The Environment Agency invited waterway users, customers, stakeholders and partners to comment on its draft National Navigation Strategy 2026-2031, according to a press release published on 2 September 2026. The survey, which opened on 26 August 2026 and was scheduled to run for eight weeks, was due to close on 21 October 2026.

The agency, which as a navigation authority is responsible for more than 1,000km of inland waterways in England, said the draft was developed with input from staff and representatives of national stakeholder groups. It said the strategy was intended to focus first on building strong foundations and delivering core duties while more evidence is gathered.

Simon Hawkins, the agency's director of navigation, said the draft set out a vision for the years ahead but should reflect the views of people who use and value the waterways. According to the release, the waterways covered include the Anglian waterways, Medway navigation, the rivers Wye and Lugg, Rye and Lydney Harbours and the non-tidal River Thames.