Environment Agency seeks public views on waterways strategy
UKPulse News Desk
The Environment Agency has launched a consultation on its draft National Navigation Strategy 2026-2031, inviting feedback from waterway users and the public.
- The draft National Navigation Strategy 2026-2031 aims to strengthen navigation services over the next five years.
- The strategy was developed with input from staff and national stakeholder groups.
- The consultation period for the draft strategy closes on 21 October 2026.
The Environment Agency is inviting waterway users, customers, stakeholders, and partners to provide feedback on its draft National Navigation Strategy 2026-2031. The consultation aims to gather views to help shape the future of navigation on its waterways.
The draft strategy, which was developed with input from staff and representatives from national stakeholder groups, sets out a vision for strengthening navigation services over the next five years. It focuses on building strong foundations and delivering core duties while gathering further evidence.
Simon Hawkins, the Environment Agency’s director of navigation, stated that the agency is committed to ensuring the strategy reflects the views of those who use and value the waterways. The survey, which opened on 26 August 2026, will run for eight weeks and closes on 21 October 2026.
Why this matters: The strategy outlines the vision and priorities for navigation services on over 1,000km of inland waterways in England for the next five years.
What this means for you: You can influence the future direction of navigation services on England's inland waterways by reviewing the draft strategy and completing the accompanying survey.