British Waterways was a public corporation in the United Kingdom responsible for managing the country's waterways, including canals and rivers. Established in 1962, its primary role was to maintain and improve the navigation and environmental quality of these waterways, ensuring they remained accessible for both commercial and recreational use. In 2012, British Waterways transitioned into a charitable organization known as Canal & River Trust. This change aimed to enhance the management of the waterways while promoting public engagement and conservation efforts. The trust continues to oversee the maintenance and development of the UK's extensive network of canals and rivers.