PRESS RELEASE
Issued: 14 January 2014
Canal & River Trust searches for projects making the
biggest splash
The Canal & River Trust is launching the 2014 Living Waterways Awards on 7 February, to
recognise the most inspiring and exciting waterway-based projects across the UK. Building on the
success of the Waterways Renaissance Awards*, the Trust wants to hear about those people and
projects that have done the most to make a difference to the nation’s historic canals and rivers,
making them exciting places to live, learn and spend time.
Tony Hales, Chairman of the Canal & River Trust, explains: “It is thanks to the tireless and often
unsung efforts of individuals, communities and organisations that millions of people are able to
take pleasure in the wonderful waterways that we have today. We want to shine a spotlight on the
most engaging, innovative and inspirational projects, to recognise the amazing work being done
across the country, to celebrate success and, most of all, to say thank you. That’s why we are
backing these prestigious awards which will highlight all the good work that goes on to bring life to
our canals and rivers, transform the places they pass through and enrich the lives of all who use
them.”
Led by an independent panel of experts drawn from the voluntary, environmental, heritage,
engineering and architecture sectors, the Living Waterways Awards will celebrate the work done by
individuals, communities and organisations to improve their canal and river.
The winners of the 2014 Living Waterways Awards, which are sponsored by Keir, CPC Civils,
Galliford Try and Hyder Consulting, will be announced at a ceremony in September 2014.
From inspirational story-telling to dedicated volunteer-led schemes; innovative design and
construction projects to pioneering environmental initiatives, there are nine award categories up for
grabs:
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Interpreting our waterways – tell us how you are bringing the story of our waterways (the
history or natural environment) to life in new and exciting ways. This could be through
performance, arts, learning materials or engaging signage, etc., which raises awareness of our
canals and rivers, their purpose and relevance today;
Natural environment – projects that have enhanced the natural environment of our
waterways, helped to create new wildlife habitats, protected threatened species or improved
the quality of the water;
Canal & River Trust, Toll House, Delamere Terrace, London, W2 6ND
T: 0203 3204 4514 E: press.office@canalrivertrust.org.uk W: www.canalrivertrust.org.uk Twitter: @CanalRiverTrust
Patron: H.R.H. The Prince of Wales. Canal & River Trust is a charitable company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales
with company number 7807276 and registered charity number 1146792, registered office address: First Floor North, Station House, 500
Elder Gate, Milton Keynes MK9 1BB
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Community & Volunteering – we want to recognise communities or volunteer groups who
have made a real difference to the public’s enjoyment and experience of our canals and rivers;
Education & Learning – to recognise projects (and people) that use our waterways in
innovative ways to help people learn about our canals and rivers or develop new skills and
interests through formal or informal learning opportunities;
Restoration & Historic Environment – this category will recognise excellent restoration or
conservation projects, or work to preserve our historic waterside structures;
Contribution to the built environment – nominate the excellent waterside design &
construction projects that are making our waterways inspiring places – this includes sculpture,
public realm works, buildings, bridges etc;
Water management – we want to recognise best water management schemes that have
integrated with and improved the environment as well as enhancing the use of and access to
our waterways or reduced flood risk to people and property;
Recreation & Tourism – a project that has enhanced the use and enjoyment of our canals
and rivers, attracted people to visit, discover and make use of them or a project that has
enabled people to develop a healthier lifestyle;
Outstanding Achievement – we want to celebrate an individual, group or organisation who,
through their passion, determination and imagination, has made a real difference to our
waterways for the benefit of others. This can include anyone from individual volunteers to
celebrity supporters who have worked to raise awareness of the waterway cause.
The closing date for entries is Thursday 3 April 2014. Further details can be found at
www.canalrivertrust.org.uk
ENDS
Media enquiries:
Justine Lee, email: justine.lee@canalrivertrust.org.uk Phone: 07917 804550
Notes to editors
The Canal & River Trust is the guardian of 2,000 miles of historic waterways across England and
Wales. We are among the largest charities in the UK, maintaining the nation’s third largest
collection of Listed structures, as well as museums, archives, navigations and hundreds of
important wildlife sites.
We believe that our canals and rivers are a national treasure and a local haven for people and
wildlife. It is our job to care for this wonderful legacy – holding it in trust for the nation in perpetuity
and giving people a greater role in the running of their local waterways
www.canalrivertrust.org.uk
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*Introduced in 2002 by The Waterways Trust and BURA (British Urban Regeneration Association,
The Waterways Renaissance Awards has recognised more than 150 diverse projects, from largescale developments to small community-led schemes, all helping to unlock the benefits of our
canals and rivers to communities across the UK. Now run by the Canal & River Trust, the awards
have been re-launched as the Living Waterways Awards, with a new focus on the projects which
bring the most engagement in our waterways.