland waterway authorities to increase their income in the short and medium term, including a substantial increase in retail and franchise revenue, the use of sponsorship, and working with volunteers to increase “the potential of the inland waterways to deliver valuable benefits and to improve the quality of life of local communities”. IWAC also proposes the reform of out dated legislation that impedes effective management of many waterways.

In a detailed assessment of the proposal to create a third sector body to replace British Waterways, IWAC lists the potential advantages but concludes that “the move of BW into the third sector will ….. not resolve many of the current funding problems of BW and will do little to address the inefficiencies and weaknesses in the structural arrangements of the inland waterways sector as a whole”. The Report sets out the case for a substantial level of public funding for the new third sector body during the lengthy period while it develops new sources of revenue.

In the final Section of the Report IWAC proposes that the change in the status of British Waterways should be the first step towards a more comprehensive reform of the whole inland waterways sector. “It would be a great disappointment and a significant missed opportunity if BW’s proposed move into the third sector were to be regarded by Government as the last word on structural change in the sector.”

The Report concludes that the best chance of remedying the problems of the inland waterways is by creating a highly decentralised organisation to manage and develop the inland waterways based on local business units with a small strategic authority at the centre. The new organisation should be based on “principles of participation and stewardship” with a very high level of engagement with users and local authorities. These principles should be reinforced by suitable governance arrangements, with a governing body which includes representatives of users and local authorities; at local level, advisory committees should be given real influence.

IWAC proposes that the new reformed structure should be implemented in a stage by stage approach, making efforts to preserve the identity of local navigation bodies and providing the offer of affiliation to smaller navigation authorities that do not wish to be part of the new reformed organisation.

John Edmonds, Chair of IWAC, said:
“Comprehensive reform of the inland waterways would bring substantial financial and social benefits. Not only can significant savings be made but a new decentralised organisation would be closer to users and local communities. The potential benefits of inland waterways are enormous and reforming their present archaic structure would provide the best chance of ensuring that they are secured for the nation.”

Note to Editors:
1) IWAC’s report “Surviving the Cuts and Securing the Future” is available online at http://www.iwac.org.uk/reports. Hard copies are available via email request to iwac@iwac.gsi.gov.uk.

2) To discuss the report please contact IWAC’s Chair John Edmonds on 0779 374 6814 or at iwac@iwac.gsi.gov.uk.

3) IWAC is sponsored by the UK Government (Defra) and the Scottish Government. Until the end of 2010, it offers advice to:
• the UK Government on matters relating to all inland waterways in England & Wales, and
• the Scottish Government on matters relating to canals in Scotland.
In addition, IWAC advises navigation authorities and other interested organisations and bodies.[End]

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Volunteering and Inland Waterways

06/09/2010

IWAC’s new report looks at a wide range of 20 organisations outside of inland waterways which successfully attract, integrate and retain volunteers.

A central theme throughout the individual case studies is the adoption of an explicit strategy which includes:
• investing time, money and management effort into working with volunteers
• building volunteer capacity within the organisation
• re-assessing the breadth of roles volunteers can play in an organisation

John Edmonds, who chairs IWAC, called for all waterway organisations to use IWAC’s report to audit and refresh their current policies and practices.

John said: “A major transformation is needed in the way our waterways are managed. In particular British Waterways and the Environment Agency need to reinforce their commitment to working with volunteers.”

“This Report contains case studies featuring organisations across the economy that have made a success of working with volunteers. Inland waterway organisations should learn from these case studies and develop their own tailored strategies to increase volunteering in the waterways sector.

How organisations go about successfully attracting, integrating and retaining volunteers varies. Large organisations such as the National Trust have allocated dedicated volunteer management resources. Smaller ones such as VODA have explicitly integrated roles and responsibilities for volunteering across existing staff.

But the common theme is that senior management positively commit their organisations to working with volunteers and make sure that all parts of their organisation have policies and practices in place to attract, encourage, and use the skills and enthusiasm that volunteers bring.”

