The Canoe Foundation is excited to announce a significant funding milestone to mark the coming of spring.
We have awarded £79,760 to 14 fantastic projects dedicated to sustainable access improvements for paddlers across the UK!
During our extended funding window from November 1 2023 to February 1 2024, we received an unprecedented number of applications from excellent projects nationwide.
Our latest grant recipients, representing a diverse range of organisations and locations around the UK, were selected after a thorough evaluation process. Here’s an overview of the projects that have secured grant funding, with more potentially in the pipeline. Grab a cuppa and read on!
Poplar Housing and Regeneration Community Association Limited, Tower Hamlets, London: revitalising a canal path plus a new storage unit: £8,000
Poplar HARCA, in collaboration with the East London Canal Access Network (ELCAN), is spearheading a project which is revitalising canals and promoting water sports in Tower Hamlets. The initiative envisions a new canal pontoon, improved water access and the establishment of storage facilities. The Canoe Foundation offered unique, one-time support for this project, as providing storage containers falls outside the typical scope of our activities.
The project, targeting the Teviot Estate, has successfully engaged 50 women in paddle sports. The funding will upskill participants to instructor level, introduce youth and men’s programmes, and facilitate storage construction. Anticipated outcomes include increased canal usage, reduced anti-social behaviour and community empowerment. It will benefit a minimum of 100 participants in the first year, with a focus on ethnic minorities and women.
Terri Calbraith of Poplar HARCA says: “We are over the moon to have secured funding from The Canoe Foundation to support our project. 18 months ago, we trialled a paddle sports programme for women of colour in the heart of East London. Today these women are Oar & Explore, an affiliated club with big plans to make paddling more accessible to their communities. The funding will transform a disused passageway into boat storage, close to the water’s edge and to the site of a new pontoon. This brings Oar & Explore one step closer to delivering a truly accessible paddle sports offer to local women and their families.”
Above and left: women from the Teviot estate enjoying paddling in central London
Huntly Development Trust, Aberdeenshire, Scotland: new Watersports Pavilion and path regrading: £7,500
The Greenmyres adventure tourism project is based at the rural 63-acre Greenmyres Farm, near Huntly. The project includes a community wind turbine, an environmental venue (Ecobothy), cycle facilities, foot/cycle paths and adventure tourism amenities. The Canoe Foundation funding will be put towards constructing a waterside pavilion and footpaths to enhance the usability and accessibility of a large pond, facilitating paddle sports and open water swimming. The project will benefit the community, encourage outdoor activities, and support partnerships with various local stakeholders.
Donald Boyd, Joint General Manager of Huntly Development Trust says: “We are absolutely delighted to receive the very generous funding offer from the Canoe Foundation. As an ambitious community organisation, we are working hard to make our small market town and its rural catchment in the Northeast of Scotland a better place to live, work and visit. One of our key current projects is the creation of a family-friendly, introductory-level outdoor adventure centre to serve all in our community, as well as visitors. With the aid of the Canoe Foundation funding, we plan to turn a large pond into a base for beginners in all kinds of paddlesport. The Canoe Foundation funding will go towards construction of a pondside paddlesports pavilion and the regrading of paths to make sure the pond becomes accessible to all.”
Above Left: Greenmyres Pond with Paddle Boards and Right: an Artist’s impression of the pavillion
Avon Navigation Trust (ANT), Pershore, Worcestershire: Strensham Lock Portage: £7,500
This project aims to construct a portage at Strensham Lock on the River Avon, Worcestershire. This initiative addresses a significant challenge: enhancing access to the 47-mile Navigable River Avon, from Stratford upon Avon to Tewkesbury. The project will create a portage at the impassable Strensham weir, allowing safer passage for canoeists and kayakers. This will enable improved water access, sustainability and environmental protection. The funding will contribute to completing this transformative project for the local paddling community.
Above: Stensham Lock on the River Avon, Worcestershire (file photo)
Meteor Waterski Club, County Down, Northern Ireland: redesign and construct a new walkway and jetty head: £7,500
Meteor Waterski Club has secured £7500 in funding to support their project aimed at redesigning and reconstructing a new walkway and jetty head at Lough Henney, County Down. The existing jetty, constructed in 2010, has suffered significant rot and damage, rendering it unsafe for use by lake user groups. The project involves constructing a new 30-metre walkway with galvanised frame and non-slip surface, alongside other essential features such as concrete walkway anchor points and new foundation pillars. The redesigned jetty aims to accommodate various user groups, including water-skiing, canoeing, paddleboarding and kayaking. The project holds the potential to benefit a wide range of stakeholders, including Belfast Canoe Club, local community groups, scout troops, youth groups, swimmers, kayakers, paddleboarders, and organised groups. With improved access to the water and enhanced facilities, the project aims to expand membership, introduce more individuals to water-based activities, and provide a safer and more inclusive environment for all users.
