The Canoe Foundation is pleased to announce that over £50,000 has been awarded to local projects for sustainable access developments across the UK. The Foundation opened up applications from across the UK through the spring and summer. This funding cycle, the Foundation looked for grant applications from projects looking to improve access for all paddlers and regenerate local areas through paddlesport. There was also an emphasis on sustainable development and repairs to our waterways.

Grant funding was awarded to:

Edinburgh Schools Kayak Club – £1,800

Project: Improvements to landing stage

The Edinburgh Schools Kayak Club will be creating a sustainable landing area on the Union canal bank. Paddlers will be able to use the platform for safe access and egress to the canal.

Moo Canoes – £15,000

Project: East London Canal Access Network (C.A.N)

Moo Canoes have been awarded funding to directly help in installing one of two new pontoons at Limehouse Basin and at Old Ford Lock on the Lea Navigation. The pontoons will be surrounded by diverse floating reed beds, creating new habitats as part of the East London C.A.N (Canal Access Network), as well as creating much needed access points. With funding awarded from multiple sources, the new pontoons will increase access in the area, connecting more people in central London to the waterways around them for physical and mental well-being.

Canal & River Trust – £10,000

Project: Gloucester Docks Activity Hub disabled waterway access

Paddlers in particular are due to benefit from the renovation works at Gloucester Docks. The project will see regeneration alongside the installation of a pontoon for public and disabled access to the water at the Barge Arm in Gloucester Docks. The Canal & River Trust are undertaking a lot of work in the area to connect people to the blue space at the old Docks.

Newhaven Gig Rowing Club – £10,000

Project: Quays to Life Community Regeneration Project

The Quays to Life project in Newhaven has been awarded a large grant which will see derelict land in a prime riverside location transformed into a community and paddling hub. The regeneration project is one that the Foundation are proud to support and will bring more community connection and paddling opportunities to the area.

Swansea Canal Society – £5,000

Project: Clydach Lock Portage Ramps and Watersports Basin

The Swansea Canal Society has secured funding for portage ramps on this section of canal. The funding is part of a large-scale project to reopen the remaining sections of the Swansea Canal. This grant is to assist with the next part of their regeneration project in the area which has been ongoing since the Society formed in the 1980’s.

Calvert Trust Exmoor – £4,000

Project: Supporting people with disabilities 

The Calvert Trust Exmoor enables people of all ages with any disability to achieve their potential through adventurous activities. The Trust will be using the funding to install a new hoist at Wistlandpound Reservoir, on the edge of Exmoor National Park. The installation will give participants a safe, controlled environment for wheelchair users to access paddling sessions. This project will also help create a sensory experience for disabled visitors.

 Canal & River Trust – £3,966

Project: Paddling at Cadley

This funding awarded to the Canal & River Trust is to help with the transformation of Cadley Services into a new dedicated paddlesports hub. The project will create a Paddling and Community Hub to host social and educational activities for local community groups. It will also host local educational institutions, such as water safety training, habitat monitoring and water quality testing.

The Foundation will be directly funding brand-new, custom made stepped access and additional designated car parking spaces for water users. We will also be funding ‘Check, Clean, Dry’ signage, promotional signage at the site, and the creation of a native habitat.

Barnstaple Pilot Gig Club CIO – £500

Project: Slipway refurbishment at Rolle’s Quay, Barnstaple

A small project to clear accumulated mud and silt from the established slipway into the River Yeo. This is a public slipway which is currently unusable except at high tide. This is due to the accumulated mud and silt alongside which this grant will help clear.

Congratulations to all the projects securing funding in this latest cycle. The next round of funding will open in 2022. You can keep an eye on the Canoe Foundation website for further announcements closer to the time. In the meantime, take a look at the funding criteria.

The Canoe Foundation relies on donations to improve places to paddle across the UK. Please consider donating a one off or regular amount to the Foundation. This will help them continue with their work and ensure everyone has sustainable, effective access to our waterways and coastline. Thank you. Donate here.