Note to Editors:
1) IWAC’s report “Volunteering and Inland Waterways: How to Attract, Integrate and Retain Volunteers” is available online at http://www.iwac.org.uk/reports
Printed copies are available via email request to iwac@iwac.gsi.gov.uk

2) To discuss the report please contact IWAC’s Chair John Edmonds on 0779 374 6814 or at iwac@iwac.gsi.gov.uk

3) IWAC is sponsored by the UK Government (Defra) and the Scottish Government. It offers advice until the end of 2010 to:
• the UK Government on matters relating to all inland waterways in England & Wales, and
• the Scottish Government on matters relating to canals in Scotland.
In addition, IWAC advises navigation authorities and other interested organisations and bodies.

[End]

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Working Together - Effective Waterway Partnerships

25/03/2010

IWAC’s latest report offers guidance to the waterways world on forming effective partnerships to improve our rivers and canals. It identifies the following as essential for a partnership to be successful:

• Adopt a ‘can-do’ attitude and stick with it

• Communicate effectively at all levels and with all stakeholders

• Involve the local community

• Plan appropriately - agree a strategic plan

• Be clear about partners’ roles

• Be open and honest about problems

Cathy Cooke, co-author of the report and IWAC Member, launched the document at the waterway partnership conference 'Making Best Use of the Waterways' hosted by the North Yorkshire and East Riding LEADER partnership at Bishop Burton College of Agriculture.

Cathy said “Partnership working is widespread in the restoration and operation of our inland waterways. Advocated by the UK Government and many public, private and third sector organisations, effective partnerships can help provide long term sustainability for waterway projects.

However, for a wide variety of reasons not all waterway partnerships thrive. To help those involved, our report highlights examples of good practice drawn from successful waterway partnerships.

We hope our resulting guidance will help to reinvigorate struggling partnerships and set new ones along the right road to success.”

NOTE TO EDITORS

1) IWAC’s report “Working Together – Effective Waterway Partnerships” is available online at http://www.iwac.org.uk/reports

Printed copies are available via email request to iwac@iwac.gsi.gov.uk

2) IWAC received information from the following partnerships in England, Scotland and Wales:

i. Animating the Canal – West Dunbartonshire
http://www.west-dunbarton.gov.uk/building-and-planning/forward-planning-and-regeneration/environmental-improvement-projects/animating-the-canal-project

ii. Chesterfield Canal Partnership
http://www.chesterfield-canal-partnership.co.uk

iii. Kennet and Avon Canal Partnership
http://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/leisureandculture/parksandopenspaces/riversandcanals/kennetandavoncanal.htm

iv. Monmouthshire & Brecon Canals Regeneration Partnership
http://www.newport.gov.uk/_dc/index.cfm?fuseaction=regeneration.canals&contentid=CONT105327

v. Sobriety Project
http://www.waterwaysmuseum.org.uk

3) To discuss the report further, or if you have any comments or questions, then please contact IWAC’s Policy Advisor John Manning at iwac@iwac.gsi.gov.uk or on 020 7253 1745.

4) The 'Making Best Use of the Waterways' conference will lead to a Waterways Partnership covering North Yorkshire and the East Riding. For more details contact Claire Watts, External Funding and Policy Manager, East Riding of Yorkshire Council at claire.watts@eastriding.gov.uk or on 01482 391618

5) IWAC is sponsored by the UK Government (Defra) and the Scottish Government, offering advice to:
• the UK Government on matters relating to all inland waterways in England & Wales, and
• the Scottish Government on matters relating to canals in Scotland.
In addition, IWAC advises navigation authorities and other interested organisations and bodies
[End]

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Funding for a Selection of Overseas Waterways

07/12/2009

The latest report from the Inland Waterways Advisory Council (IWAC) looks at the funding and income sources for a selection of overseas inland waterways in eight countries whose uses are similar to the majority of those in Britain.

