THE Canal & River Trust is today calling on boaters to give their feedback on its proposals to help make the best possible use of London’s increasingly busy waterspace and improve boaters’ experience of boating in London.

The proposals form the London Mooring Strategy and have been developed by the Trust working with boaters and a wide range of stakeholders.

They include:

  • Development of new long-term moorings to be supported and prioritised in quieter/less busy areas (primarily outer London)
  • Encourage development of long-term moorings from a diverse range of providers
  • Improve provision, maintenance and management of short-stay moorings
  • Develop custom short-stay moorings to meet customer demand
  • Winter Moorings that recognise and balance the needs of all customers
  • Better provision and management of boating facilities to meet customer need
  • Improve communication between boaters and the Trust
  • Increase business boating activity in key London waterway destinations
  • Support activities that ensure accessible and affordable access to the water for all

Survey sent to all boaters

Boaters can take part in the consultation up until 18th December 2017 by completing the consultation survey online or by filling in a paper version of the consultation survey. The survey will be sent to all boaters the Trust has sighted in London over the past year, either by email or letter depending on the contact details the charity has for them. Anyone who would like to complete the survey can contact the Trust’s London customer service team on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

There will be a number of drop-in events during November for people to find out more about the draft strategy: details of these events will be published on the London Mooring Strategy webpage.

More boats

Matthew Symonds, Boating Strategy and Engagement Manager at the Canal & River Trust, explains:

“Anyone who has visited London’s waterways over the past few years will have noticed how many more boats are on the water. It’s great that the canals are finding new fans, particularly amongst young people, who may well prove to be the waterways’ champions in years ahead. However it means it’s more important than ever that we manage the finite space we have wisely so we can meet the needs of the wide range of boaters who cruise them.

“The London Mooring Strategy pulls together proposals we’ve developed over 18 months working with a wide range of stakeholders, surveying boaters, and physically looking at every inch of the capital’s waterways. It’s been a collaborative effort and the input we’ve had from boaters with local knowledge has been invaluable. We’ve also built some strong relationships with councils, developers and landowners who can enable us to put the proposals into practise.

“London’s waterways are facing a real challenge—that of being almost too popular. This passion for the canals and rivers can be turned into an advantage if boaters, who are often the most passionate about them, work with us to make the capital’s waterways fair and accessible for all.”

The development of the London Mooring Strategy is anticipated to be completed by early 2018.