Killington Sailing Association and Bendrigg Trust, Cumbria: jetty-mounted hoist : £6,000
The Killington Sailing Association (KSA) has been awarded £6,000 by the Canoe Foundation to support their project “Adventure for All.” The project, run by the Killington Sailing Association in collaboration with Bendrigg Trust, aims to enhance access to water sports for individuals with physical disabilities. The funding will contribute to the installation of a jetty-mounted hoist, providing wheelchair users and those with physical disabilities the opportunity to participate in canoeing and paddle boarding. This initiative is expected to benefit over 100-200 people directly and 1,000-2,000 people indirectly, fostering inclusivity in water-based activities. The Canoe Foundation’s support aligns with the project’s commitment to promoting and facilitating paddlesports for diverse communities.
Above: paddlers at Bendrigg Trust, Cumbria (file photo)
Birmingham Paddlesport Project: new storage container: £5,730
Birmingham Paddlesport Project’s funding will be used to establish storage containers at Star City and Port Loop, key locations near the Grand Union Canal and Birmingham Fazeley Canal. The initiative, now part of ‘Into the Green and Blue,’ has successfully developed seven community paddle clubs in Birmingham. The project aims to improve paddle sport access in the urban setting of Birmingham, where storage is crucial for overcoming transportation obstacles. It will empower paddlesport access, especially for women from ethnic minorities; enhancing wellbeing and community engagement in areas of high deprivation. This was another special one-off grant, as storage containers are not in the usual remit of the Canoe Foundation.
Above: paddlers from one of the Birmingham Community Paddle Sports Hub (file photo)
Ross On Wye Rowing Club: ramp/slide and steps: £5,000
Ross on Wye Rowing Club has been awarded £5,000 by the Canoe Foundation for their project to enhance access to the Rowing Club for canoeists participating in the Duke of Edinburgh award scheme and other visitors. The project involves the installation of a canoe ramp/slide and steel steps with a handrail for easier landing and launching from the Presidents’ lawn, freeing up space and improving access for less physically able paddlers. The initiative aims to accommodate around 3,000 canoeists annually, reduce environmental impact, and contribute to the Canoe Foundation’s goal of enhancing public access to waterways.
Above: the boathouse at Ross on Wye Rowing Club (file photo)
Fulham Reach Boat Club (FRBC), Hammersmith and Fulham, Greater London: pontoon refurbishment: £5,000
FRBC’s Canoe Foundation funding will be put towards the refurbishment of its 10-year-old pontoon located on the River Thames near Hammersmith Bridge, London. The pontoon serves as a crucial launch site for over 1,500 rowers and kayakers annually, providing safe access to the river. The ageing structure requires repairs due to uneven surfaces, lifting timbers and slip hazards. The project will enhance safety and accessibility, benefitting the entire community including local school children, disadvantaged youth, ex-offenders in rehabilitation programmes, club members and various community groups. The desired outcomes include increased usage for environmental activities, improved disability access and a reduction in trip and slip hazards.
Al Horn, Boathouse Manager at FRBC says: “The pontoon was constructed in 2012 and the floating structure has helped more than 10,000 students access the river since the charity opened its doors in 2014. The wear and tear on the pontoon is very visible. This grant will fund essential repairs making the platform safe, allowing us to introduce a further generation to the blue space.”
Above: the walkway to the pontoon at FRBC
Paddle Peak, Derbyshire: Cromford Canal Access Path and Floating pontoon: £5,000
Nestled in the Derwent Valley, Derbyshire, charity and community project Paddle Peak will use its Canoe Foundation funding for a canal access initiative. Having already introduced over 1,000 local youngsters to kayaking on the Cromford Canal, the project seeks to establish its own base alongside the canal. To facilitate canal access, a footpath needs to be created/reinstated, and an adaptable floating pontoon is required. The project envisions increased access to the Cromford Canal for local youth and the initiative is set to benefit approximately 50 local youngsters weekly, along with school and youth groups, fostering a safe and guaranteed water access point.