IWAC’s report, researched and produced by specialist consultants Euromapping, found that from information received covering the 2005-08 period:

• At least 95% of income came from public funding for the vast majority of waterway examples, including the Erie Canal (United States) and River Lot (France).

• In Germany and France there was a trend to transfer public funding from national government to regional or local government sources – something considered and not adopted in Sweden.

• Road tolls were the source of public funding for the United States’ New York State Canal Corporation and, to a lesser extent, the Netherlands’ Drenthe Canals.

• 66% of income for Sweden’s Göta Canal came from property, private boats and trip boats.

John Edmonds, who chairs IWAC, said “Our report on overseas waterway funding and income sources revealed four main points. First, the significantly high level of public funding for overseas inland waterways. Second, the trend recorded in many of the European waterways surveyed to transfer funding from national governments to regional or local governments – which often led to a period of uncertainty whilst transfer terms were discussed. Third, the report highlighted how road tolls can, where long established such as in the United States, be used as a source of waterway funding. Finally, the importance of property as a substantial source of income for the very successful Göta Canal in Sweden, which can also act commercially on those assets.

Many politicians will be surprised by the evidence in our report that Britain’s main inland waterways are not as dependent on public funding, either from national or local sources, as many of their counterparts are overseas.”

IWAC’s report “Funding and Income Sources for a Selection of Overseas Inland Waterways” is available in the "Reports" section of IWAC's website (www.iwac.org.uk/reports).

Note to Editors:
1) In addition to being available online, a limited number of hard copies of the report are available via email request to iwac@iwac.gsi.gov.uk.

2) IWAC appointed inland waterway specialist consultants Euromapping (http://www.euromapping.com) to produce the report. Authored by David Edwards-May, Euromapping gathered its information primarily by interview from a selection of overseas inland waterways used mainly for amenity purposes and comparable to those in Britain:
o Rideau Canal and Trent-Severn Waterway, Canada
o Roubaix Canal, France
o River Lot Navigation, France
o Brittany Canals, France
o Espierres Canal, Belgium
o Brandenburg waterways, Germany
o Shannon-Erne Waterway, Ireland
o Drenthe canals, Netherlands
o Göta Canal, Sweden
o Erie and Champlain Canals, USA

3) IWAC has also recently published a parallel report “Insights into the Funding of the Inland Waterways of Great Britain”, available online only at http://www.iwac.org.uk/reports. IWAC will use the evidence from these two reports to inform its thinking and will publish later in 2010 a separate report providing options for the sustainable funding of inland waterways in Britain.

4) To discuss the report further, or if you have any comments or questions, then please contact IWAC’s Policy Advisor John Manning at iwac@iwac.gsi.gov.uk or on 020 7253 1745.
[End]

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Insights into the Funding of the Inland Waterways

23/11/2009

IWAC today launched its latest report which provides an overall estimate, for the first time, of the size and sources of total income for the majority of navigable inland waterways in England and Wales and for canals in Scotland.

Covering the 2006-08 period, IWAC’s report found that:
• Navigation authorities in Britain had a total income of around £300million per year.
• British Waterways accounted for 71% of the total, the Port of London Authority and the Cardiff Harbour Authority for 16%, the Environment Agency for 9% and the Broads and smaller authorities the remaining 4%.
• Grant in Aid from Defra and the Scottish Government made up 34% of the income of British Waterways and Grant in Aid from Defra constituted 54% of the income of the Environment Agency.
• British Waterways’ property activities were a major source of its revenue, representing 18% of total income.
• Funding from local authorities accounted for less than 1% of navigation authorities’ total income.
• Licences, registrations, permits and tolls charged by navigation authorities accounted for 8% of their total income.
• Charges on users accounted for 82% of the total income for the Broads Authority which was used for navigation purposes, 14% for the Environment Agency and 6% for BW.

