1. British Waterways Managing canals & rivers in the UK Glenn Millar, Economic Development Manager, British Waterways

2. What is British Waterways? Public corporation – Government-owned not- for-profit organisation Set up under Transport Act 1962 Functions:- –Maintain & conserve inland waterways & their heritage –Encourage recreation, tourism & educational use of the waterways –Encourage waterside regeneration –Facilitate freight transport

3. 3,200 km of canals & rivers in England, Scotland & Wales Network originally developed for freight transport in late 18 th / early 19 th Centuries Now boating is mainly for tourism & recreation – there is still some freight transport on the larger waterways in North-east England On canals, BW owns & manages the towpaths - 346 million visits to waterways (2009) - 34,000 powered boats (2009)

4. Income 2008/2009 £millions% Government grant£74m33% Income from third parties – Regions, local government, Lottery etc. £36m16% Property & wayleaves£46m21% Utilities & water sales£21m9% Boat licences£15m7% Boat moorings & marinas£13m6% Other£18m8% Total£223M

5. Priorities for Government Maintain waterways in a satisfactory order Move towards greater self-sufficiency Deliver public benefits Challenges Pressures on Government funding Pressures on income – resulting from recession Shortfall of £30m p.a. to maintain waterways in good condition Need to convince Government & other stakeholders of benefits of waterways Investigating new status for BW – Third Sector?

6. Waterside regeneration (1) Revitalising urban & rural areas Green infrastructure Enhancing the image of towns & cities

7. Waterside regeneration (2) Restoration of disused waterways Creation of new waterway links

8. Business development Tourism & recreation-based businesses New opportunities – renewables, telecoms

9. The natural environment Aquatic & associated land-based habitats and biodiversity

10. Climate change Renewable energy Water for heating & cooling of buildings Green corridors for “city cooling” Ecological corridors facilitating species migration Land drainage & flood management Sustainable transport

11. Cultural heritage Buildings & structures Boats Traditions

12. Sustainable transport Freight – reintroduction on small waterways Passengers Walking & cycling along waterside paths

13. Health & well-being Physical activity & sport Mental well-being

14. Education & learning Learning outside the classroom for schools Training & skills development

15. Social cohesion Volunteering Opportunities for disadvantaged groups Initiatives to deal with anti-social behaviour

16. Framework for the sustainable development of inland waterways around the North Sea Themes: Stimulating business development Regeneration & restoration Sustainable management of the resource Innovation & new technology