Pete Astles of Paddle Peak says “The excellent funding will help us create our very own community paddlesports base in Cromford for local young people to experience kayaking on the Cromford Canal and River Derwent. We will use the funds to reinstate an access path and install some floating docks to enable safe access to the water. Currently the site is a derelict and overgrown garden centre with its very own dinosaur! Our plan is part of a larger project to develop the site as a base for paddlesports including parking, boat storage, changing and classrooms in the very near future.”
Above: Paddle Peak’s very own dinosaur (which happily, is staying!)
Essex Waterways Ltd, Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation: Waterways Access Improvements: £4,858
Essex Waterways, responding to the surge in local waterway usage, has been awarded funding for an essential access improvement project on the Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation. The proposed enhancements include landing stages and steps/ramps, addressing difficulties at locations such as Beeleigh flood lock, Hoe Mill lock, Papermill lock, and Church Road. The initiative aims to secure five new access points, improve pedestrian access and encourage responsible use. The project anticipates a 20% increase in visitors, fostering a safer and more enjoyable experience along the waterways and contributing to the development of a quality paddle trail for diverse user groups.
Above: Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation (file photo)
Kingarth and Kilchattan Improvement Committee, Isle of Bute, Scotland: Slip Restoration: £4,000
The Kingarth and Kilchattan Bay Improvement Committee is spearheading a project to restore the historic slip near the Old Quay in Kilchattan Bay village on the picturesque Isle of Bute. The slip, once vital for launching rowing boats and small crafts until the 1960s, has fallen into disrepair and so the project aims to revitalise this key access point for paddlers including canoeists, kayakers, and paddle boarders. The slip will be made publicly accessible, providing a safer and more convenient location for water enthusiasts. The project is expected to benefit local residents, visitors and sea kayakers frequenting Kilchattan Bay, ensuring enhanced access and safety during the busy summer months.
Finlay Martin and Mark Gunston of Kingarth and Kilchattan Improvement Committee say: “We are delighted to receive funding from the Canoe Foundation toward the restoration of the old slip which was historically a focal point for water activity in the village. Kilchattan Bay on the Isle of Bute, off the west coast of Scotland, is a tranquil and safe bay which is becoming increasingly popular with canoeists and paddleboarders. The restored slip will benefit locals and visitors by providing improved and safer access to the water for paddlers wishing to enjoy the beautiful waters of Kilchattan.”
Above: the old slip at Kilchattan Bay
Lancashire Outdoor Activities Initiative, Chorley, Lancashire: Anderton Centre Accessible Pontoon: £4,000
The Anderton Centre will use its Canoe Foundation funding for a pontoon extension project next to the lower reservoir. The current wooden pontoon, inadequate in size and stability, hinders the Centre’s ability to meet the rising demand for water activities, especially from underrepresented communities. The extension aims to provide additional space and stability for diverse water events including canoe polo, paddle sports racing, and activities for people with disabilities.
David Germain, CEO/Managing Director of the Anderton Centre says “The grant’s impact is substantial, allowing for the installation of a new pontoon, unlocking benefits for local communities and charities alike. With enhanced launching capacity, the Anderton Centre can now concurrently operate commercial and charity sessions, prioritising accessibility for disabled paddlers. This initiative aims to create a safe and supportive environment for everyone, addressing challenges like strong winds with sheltered water space. The improved launching area not only accommodates a broader range of crafts but also promotes the coexistence of diverse background groups on the water, fostering physical and mental well-being for local communities at the Lower Rivington Reservoir paddling space.”
Above: photos from the Anderton Centre
Middle Level Commissioners (MLC), Stanground, Cambridgeshire: Stanground Canoe Portage: £1,672
MLC will use their funding for the installation of a formal launch site near Stanground Lock, Peterborough, to improve portage access for paddlers entering the MLC system from the River Nene. Currently lacking a designated paddling portage, the MLC aims to create a safer and more accessible launch site, reducing erosion of the riverbank caused by informal use. The launch is expected to benefit existing paddlers and encourage new users, fostering a ‘blue wheel’ route connecting popular paddling locations. It’s hoped the project will minimise bank erosion, stimulate community engagement, and potentially establish a local paddling club in Stanground.
Paul Burrows, Chief Executive of MLC says “Last year our navigable waterways became part of the network accessible to British Canoeing waterway licence holders. I’m delighted with the award of Canoe Foundation income to help us develop our first paddling portage on our system, which will hopefully be the first of many. There’s already established paddling access on the Nene in Peterborough so adding a proper portage at our Stanground Lock site will better enable users to paddle between Peterborough and Whittlesey.”
