Warwickshire's waterways criss-cross
the county in all directions,
from Atherstone in the North,
to Stratford upon Avon in the South.
19 rivers pass through the county
and the six canals
that make up the Warwickshire ring
cover a distance of 104 miles.
Once major arteries
for transport
and trade, the waterways now
serve people and places in different,
but equally important ways
and provide green corridors for wildlife.
In a world
where natural habitats
are fast disappearing,
Warwickshire's Waterways
Strategy wants to make sure
everyone who lives, works in or visits
Warwickshire knows about the county's
canal and river network
and to encourage all
to make good use of these
vital liquid assets.
The strategy also aims
to protect the wildlife
habitats alongside
riverbanks and tow paths
where so many species can, do
and perhaps could flourish.
The strategy was developed by three
main partners:
Warwickshire County Council,
The Canal and River Trust,
and Warwickshire Wildlife Trust.
The three are now working
with other organisations,
including the Environment Agency
and local groups
committed to caring for
and making the most
of the county's waterways.
The waterways strategy is a key
part of Warwickshire's
Heritage and Culture Strategy and shares
the same three main themes,
Health and Wellbeing,
Sense of Place and Economic Vibrancy.
Research shows
that spending time
by water really does
make us feel happier and healthier.
Warwickshire's waterways offer
both a link with the past
and a way forward.
They can help us get fitter
and healthier,
make friends
find new purpose and feel better.
They can help us
feel part of where we live
and the wider county
and connect us with our history.
And they can contribute to the county's
economic growth
by attracting more people
to visit, enjoy
and spend money in Warwickshire.
So what is the action plan
for 2022 and beyond?
We have more than 100
miles of canal towpaths in Warwickshire.
These are being surveyed
by Canal and River Trust volunteers
using a specially developed app
to report on their condition, context
and character.
The survey, due
for completion by March
2022, will be used to identify
and prioritise potential improvements.
These could include upgrades,
improved access, better
signage and wayfinding.
We will support organisations
and local groups,
including the Warwickshire
Avon Catchment Partnership,
working on projects
to restore and enhance
our rivers, floodplains and wildlife.
We will develop a teacher's pack
to encourage school visits
as part of a wider promotion
to increase awareness
and use of our waterways
for leisure,
pleasure, exercise
and learning across the age range.
We will share information
about the history of the waterways
and the wildlife
they support,
in interesting and widely
accessible ways,
complemented by a programme of fun
events and activities for all ages.
We will promote the use of towpaths
for active travel,
walking or cycling,
particularly for short journeys.
We want to help people
improve their fitness and well-being
and to reduce traffic on local roads.
Maps and wayfinder signage
will help people explore opportunities
to walk
or cycle, to work
or to the local shops, for example,
instead of getting the car out
and better connections
between the county's waterways
and green spaces
will encourage people
to explore their local area.
We will devise a campaign
to recruit volunteers more widely
and to work
with public health
colleagues to develop opportunities
for social prescribing
so health
professionals can recommend
community activities
for some patients alongside,
or instead of prescribing drugs.
We will link the strategy
to regional celebrations
planned for the 2022
Birmingham Commonwealth Games,
highlighting the part Warwickshire's
waterways played in the region's
industrial heritage and social history.
Competition venues
in Warwick and Leamington Spa
are close to the canal network.
Underpinning the Strategy and Action Plan
is a commitment
to contribute towards
the county's efforts
to tackle climate change
and to mitigate its effects
on Warwickshire's people, wildlife
and economy.