The canals of the UK are a unique experience that offer a gentle balance of many contrasts. They have a rich industrial and cultural heritage that tells the story of our past, connects us to the present and inspires ideas for the future. Canal laureate Luke Kennard’s poem ‘What we can least afford to lose’ begins with the line “I wonder if it is a stretch to say canals and poetry share more than history or eccentricity.” These canals are like lines of a poem transcribed across the country, offering a linear oasis from the hustle and bustle of modern life and connecting people to nature. They are a link to our industrial history and, through their slow pace of life, can offer ideas for a more sustainable future.

Industrial heritage, biodiversity hotspots and low-cost living

During the 1700s and early 1800s, these waterways played a vital role in the early part of the Industrial Revolution. They allowed for the efficient transport of raw materials and finished goods, connecting the country’s major cities and ports.

Today, the canals have a different purpose. They offer a unique way of life for those who choose to live on narrowboats, as well as a leisure activity for many others. They are also hotspots for biodiversity, with a wide range of flora and fauna found along their banks. Many people enjoy walking or cycling along the towpaths, fishing, or simply sitting by the water and watching the world go by.

Around 35,000 boaters are registered on the canal network in the UK, which is more than the number of boats at the height of the Industrial Revolution. Factors like the high cost of living and the current housing crisis have contributed to this trend. Many people are being priced out of owning their own property or renting, so they have turned to low-cost living on a narrowboat, particularly in London, where boat ownership has increased in parallel with median house price growth.

Can living on a narrowboat be sustainable?

People are also becoming drawn to living on a narrowboat because it can provide a more sustainable or low-impact way of life. Not being connected to the ‘grid’ means that every resource is a precious commodity that must be accounted for. By living on a narrowboat, you are compelled to be more mindful of your resource use and consumption habits.

Even though diesel engines are commonly used for propulsion (alternatives like HVO are more environmentally friendly, but they are also more expensive and harder to obtain), the engines power batteries that recharge the battery bank and heat water, making them fuel-efficient. Renewable energy sources like solar panels and wind turbines provide a cheap and eco-friendly source of electricity when the boat is moored. Energy-efficient appliances are crucial due to the finite amount of energy available. 

Boats are easier to heat than houses, and multi-fuel stoves that can also be used for cooking provide an economical way to generate heat. Foraging for wood to supplement the stove during winter months is preferable. Water usage must be mindful, as it’s stored in a tank that requires refilling when near a water point. Using eco-friendly cleaning and personal products is essential to avoid discharging harmful liquids into the waterways. 

Living on a narrowboat provides the opportunity to forage for food and encourages mindful waste management practices. The towpath and hedgerows offer a wealth of food, including elderberries, blackberries, plums, and apples. You can also grow your own herbs and vegetables on the boat. Being conscious of the resources you’re using and the waste you produce is essential since everything that goes on or off the boat needs to be moved by you.

Are the waterways in danger?

While more interest and people adopting this way of life is an excellent development, it does have a downside. More boats on water mean more wear and tear on the 200-year-old network. Due to increased inflation, the cost of repairing and maintaining the canals has increased while funding has decreased. Despite the contribution of a staggering £6.1 billion in economic and social value, the UK’s waterways are now in danger because of reduced government funding. This could potentially lead to the canals and rivers falling into disrepair and degradation.

Canals and rivers can offer a wide range of benefits to society, including health and well-being, tourism and recreation, and the conservation of biodiversity. However, many people are still unaware of the importance and value of these waterways. 

The canals and rivers should be seen as national parks that run through our towns and cities, connecting us to nature and each other. I believe it should also serve as a living transport museum that connects us to our industrial past, not of the landed gentry but of the working person. Built by a working immigrant class/community for a nomadic working class/community. Irish navvies and such dug the canals, and the boat person and their families who travelled and delivered on them. Waterways heritage is holistic; it is not only the buildings and engineering structures but also the landscape, the traditions, the culture, the boats and the people who operated them. This all contributes to the sense of place and living history that people experience when visiting them.

Text and images: Joe Dixey