Above: Stanground Lock
Go Tweed Valley, Tweed Valley, Scotland: safety/positive behaviour signage for new canoe trail: £500
The Tweed Valley Canoe Trail, set to launch in spring 2024, is a ground-breaking project in the Scottish Borders, covering a picturesque 30-mile stretch of the River Tweed. The first of its kind in southern Scotland, the trail will connect paddlers with historic landmarks like Neidpath Castle and Abbotsford. Developed by Go Tweed Valley in collaboration with local partners, their funding will be put towards signage and way marker posts to guide paddlers and promote responsible water behaviour.
Lindsay Quayle, Project Officer at Go Tweed Valley says “We are hugely grateful to the Canoe Foundation for their contribution towards the first official canoe trail in the south of Scotland. The Tweed Valley Canoe Trail is a project that will connect paddlers of all abilities to the built places and natural landscapes shaped by the great River Tweed – and undoubtedly attract more people to the wonderful sport of canoeing. The grant from the Canoe Foundation will provide a valuable boost to our navigation aids and interpretation signage along the 30-mile stretch of trail.”
Above Left: Paddling under Cardrona Bridge. Credit: Biggar Adventure. Above Right: Paddling under Tweed Bridge, Peebles. Credit: Marc Marshall Photography
———————————————————————————————————————————–
Congratulations to all our newly awarded projects! We can’t wait to see the positive impact our funding will make in the coming months and years. As mentioned- there may be a few more funding awards in the pipeline soon, so watch this space and keep an eye on our News and Projects page.
As a charity, we rely on donations to continue supporting grassroots groups that enhance physical access to paddle sports across the UK. Please consider contributing a one-off or regular donation to the Canoe Foundation. Your support helps ensure sustainable and accessible waterways and coastlines for everyone in the UK. Thank you for being part of our mission to improve places to paddle!
Last Updated: March 28, 2024 by Amy Roberts
Spring Funding Boost: Canoe Foundation Awards Over £79,000 to Access Improvement Projects Across the UK
The Canoe Foundation is excited to announce a significant funding milestone to mark the coming of spring.
We have awarded £79,760 to 14 fantastic projects dedicated to sustainable access improvements for paddlers across the UK!
During our extended funding window from November 1 2023 to February 1 2024, we received an unprecedented number of applications from excellent projects nationwide.
Our latest grant recipients, representing a diverse range of organisations and locations around the UK, were selected after a thorough evaluation process. Here’s an overview of the projects that have secured grant funding, with more potentially in the pipeline. Grab a cuppa and read on!
Poplar Housing and Regeneration Community Association Limited, Tower Hamlets, London: revitalising a canal path plus a new storage unit: £8,000
Poplar HARCA, in collaboration with the East London Canal Access Network (ELCAN), is spearheading a project which is revitalising canals and promoting water sports in Tower Hamlets. The initiative envisions a new canal pontoon, improved water access and the establishment of storage facilities. The Canoe Foundation offered unique, one-time support for this project, as providing storage containers falls outside the typical scope of our activities.
The project, targeting the Teviot Estate, has successfully engaged 50 women in paddle sports. The funding will upskill participants to instructor level, introduce youth and men’s programmes, and facilitate storage construction. Anticipated outcomes include increased canal usage, reduced anti-social behaviour and community empowerment. It will benefit a minimum of 100 participants in the first year, with a focus on ethnic minorities and women.
Above and left: women from the Teviot estate enjoying paddling in central London
Huntly Development Trust, Aberdeenshire, Scotland: new Watersports Pavilion and path regrading: £7,500
The Greenmyres adventure tourism project is based at the rural 63-acre Greenmyres Farm, near Huntly. The project includes a community wind turbine, an environmental venue (Ecobothy), cycle facilities, foot/cycle paths and adventure tourism amenities. The Canoe Foundation funding will be put towards constructing a waterside pavilion and footpaths to enhance the usability and accessibility of a large pond, facilitating paddle sports and open water swimming. The project will benefit the community, encourage outdoor activities, and support partnerships with various local stakeholders.
Above Left: Greenmyres Pond with Paddle Boards and Right: an Artist’s impression of the pavillion
Avon Navigation Trust (ANT), Pershore, Worcestershire: Strensham Lock Portage: £7,500
This project aims to construct a portage at Strensham Lock on the River Avon, Worcestershire. This initiative addresses a significant challenge: enhancing access to the 47-mile Navigable River Avon, from Stratford upon Avon to Tewkesbury. The project will create a portage at the impassable Strensham weir, allowing safer passage for canoeists and kayakers. This will enable improved water access, sustainability and environmental protection. The funding will contribute to completing this transformative project for the local paddling community.
