Waterways Day 2026

Friday 9 October 2026 | Corn Exchange, Witney

Concerned about our waterways, development and pollution?
Want to know more about flood risks and how we can better manage our natural water resources?
Want to make sure our waterways are central to the future wellbeing of West Oxfordshire?
Want to be better informed and get involved?

Join us for West Oxfordshire District Council’s Waterways Day 2026 – a free event bringing together experts, organisations and communities to discuss the challenges facing our waterways and what can be done to protect them.

Talks and panel discussions

9am Development, Infrastructure and Water Quality

Thames Water representative
Phil Shaw, WODC Planning Department
Charlie Maynard, MP for Witney

10:45am Water Pollution and Accountability

Joe Cuthbertson, Environment Agency
Ash Smith, WASP
Laura Bannatyne, Earthwatch

12.30pm Flood Risks and Mitigation

Environmental Agency representative
Alexander Fulton, Oxfordshire County Council
William Wareing, Witney Flood Group
Harry Holmes, Flooded People

2.00pm Catchment Partnerships, Agriculture and Nature Recovery

Jack Knott, Cotswold Rivers Trust
Tatiana Bell, Evenload Catchment Partnership
Tim Field, NE Farmers Cluster
Catriona Bass, Nature Recovery Network

Each session will feature expert speakers followed by a panel Q&A, giving you the opportunity to hear different perspectives and ask your questions.

Get involved

Book your FREE place for the talks through Eventbrite.

Or drop into the Gallery between 10am and 6pm to visit stalls, meet organisations working on our local waterways and find out how you can get involved.

More programme details coming soon – secure your free place today.