Report shows UK canals help make a positive impact on society
The economic and health benefits of providing the nation with vital ‘blue spaces’ are among the key findings of a report recently released by the Canal and River Trust.
The team detailed how their work helps to ensure more than nine million people can feel the wellbeing benefits of living within a 10 to 15 minute walk from their nearest canal.
It estimates that the health benefits to the nation total more than £1 billion as the canal pathways allow walkers, runners and cyclists to enjoy physical and mental health benefits of regular exercise.
And the charity’s work doesn’t just help to improve the mental and physical wellbeing of the people who visit our waterways. The report estimates the value of its flood protection work is around £42 billion.
In short, it found the waterway system made a marked difference to ‘improving outcomes and tackling inequalities.’ The Trust presented its findings at a reception this week in the Houses of Parliament as part of the ‘Keep Canals Alive’ campaign.
‘As a society we are facing a number of challenges – climate change, biodiversity decline, water shortages, inactivity and loneliness, to name just a few,’ says David Orr, Chairperson of the Canal and River Trust.
‘Through our research, and what we see every day, we know that canals in our towns and cities have the potential to transform communities and help address these societal challenges.’
‘Our Impact Report is a showcase to current and future supporters – from individual donors and volunteers through to lotteries, corporate sponsors, local authorities, and partner organisations.’
‘It also aims to help government and politicians understand the partnership role of the Trust across England and Wales and the importance of keeping our canals alive for the wider benefit of the nation.’
Report highlights how the canal system supports 80,000 jobs
‘Since 2012 we have established ourselves as an effective custodian of this amazing 250-year-old network, growing support and generating income.’
‘This Impact Report shines a light on the scale and breadth of the work we are doing so that the canal network can benefit society today and for future generations.’
The team’s findings highlight how the country’s canal system supports 80,000 jobs through tourism and businesses associated with the network. It points to the crucial work which the charity undertakes in its maintenance of embankments and reservoirs.
The Trust maintains more than 10,000 nationally important assets and 2,000 miles of wildlife corridors which connect people with our cultural heritage – and with nature.
The report shows how the canal network is part of the UK’s national infrastructure and how it aims to support government priorities around ‘water security and access to nature, ensuring that everyone is within 15 minutes of water or a quality green space.’
It also emphasises the Trust’s role as ‘custodians of important cultural heritage, enjoyed by individuals every day as well as visitors from both home and abroad.’
Last year saw the charity launch a campaign to clean up waterways across the country. Research shows a startling 14 million pieces of plastic end up in and around our canals every year.