Children and Young People

Britain's inland waterways are a unique educational resource and can stimulate enormous curiosity and interest.

Along with The Waterways Trust and the Inland Waterways Association, we have set up a partnership called WOW (Wild Over Waterways), as a great way for children to discover the waterways, their history, and the fun and fascination they offer today. By visiting the WOW website, children can:

• explore a wealth of wildlife
• discover canal heritage: bridges, locks and buildings
• find out about the waterways near them

There are lots of games to play, information for school projects and waterway events.

For teachers and group leaders, the site contains numerous teaching resources, activity and information packs, and safety resources.

Safety
Britain's inland waterways offer exciting opportunities for fieldwork with easy access along the towpaths. However, where there is water there will always be risks.

We advise that anyone leading groups of children on visits to the inland waterways ensures that children are familiar with the SAFE (Stay Away From the Edge) message by completing an activity from the RoSPA endorsed Waterside Safety resource.

Click here for our Canal Visit Checklists. These will help you understand the risks and plan a safe and rewarding day out.

For more information about all aspects of UK waterways, visit waterscape.com.