Above: Stensham Lock on the River Avon, Worcestershire (file photo)
Meteor Waterski Club, County Down, Northern Ireland: redesign and construct a new walkway and jetty head: £7,500
Meteor Waterski Club has secured £7500 in funding to support their project aimed at redesigning and reconstructing a new walkway and jetty head at Lough Henney, County Down. The existing jetty, constructed in 2010, has suffered significant rot and damage, rendering it unsafe for use by lake user groups. The project involves constructing a new 30-metre walkway with galvanised frame and non-slip surface, alongside other essential features such as concrete walkway anchor points and new foundation pillars. The redesigned jetty aims to accommodate various user groups, including water-skiing, canoeing, paddleboarding and kayaking. The project holds the potential to benefit a wide range of stakeholders, including Belfast Canoe Club, local community groups, scout troops, youth groups, swimmers, kayakers, paddleboarders, and organised groups. With improved access to the water and enhanced facilities, the project aims to expand membership, introduce more individuals to water-based activities, and provide a safer and more inclusive environment for all users.
Killington Sailing Association and Bendrigg Trust, Cumbria: jetty-mounted hoist : £6,000
The Killington Sailing Association (KSA) has been awarded £6,000 by the Canoe Foundation to support their project “Adventure for All.” The project, run by the Killington Sailing Association in collaboration with Bendrigg Trust, aims to enhance access to water sports for individuals with physical disabilities. The funding will contribute to the installation of a jetty-mounted hoist, providing wheelchair users and those with physical disabilities the opportunity to participate in canoeing and paddle boarding. This initiative is expected to benefit over 100-200 people directly and 1,000-2,000 people indirectly, fostering inclusivity in water-based activities. The Canoe Foundation’s support aligns with the project’s commitment to promoting and facilitating paddlesports for diverse communities.
Above: paddlers at Bendrigg Trust, Cumbria (file photo)
Birmingham Paddlesport Project: new storage container: £5,730
Birmingham Paddlesport Project’s funding will be used to establish storage containers at Star City and Port Loop, key locations near the Grand Union Canal and Birmingham Fazeley Canal. The initiative, now part of ‘Into the Green and Blue,’ has successfully developed seven community paddle clubs in Birmingham. The project aims to improve paddle sport access in the urban setting of Birmingham, where storage is crucial for overcoming transportation obstacles. It will empower paddlesport access, especially for women from ethnic minorities; enhancing wellbeing and community engagement in areas of high deprivation. This was another special one-off grant, as storage containers are not in the usual remit of the Canoe Foundation.
Above: paddlers from one of the Birmingham Community Paddle Sports Hub (file photo)
Ross On Wye Rowing Club: ramp/slide and steps: £5,000
Ross on Wye Rowing Club has been awarded £5,000 by the Canoe Foundation for their project to enhance access to the Rowing Club for canoeists participating in the Duke of Edinburgh award scheme and other visitors. The project involves the installation of a canoe ramp/slide and steel steps with a handrail for easier landing and launching from the Presidents’ lawn, freeing up space and improving access for less physically able paddlers. The initiative aims to accommodate around 3,000 canoeists annually, reduce environmental impact, and contribute to the Canoe Foundation’s goal of enhancing public access to waterways.
Above: the boathouse at Ross on Wye Rowing Club (file photo)
Fulham Reach Boat Club (FRBC), Hammersmith and Fulham, Greater London: pontoon refurbishment: £5,000
FRBC’s Canoe Foundation funding will be put towards the refurbishment of its 10-year-old pontoon located on the River Thames near Hammersmith Bridge, London. The pontoon serves as a crucial launch site for over 1,500 rowers and kayakers annually, providing safe access to the river. The ageing structure requires repairs due to uneven surfaces, lifting timbers and slip hazards. The project will enhance safety and accessibility, benefitting the entire community including local school children, disadvantaged youth, ex-offenders in rehabilitation programmes, club members and various community groups. The desired outcomes include increased usage for environmental activities, improved disability access and a reduction in trip and slip hazards.