John Edmonds, who chairs IWAC, said “For the first time, our report provides a snap shot of the amount and types of funding and income which many of Britain’s navigation authorities receive. It clearly highlights the importance of Grant in Aid and income from property: British Waterways obtains almost a fifth of its total income from property activities – money which otherwise would have to be found from elsewhere.

Most local authority funding went to navigation authorities which local authorities either owned or managed. Based on the information provided, only one of the smaller navigation authorities which is neither owned nor managed by local authorities received significant local authority funding. This clearly highlights the challenge for the future funding of our inland waterways.”
IWAC’s report “Insights into the Funding of the Inland Waterways of Great Britain” is available online at http://www.iwac.org.uk/reports.

Note to Editors:
1) IWAC appointed consultants Fisher Associates (www.fisherassoc.co.uk) to gather information on revenues from members of the Association of Inland Navigation Authorities, members of the National Community Boats Association and museums which focus on inland navigable waterways.
2) IWAC will shortly publish a parallel report on the funding of a selection of overseas inland waterways. IWAC will use the evidence from these two reports to inform its thinking and will publish later in 2010 a separate report providing options for the sustainable funding of inland waterways in Britain.
3) To discuss the report further, or if you have any comments or questions, then please contact IWAC’s Policy Advisor John Manning at iwac@iwac.gsi.gov.uk or on 020 7253 1745.

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Benefits of Inland Waterways

10/09/2009
LATEST RESEARCH

IWAC and Defra have published online the results of the first project in their joint research programme, funded by Defra, into the Benefits of Inland Waterways. Undertaken by consultants Jacobs, the “Benefits of Inland Waterways” is available in the REPORTS section of IWAC's website [http://www.iwac.org.uk/reports].

The report’s authors have reviewed and evaluated existing research literature to define the generic economic, social and environmental benefits of inland waterways. These include benefits from amenity such as walking and cycling, to other services provided by the waterways such as drainage and biodiversity; the increased value for waterside property, so contributing to regeneration, is also highlighted.

The report’s authors have then calculated a monetary value for many of these benefits to create a Benefits Transfer Valuation Framework. The Framework can be used on a stretch of inland waterway where those benefits occur, giving a value to the benefits of that particular waterway.

This monetary evidence of the potential economic, social and environmental benefits which arise from an inland waterway should help give additional confidence to potential investors in waterway related projects and regeneration.

John Edmonds, who chairs IWAC, said “This is important research. 80% of people in Britain live within five miles of an inland waterway. Canals and rivers add to our quality of life by providing benefits that range from leisure activities like boating, fishing and walking through to the regeneration of local communities by stimulating economic growth alongside the waterways. Our waterways can even be used to host initiatives to tackle social exclusion. The Framework produced by this research will enable us to quantify those benefits, helping to ensure that public and private money can be invested wisely.”

Note to Editors:
1) Defra has made £120k available in the 2008-10 period for a new inland waterways research programme, the first focus of which is assessing the benefits provided by inland waterways. IWAC is managing the programme overseen by a Programme Board chaired by Defra with members from Defra, British Waterways, the Environment Agency, the Association of Inland Navigation Authorities and IWAC.
2) The next phase being developed in the research programme is expected to apply the Framework to stretches of particular inland waterways. This will check whether the identified benefits from the research actually fit well with those realised in “real life” and will test the availability and applicability of the values given in the Framework.
3) For more information about Jacobs, check out its website at http://www.jacobs.com or contact Stefanie O'Gorman on Stefanie.O'Gorman@jacobs.com
4) To discuss the report further, or if you have any comments or questions, then please contact IWAC’s Policy Advisor John Manning at iwac@iwac.gsi.gov.uk or on 020 7253 1745.
[End]

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Climate Change: Mitigation & Adaptation

16/06/2009
Implications for Inland Waterways in England and Wales

IWAC today published its latest report showing how inland waterways can assist in mitigating and adapting to the effects of climate change.

