How green is your narrowboat?

CLEANING

Use eco-friendly alternatives in the galley and bathroom. Avoid products containing chlorine, bleach and phosphates – they can be harmful to aquatic life.

ENGINE

Ensure your engine is maintained and serviced regularly to avoid unwanted leaks. Extract oil from your bilge before pumping out – install an inline bilge filter or tray.

DECK

Secure loose items such as bottles and cans to prevent them falling or blowing overboard.

MOORING

Choose your site carefully, try to avoid areas where animals and birds may be resting, feeding, breeding or with young. Use designated tow-path bollards and rings.

BOAT WASH 

Good use of the throttle and keeping a safe, reasonable distance from the banks will help to avoid unnecessary movement of water that can erode banks and disturb wildlife.

INVASIVE SPECIES REMOVAL

Aquatic invasive plant and animal species can cause damage to your boat and equipment, restrict navigation along waterways and harm our local environment. To help ensure we do not introduce or spread them around our UK waters, follow these steps:

Keep ropes, fenders and other equipment out of the water where possible to prevent invasive species attaching to them.

Check for any visible biofouling on your boat and equipment before leaving a mooring, remove and dispose of in a bin.

Clean your boat, bilge and equipment etc. as often as you can with fresh water to remove biofouling.

Dry all boating equipment and clothing for as long as possible. Species can survive several weeks in damp conditions.

For more helpful information on what you can do to contribute to the waterways visit: www.thegreenblue.org.uk