The Cotswold Canals Trust
Also known as: Stroudwater, Thames and the Severn Canal Trust Limited, The Stroudwater, Thames and Severn Canal Trust Limited, Cotswold Canals Trust
1. To promote for the benefit of the community the reopening of the Cotswold Canals.2. To promote the restoration of the two waterways to give a balance between the needs of navigation, development, recreation, heritage, landscape conservation, wildlife and natural habitats.3. To promote the use of all the towpath as the Thames and Severn Way.
Activities & Mission
1. To promote for the benefit of the community the reopening of the Cotswold Canals.2. To promote the restoration of the two waterways to give a balance between the needs of navigation, development, recreation, heritage, landscape conservation, wildlife and natural habitats.3. To promote the use of all the towpath as the Thames and Severn Way.
Areas of Operation
Where this charity is registered to operate, as self-declared to the Charity Commission. These are regulatory classifications, not a list of active programmes, and don't necessarily indicate fundraising activity in each location.
Local Authority
Financial Information
Financial Efficiency
Higher than 37% of UK Environment charities with income £100K to £1M (sample: 219). How is this calculated?
Higher than 44% of UK Environment charities with income £100K to £1M. How is this calculated?
Lower overhead than 40% of UK Environment charities with income £100K to £1M. (Lower overhead is generally read as more efficient.) How is this calculated?
Latest Financial Breakdown
Income Sources
Expenditure Categories
Financial Trend
Annual Returns
As filed with the Charity Commission for England and Wales. Most recent filing covers the financial year ending 2025.
| Financial Year | Income | Expenditure | Charitable Spending | Net Assets | Reserves | Staff |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | £608,573 | £485,372 | £467,202 | £2,155,353 | £146,308 | 6 / 350 |
| 2024 | £537,288 | £434,356 | £411,065 | £2,032,152 | £174,549 | 6 / 400 |
| 2023 | £837,122 | £407,493 | £384,091 | £1,929,219 | £212,902 | 5 / 941 |
| 2022 | £1,202,348 | £505,920 | £486,313 | £1,499,591 | £214,807 | 4 / 891 |
| 2021 | £710,412 | £3,137,331 | £3,120,910 | £803,159 | £18,461 | 5 / 940 |
Staff column shows: Employees / Volunteers
Frequently asked questions about The Cotswold Canals Trust
What does The Cotswold Canals Trust do?
1. To promote for the benefit of the community the reopening of the Cotswold Canals.2. To promote the restoration of the two waterways to give a balance between the needs of navigation, development, recreation, heritage, landscape conservation, wildlife and natural habitats.3. To promote the use of all the towpath as the Thames and Severn Way.
How much income did The Cotswold Canals Trust report in 2025?
The Cotswold Canals Trust reported total income of £609k and reported expenditure of £485k for the financial year ending 2025, based on the most recent annual return filed with the Charity Commission.
How efficient is The Cotswold Canals Trust?
The Cotswold Canals Trust has a program ratio of 76.8%, meaning that share of its income goes directly to charitable activities. This is higher than 37% of UK Environment charities with income £100K to £1M (sample of 219 charities). See our methodology for how this is calculated.
When was The Cotswold Canals Trust registered as a charity?
The Cotswold Canals Trust was registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales on 23 July 1975 as charity number 269721. It has been registered for 51 years.
Who runs The Cotswold Canals Trust?
The Cotswold Canals Trust is governed by a board of 11 trustees. The chair of trustees is David Hagg. Trustees are legally responsible for the charity's governance and are listed in full on its profile.
Where does The Cotswold Canals Trust operate?
The Cotswold Canals Trust operates across 2 areas: Gloucestershire and Wiltshire.
Is The Cotswold Canals Trust a registered charity?
Yes — The Cotswold Canals Trust is a registered charity in England and Wales, charity number 269721.
Details
Bell House
Wallbridge
Stroud
GL5 3JS
Registry Information
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Trustees
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Sectors & Classifications
Also Known As
- Stroudwater, Thames and the Severn Canal Trust Limited
- The Stroudwater, Thames and Severn Canal Trust Limited
- Cotswold Canals Trust
Data & trust
- Register data refreshed
- 14 May 2026
- Methodology
- How metrics are calculated