The report identifies mitigation measures that include:
• increasing the amount of freight transported on waterways;
• using waterways as a source for cooling adjacent buildings;
• developing renewable energy sources, such as hydropower;
• reducing vessels emissions through improved boater education on engine use and speed.

Corresponding adaptation measures include:
• increasing data monitoring to help plan for anticipated drier summers and wetter winters;
• increasing storage for excess or surplus water during wetter winters;
• improving water conservation and supply during drier summers;
• adapting bankside, towpath and habitat management in anticipation of an increased growth in existing or newly arrived species.

John Edmonds, who chairs IWAC, said:
“Some degree of climate change is now inevitable. Action is required by everyone, including the inland waterway sector, to achieve the 80% cut required in all greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

Inland waterway managers need to be prepared for the effects of likely increases in winter rainfall, reductions in summer rainfall, higher water and air temperatures and corresponding changes to waterway sedimentation.

Some of the mitigation and adaptation measures our report identifies can be delivered by improving awareness and education of inland waterway users. Most of the recommended measures require authorities to start actively preparing for their implementation now, otherwise tomorrow’s appreciation of our inland waterways risks being hampered due to today’s lack of action.”

Notes for Editors
1) The report is available on IWAC’s website at: http://www.iwac.org.uk/reports
2) Using a research grant from Defra, IWAC commissioned consultants Jan Brooke Environmental Consultant Ltd and Ian White Associates (Navigation) Ltd to research and produce the report.
3) To discuss further, or if you have any comments or questions, then please contact IWAC’s Policy Advisor John Manning at iwac@iwac.gsi.gov.uk or on 020 7253 1745.
4) IWAC is sponsored by the UK Government (Defra) and the Scottish Government. It provides advice to:
• the UK Government on matters relating to all inland waterways in England & Wales, and
• the Scottish Government on matters relating to canals in Scotland.
In addition, IWAC advises navigation authorities and other interested bodies. [End]

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Combating Social Exclusion

16/04/2009
PRESS RELEASE
COMBATING SOCIAL EXCLUSION

The Inland Waterways Advisory Council (IWAC) today showed how inland waterways can be used to combat social exclusion.

Its new publication called “Using Inland Waterways to Combat the Effects of Social Exclusion” describes how a small number of local authorities and community groups, the British Canoe Union and the National Community Boats Association have cooperated to deliver a range of important social benefits, including:

• young people at risk of offending gaining transferable skills to help them find work;
• older people in care and people with disabilities becoming more independent after attending waterway residential courses;
• offenders on community service orders carrying out environmental improvements in the community;
• young people from different ethnic backgrounds learning to live and work together on a canal boat, promoting teamwork and social cohesion in the wider community.

IWAC’s publication also recommends that the UK Government should recognise and promote the value of inland waterway projects which help combat social exclusion.

The pamphlet contributes to the ongoing update of UK Government policy on inland waterways, expected by the end of this year to replace its existing policy document “Waterways for Tomorrow” published in 2000.

John Edmonds, who chairs IWAC, said:
“With 12 million people in Britain below the poverty line, with one of the largest prison populations in Europe and with a United Nations Children’s Fund report suggesting that we have some of the unhappiest children in the developed world, we need every weapon in the armoury to combat social exclusion. 80% of people in Britain live within five miles of a canal or river - this means that inland waterways are ideally placed to be used to combat social exclusion within people’s own local communities.”

Notes for Editors
1) The pamphlet is available on IWAC’s website at http://www.iwac.org.uk/reports
2) Hard copies of the pamphlet are available on request, on a first come first serve basis, via email request to iwac@iwac.gsi.gov.uk
3) To discuss further, or if you have any comments or questions, then please contact IWAC’s Policy Advisor John Manning at iwac@iwac.gsi.gov.uk or on 020 7253 1745.
4) IWAC is sponsored by the UK Government (Defra) and the Scottish Government. It provides advice to:
• the UK Government on matters relating to all inland waterways in England & Wales, and
• the Scottish Government on matters relating to canals in Scotland.
In addition, IWAC advises navigation authorities and other interested bodies.
[end]

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Scotland's Canals

16/09/2008

PRESS RELEASE

The Inland Waterways Advisory Council (IWAC) today published its latest report entitled ‘Scotland’s Canals, an Asset for the Future: a Review of Awareness and Appreciation of the Canal Network in Scotland’.

