Environment Agency Navigation and Waterways

From today, Environment Agency navigation information previously available on the Visit Anglian Waterways, Northampton Marinas and River Medway websites is available on GOV.UK.

Why are we making this change?

The move to GOV.UK brings navigation information together in one place, making it easier for you to find reliable, up-to-date information about our waterways, access services, and get the information you need quickly and easily.

Looking for navigation information?

Environment Agency navigation information previously available on the Visit Anglian Waterways, Northampton Marina and River Medway websites is now available on GOV.UK. Browse the links below to find the information you need.

Please note: River Thames information is already on GOV.UK and remains unchanged.

Anglian Waterways

If you previously used the Visit Anglian Waterways website, you can now find information on GOV.UK, including:

Overview

• Anglian Waterways - the regional river navigation authority

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/anglian-waterways-the-regional-river-navigation-authority

• Anglian waterways - river conditions, closures and restrictions

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/anglian-waterways-river-conditions-closures-and-restrictions

• Volunteering with Anglian Waterways

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/volunteering-with-anglian-waterways

Information for boaters

• Information for boaters - River Great Ouse

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/river-great-ouse-bridge-heights-locks-and-facilities

• Information for boaters - River Nene

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/river-nene-bridge-heights-locks-and-facilities

• Information for boaters - River Stour

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/river-stour-locks-and-facilities

• Information for boaters - River Ancholme

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/information-for-boaters-river-ancholme

• Information for boaters - Black Sluice Navigation (Forty Foot Drain)

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/information-for-boaters-black-sluice-navigation-forty-foot-drain

• Information for boaters - rivers Glen and Welland

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/rivers-welland-and-glen-locks-and-facilities

Moorings and facilities

• Mooring - Denver Complex

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/mooring-denver-complex

• Mooring - Upware Moorings

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/mooring-upware-moorings

• Wild Mooring - Anglian Waterways

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/wild-mooring-anglian-waterways

Northampton Marina

Information about Northampton Marina, including marina moorings, is now available on GOV.UK:

• Mooring - Northampton Marina

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/mooring-northampton-marina

River Medway

Environment Agency navigation information for the River Medway is now available on GOV.UK, including information on using the river, mooring and river conditions.

• River Medway - using, mooring and river conditions

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/river-medway-using-mooring-and-river-conditions

The River Medway website will continue to operate and is not closing. However, responsibility for managing the website will transfer away from the Environment Agency on 30 September 2026.

For the latest Environment Agency navigation information and advice for the River Medway, please use the GOV.UK page.

If you have any questions please read the relevant FAQs on the right hand side of the main page.

Draft National Navigation Strategy 2026-2031

Waterway users, customers, stakeholders and partners are being invited to help shape the future of navigation by sharing their views on the draft National Navigation Strategy 2026-2031.

The draft strategy sets out our vision for strengthening navigation services over the coming years and responds to a clear need for change, ensuring waterways continue to provide benefits for those who use, enjoy and value them, now and in the future. It is an agile strategy that in the first instance will focus on building strong foundations and delivering our core duties while we continue to gather evidence to make informed decisions about the future.

Developed with input from staff and representatives from national stakeholder groups, the draft strategy has been shaped by a wide range of expertise and experience. Now, as we progress towards the final strategy, we want to hear from a wider audience.

This consultation is an opportunity for people to influence the future direction of our navigation service, to further improve the strategy and help ensure it reflects the priorities and needs of those who use the waterways.

We want to understand what matters most to customers, users, stakeholders and partners so we can balance their needs with our responsibilities and continue providing the best possible experience on the waterways.

By taking part, you can help shape a strategy that supports the long-term future of navigation and our waterways.

We're proud of what we do and committed to getting the future right. Your feedback will help us build on our strengths, focus on what matters most, and create a future where more people can enjoy, benefit from and value our waterways, now and for generations to come.

Your voice matters. Take a few minutes to read our draft strategy and complete our survey by 21 October 2026 and help shape the future of navigation.

Link to draft strategy - https://engageenvironmentagency.uk.engagementhq.com/42576/widgets/157135/documents/110358

Link to survey - https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/BhwSs0YhE1

Paddle UK, the national governing body for paddlesport, has commissioned independent research with DS Insight to better understand how people get into paddling, where they get information, how they make decisions about safety, and what types of advice and messages are most useful.

They want to hear from new and recreational paddlers, and we'd really appreciate your help in sharing the survey with your networks and community.

The survey is for anyone who takes part in recreational paddling, whether that’s using a stand up paddleboard, kayak, canoe, sit-on-top kayak, or inflatable craft.

It takes around 15 minutes to complete. As a thank you, everyone who takes part will be eligible for a 10% off code for Paddle UK membership, plus a chance to win one of five annual memberships.

Take the survey

Your answers will help Paddle UK and its partners develop better safety advice and support for new and recreational paddlers.

'Blackwater Joule' to become first Environment Agency zero emission workboat at Henley Royal Regatta. Second boat to set sail in East Anglia later in the year.

Read more here Environment Agency launches new electric workboat on Thames - GOV.UK.

We are pleased to share our end of season report for our Plan for 2025 which is available at this link ‘Our waterways - a plan for 2025 – end of season report - GOV.UK'

This report provides information on the work we were undertaking during the 2025 boating season to meet the commitments we made in our Plan for 2025. We have included both quantitative and qualitative information to highlight what we have done against each of the objectives and associated activities. We are committed to improving asset reliability and the service delivery on our waterways.

Please share your feedback on our end of season report. Please use this link to complete the feedback form. We will not respond to individual feedback, but we will read and consider the information you provide when drafting the new strategy and planning our future work.