Paddle Trust

06/08/2026

Through our mission to help create, maintain and sustain places to paddle through fundraising and grant making, we have supported countless projects up and down the UK.

Our Chair, Aidan McGuffie, recalls one of his favourite projects we’ve helped which will leave a lasting impact for water users🛶💦

To find out more about what we do, or to get in touch, head to https://www.paddletrust.org.uk

23/07/2026

There's still time to take part in Plastic Free July – a reminder that small changes can make a big difference to the waterways we all enjoy💙

Plastic pollution doesn't just spoil the view - it harms wildlife, damages habitats and reduces the health of our waterways.

Whether you're heading out for a paddle, a walk along the towpath or simply enjoying time by the water, there are simple ways you can help:
💧Bring a reusable water bottle and coffee cup.
🛍️ Choose reusable bags and containers.
🗑️ Take your litter home.
🧹Pick up at least one piece of litter you spot along the way.

Together, we can protect our waterways so they remain thriving spaces for wildlife, recreation and future generations.

17/06/2026

We thought it was about time we reintroduce ourselves to our new followers!👋

The Paddle Trust is a UK wide foundation. We raise money for and directly fund projects across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Our mission is to help create, maintain and sustain places to paddle through fundraising and grant making.

Formerly known as the Canoe Foundation, we have been in existence since 1986 to support paddlers around the UK! 🌊

You can learn lots more about who we are, what we do and how you can help by visiting our website https://www.paddletrust.org.uk! 🔗

26/05/2026

What does it look like when funders, trusts, and communities work together? This. 👇

Working in partnership with the Canal & River Trust and Sport England, we are proud to provide Paddle Trust funding that will enhance the safety and accessibility of the Lock 50 community hub project.

The investment will deliver an accessible pontoon with a new hoist system, plus specialist training for the local team, so people with disabilities and mobility challenges can get on the water more safely and confidently than ever before.

This is about more than sport. It's about removing barriers, co-creating opportunities with local communities, and opening up blue and green spaces for those facing the greatest inequalities.

Together, we're building a sustainable water sports offer that improves mental and physical well-being for everyone.

“A huge thank you to Paddle Trust for supporting us to make our pontoon more accessible for everyone.

“This funding enabled our team to complete specialist hoist training, meaning people with disabilities and mobility challenges can get on the water more safely, confidently, and with the right support.

“It’s an important step towards making paddle sport truly inclusive and opening the canal to more of our community.

"This forms part of our wider partnership with Canal & River Trust and Sport England to break down barriers and help more people experience the wellbeing benefits of being active by water.”

13/05/2026

What a night! 👏🦖

In memory of club member Alistar, Warwick Canoe and Canoe Polo Club kept paddling through broken gazebos, a 5 am collapse, and a blow-up dinosaur to raise vital funds for water sports accessibility.

Read all about it: https://www.paddletrust.org.uk/warwick-canoe-clubs-24-hour-paddleathon-raises-1261-for-paddle-trust/

08/05/2026

Meet Amanda Kitchen 👋 Engineer. Lifelong paddler. Newest Paddle Trust Trustee.

In the latest instalment of our series, Amanda shares her journey to the board, what she looks for in a grant application, and her vision for the next 20 years of the Trust.

🔗 Read her story: https://www.paddletrust.org.uk/meet-the-paddle-trust-trustees-amanda-kitchen

29/04/2026

Grab the chance to help protect your local waterways with the Big Paddle Clean Up 2026!

Between May 23rd and June 7th our friends at Paddle UK are encouraging as many people as possible to head out and spend time caring for the waterways in their area.

Whether you're an individual, group of friends, or a paddling club, you can grab your litter picker and make a difference. You can even invite your local MP to join you!

Take part on the water or from the bank...just be sure to take part!

There are lots of online resources and advice available on the Paddle UK website, including information on how to contact your local MP, to help you plan and carry out your litter pick.

We heard a rumour there's a little reward from sponsors Decathlon UK for those who take part too 🤫 😉

https://paddleuk.org.uk/big-paddle-cleanup/

23/04/2026

Our Trustees are the people who bring the ethos and passion of the Paddle Trust to life.

In the first of our Meet the Trustees series we spoke to Sue Hornby about her paddling background, why she became a Trustee, her top tip for applications and her vision for the future of the Paddle Trust.

Read more and learn how you can be a part of the Paddle Trust's future

https://www.paddletrust.org.uk/meet-the-paddle-trust-trustees-sue-hornby/

15/04/2026

14/04/2026

We collaborate to create change. 🤝

Working together with organisations like Canal & River Trust we are bringing more access to waterways for more people.

Head to our website to read the story so far of the Lock 50 Community Hub project and make sure you follow us for more updates!