Scotland’s canals are a huge source of social, economic and environmental potential. IWAC’s report, produced by Glasgow based consultants Liddell Thomson, found:

• significant progress in delivering the Scottish Government’s canal policy framework;
• praise for British Waterways Scotland’s focus-shift towards the regeneration of Scotland’s Canals.

The report also makes four key recommendations:
1. Demonstrate the positive impact of canals through a network wide economic and social impact study.
2. Unlock the canals’ potential through the planning process, by establishing them as a national priority covered by supplementary planning guidance to help ensure local authorities embed canal development strategies in their Local Plans.
3. Maximise public and private sector engagement.
4. Mount a national canal awareness campaign to raise the profile and increase appreciation of the multiple benefits of maintaining and developing the Scottish canal network.

IWAC’s Duncan McGhie, the report’s project leader, said:
“Scotland’s canal network represents a remarkable, often beautiful asset with enormous potential. While the regeneration of Scotland’s canals has revitalised the inland waterways themselves, there is still more to do if we are to fully realise their worth. In congratulating British Waterways Scotland on all that it has achieved, we would call on everyone involved – particularly the Scottish Government, local authorities, VisitScotland and British Waterways Scotland – to make even more of Scotland’s other true liquid asset.”

Note to Editors:
1) The report is available on IWAC’s website at http://www.iwac.org.uk/reports. CDs of the report are available on request, on a first come first serve basis, via email request to iwac@iwac.gsi.gov.uk.
2) IWAC commissioned consultants Liddell Thomson to gauge the awareness and appreciation of Scotland’s canals amongst stakeholders since the publication in 2002 of the Scottish Government’s canal policy document, ‘Scotland’s Canals – an asset for the future’.
3) The Scottish Government has invested around £70million in Scotland’s canals over the last six years, helping to revitalise them. The £76 million Millennium Link development has restored a navigable passage between the Forth & Clyde canal and the Union canal. British Waterways Scotland has also successfully attracted £25million of Big Lottery Funding for the Helix development which plans to transform 300 hectares of landscape between Falkirk and Grangemouth into a thriving environmental community.
4) To discuss further, or if you have any comments or questions, then please contact:
• the report’s project leader, Duncan McGhie, at duncan.mcghie@ntlworld.com or on 07720 288447; or
• IWAC’s Policy Advisor, John Manning, at iwac@iwac.gsi.gov.uk or on 020 7253 1745.

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Technology Report

21/07/2008
PRESS RELEASE
REPORT ON INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY

The Inland Waterways Advisory Council (IWAC) today issued its latest report entitled ‘Information and Communication Technology for the UK’s Inland Waterways.

The report recommends that those involved in managing the inland waterways should, in particular:
• consider the development of a UK-wide ‘smart card’ for access to, and to charge for, navigational services and waterway facilities;
• develop the ability for waterway users to licence and re-licence all UK inland craft on-line;
• appoint a single wireless internet (WiFi) supplier to provide services at designated locations across the whole of Britain’s inland waterway network;
• aim to collaborate better about operational information and communication technology (ICT), to improve the services offered to users of the inland waterways.

John Edmonds, IWAC’s chair, said:
“We believe that users of Britain’s inland waterways would see an improvement to their enjoyment of the network if navigation authorities adopt our report’s recommendations on the application of ICT to the inland waterways.

We also judge it likely that navigation authorities could improve the service they deliver to their customers whilst at the same time potentially reducing their costs.

We would urge everyone involved with the successful management of Britain’s inland waterways to read our report and adopt its recommendations”.