Above: the walkway to the pontoon at FRBC
Paddle Peak, Derbyshire: Cromford Canal Access Path and Floating pontoon: £5,000
Nestled in the Derwent Valley, Derbyshire, charity and community project Paddle Peak will use its Canoe Foundation funding for a canal access initiative. Having already introduced over 1,000 local youngsters to kayaking on the Cromford Canal, the project seeks to establish its own base alongside the canal. To facilitate canal access, a footpath needs to be created/reinstated, and an adaptable floating pontoon is required. The project envisions increased access to the Cromford Canal for local youth and the initiative is set to benefit approximately 50 local youngsters weekly, along with school and youth groups, fostering a safe and guaranteed water access point.
Above: Paddle Peak’s very own dinosaur (which happily, is staying!)
Essex Waterways Ltd, Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation: Waterways Access Improvements: £4,858
Essex Waterways, responding to the surge in local waterway usage, has been awarded funding for an essential access improvement project on the Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation. The proposed enhancements include landing stages and steps/ramps, addressing difficulties at locations such as Beeleigh flood lock, Hoe Mill lock, Papermill lock, and Church Road. The initiative aims to secure five new access points, improve pedestrian access and encourage responsible use. The project anticipates a 20% increase in visitors, fostering a safer and more enjoyable experience along the waterways and contributing to the development of a quality paddle trail for diverse user groups.
Above: Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation (file photo)
Kingarth and Kilchattan Improvement Committee, Isle of Bute, Scotland: Slip Restoration: £4,000
The Kingarth and Kilchattan Bay Improvement Committee is spearheading a project to restore the historic slip near the Old Quay in Kilchattan Bay village on the picturesque Isle of Bute. The slip, once vital for launching rowing boats and small crafts until the 1960s, has fallen into disrepair and so the project aims to revitalise this key access point for paddlers including canoeists, kayakers, and paddle boarders. The slip will be made publicly accessible, providing a safer and more convenient location for water enthusiasts. The project is expected to benefit local residents, visitors and sea kayakers frequenting Kilchattan Bay, ensuring enhanced access and safety during the busy summer months.
Above: the old slip at Kilchattan Bay
Lancashire Outdoor Activities Initiative, Chorley, Lancashire: Anderton Centre Accessible Pontoon: £4,000
The Anderton Centre will use its Canoe Foundation funding for a pontoon extension project next to the lower reservoir. The current wooden pontoon, inadequate in size and stability, hinders the Centre’s ability to meet the rising demand for water activities, especially from underrepresented communities. The extension aims to provide additional space and stability for diverse water events including canoe polo, paddle sports racing, and activities for people with disabilities.
Above: photos from the Anderton Centre
Middle Level Commissioners (MLC), Stanground, Cambridgeshire: Stanground Canoe Portage: £1,672
MLC will use their funding for the installation of a formal launch site near Stanground Lock, Peterborough, to improve portage access for paddlers entering the MLC system from the River Nene. Currently lacking a designated paddling portage, the MLC aims to create a safer and more accessible launch site, reducing erosion of the riverbank caused by informal use. The launch is expected to benefit existing paddlers and encourage new users, fostering a ‘blue wheel’ route connecting popular paddling locations. It’s hoped the project will minimise bank erosion, stimulate community engagement, and potentially establish a local paddling club in Stanground.
Above: Stanground Lock
Go Tweed Valley, Tweed Valley, Scotland: safety/positive behaviour signage for new canoe trail: £500
The Tweed Valley Canoe Trail, set to launch in spring 2024, is a ground-breaking project in the Scottish Borders, covering a picturesque 30-mile stretch of the River Tweed. The first of its kind in southern Scotland, the trail will connect paddlers with historic landmarks like Neidpath Castle and Abbotsford. Developed by Go Tweed Valley in collaboration with local partners, their funding will be put towards signage and way marker posts to guide paddlers and promote responsible water behaviour.
Above Left: Paddling under Cardrona Bridge. Credit: Biggar Adventure. Above Right: Paddling under Tweed Bridge, Peebles. Credit: Marc Marshall Photography
———————————————————————————————————————————–
Congratulations to all our newly awarded projects! We can’t wait to see the positive impact our funding will make in the coming months and years. As mentioned- there may be a few more funding awards in the pipeline soon, so watch this space and keep an eye on our News and Projects page.
As a charity, we rely on donations to continue supporting grassroots groups that enhance physical access to paddle sports across the UK. Please consider contributing a one-off or regular donation to the Canoe Foundation. Your support helps ensure sustainable and accessible waterways and coastlines for everyone in the UK. Thank you for being part of our mission to improve places to paddle!
Category: News
Help us to help others
Your money can make a difference. No amount is too small. Please click the button below and donate today.