It is with regret that the Trust has had to announce the postponement of several key events set to take place this year due to the coronavirus pandemic and the need to ensure the safety of volunteers and the public.

This year's Poddle will not go ahead, but a new date of  6 June 2021 has been set. It is a huge disappointment not only to all those volunteers who have spent a great a deal of time preparing for the walk, but the many people who take part. Organiser Margaret Darvill said she hoped next year's sponsored walk will be bigger and better, with more members and supporters getting behind the event. The 48th annual walk will begin and end in Loxwood, with lunch in Plaistow. The route will take in Gennets Bridge, which was completed almost two years ago, and will take walkers through some stunning West Sussex countryside.

The IWA Trailboat Festival planned for 23-25 May is also postponed until 2021. A new date is expected to be announced soon.

The River Arun Rally set to be held on May 10 will not now go ahead. However, the Trust is keen to demonstrate that the River Arun is used for navigation so if you do navigate the river please let us know on support@weyandarun.co.uk. Please be aware that the date of 10 May was chosen as a date when tides are favourable for a Pulborough to Pallingham journey. If you choose to navigate on an individual basis, please observe all government restrictions and do not trespass on private land.

Currently all public boat trips are closed for booking and trips up to the end of May are cancelled. Customers who have booked private trips individually are being contacted. If you have any questions about a boat trip booking, please e-mail office@weyandarun.co.uk.

Like many charities, the coronavirus pandemic will have a huge impact on income. The Poddle is one of the main fundraising events of the year and with the shutdown of the boat trips will create a big shortfall in income. There are ways to help, however.

  1. Make a one-off donation, however small. You can donate online at by clicking on the donate button on our homepage at www.weyandarun.co.uk, or email support@weyandarun.co.uk. Make the most of gift aid, as the Government’s Gift Aid scheme adds 25% to donations from UK tax payers. Donations made by post can be sent to: Wey & Arun Canal Trust, Bridge End, Somerswey, Shalford, Guildford GU4 8EQ.
  2.  Sponsor the Poddle route checkers (who will be walking the route when conditions permit). All you need to do is complete the sponsor form which can be downloaded from https://weyarun.org.uk/events48) and indicate if we can claim Gift Aid on your donation.
  3. Make next year’s Poddle bigger and better by encouraging friends and family to join you, or sponsor you. The date is set for Sunday 6th June 2021.