Note to Editors:
1) The report is available on IWAC’s website at http://www.iwac.org.uk/reports.
2) Ian White Associates produced the report for IWAC; its principal is a former director of technical development at British Waterways (BW) and a former chair of the Association of Inland Navigation Authorities (AINA).
3) To discuss further, or if you have any comments or questions, then please contact IWAC’s Policy Advisor John Manning at iwac@iwac.gsi.gov.uk or on 020 7253 1745.

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Balancing Navigation & Aquatic Wildlife

02/07/2008
PRESS RELEASE

The Inland Waterways Advisory Council (IWAC) today issued its latest report entitled ‘Britain’s Inland Waterways: Balancing the Needs of Navigation and Aquatic Wildlife’.

At its launch in London, representatives from the Association of Inland Navigation Authorities (AINA), British Waterways, the Environment Agency and Natural England all welcomed the report.

John Edmonds, IWAC’s chair, said:

“IWAC is very aware of a few high profile cases where boaters and wildlife organisations have come into conflict about the use of our inland waterways. Our report examines whether it is possible to manage our inland waterways so that they can be used for boating while also being used to promote the needs of aquatic wildlife.

The good news in our report is that the vast majority of inland waterways can be effectively managed to deliver aquatic wildlife benefits as well as sustainable navigation. This need not involve significant additional costs providing the right plans are put in place at an early stage of waterway restoration or maintenance work.

However we also found that a small number of inland waterways, both in use for navigation and with plans for restoration, are of such importance for aquatic wildlife that extra consideration is necessary in their design and management. This includes measures such as limiting boat movements, boat speed or the type of vessels using them.

Our report sets out what we regard as best practice for the restoration and operation of inland waterways. It offers key recommendations for government and regulatory bodies, navigation authorities, development agencies, local authorities, waterway related businesses and voluntary sector organisations.

We are confident that all stakeholders in the inland waterways will welcome the findings of IWAC’s report.”

Note to Editors:

1) The report is available on IWAC’s website at http://www.iwac.org.uk/reports

2) Hard copies or CDs of the report are available on request, on a first come first serve basis, via email request to iwac@iwac.gsi.gov.uk

3) To discuss further, or if you have any comments or questions, then please contact IWAC’s Policy Advisor John Manning at iwac@iwac.gsi.gov.uk or on 020 7253 1745.

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Decreasing Our Carbon Footprint

22/01/2008
PRESS RELEASE

The Inland Waterways Advisory Council (IWAC) today issued its paper on freight, entitled ‘Decreasing Our Carbon Footprint – Moving More Freight onto the Inland Waterways of England and Wales’.

John Edmonds, IWAC’s chair, said:

“We believe that increasing waterborne freight transport could make a useful contribution towards meeting the UK Government’s commitment to reduce carbon emissions by 60% by 2050.

Research suggests that transporting freight by water instead of road has the potential to reduce by three quarters the amount of carbon emitted.

Successful examples in the UK and elsewhere in Europe demonstrate that our inland waterways can provide a viable and environmentally friendly means of transporting freight.

IWAC’s paper sets out the current situation regarding freight on the inland waterway network in England and Wales. It recommends how waterborne freight could be increased in the future.

Two key recommendations are:
1. Better promotion of waterborne freight by the water freight industry and navigation authorities, with Sea and Water playing a major role.

2. The UK and Welsh Assembly Governments undertaking a comprehensive study of the opportunities for, and barriers to, increasing freight transport by water, aiming to produce recommendations that can be adopted as a useful contribution to reducing the UK’s carbon footprint.”

Note to Editors:
1) ‘Decreasing Our Carbon Footprint – Moving More Freight onto the Inland Waterways of England and Wales’ is available online at http://www.iwac.org.uk/reports/.

2) To discuss the document further, or if you have any comments or questions, then please contact IWAC’s Policy Advisor John Manning at iwac@iwac.gsi.gov.uk or on 020 7253 1745.

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Stratford-Upon-Avon

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