People who value the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal are being urged to support a petition aimed at safeguarding its future.

Glandŵr Cymru, the Canal & River Trust in Wales, is calling on the public to show their backing for the 35-mile waterway.

A remnant of Wales' industrial past, the canal is one of the most scenic in the UK and a popular destination for narrowboat holidays.

Last month, operators of the 225-year-old canal issued a warning about an “urgent” water shortage, with concerns it could run dry in a matter of days without significant rainfall.

This follows the introduction of restrictions on the canal’s historic water supply from the River Usk at the end of last year, compounded by the unusually dry start to 2025.

In response, Glandŵr Cymru secured an emergency water supply for this summer from Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water, aiming to maintain levels for boats, wildlife, and local communities.

However, the charity has described the solution as a “temporary fix” and warned that a longer-term strategy is urgently needed.

Glandŵr Cymru is now urging the public to support the canal by visiting the waterway and signing the petition to help preserve its future.

Mark Evans, director at Glandŵr Cymru, said: “The Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal is still navigated by boats just as it has been for hundreds of years.  It remains one of the most popular canals for holidaying. Our charity looks after this wonderful haven for people and nature and is committed to do all we can to keep the canal open.

“This year, more than ever before, we want people to show their support for the canal – both by visiting to experience the unique character of the waterway and by joining the campaign to ensure that the canal has a sustainable long-term water supply.”

The petition to keep the ‘Mon & Brec’ alive has already attracted more than 12,500 signatures.

Mr Evans continued: “Our charity acted to safeguard the much-loved canal over the summer months, with additional water purchased from Welsh Water.  This is whilst an affordable long-term solution is found – which will need the collective help of Welsh Water, the Welsh Government and Natural Resources Wales. 

“As an emergency measure we have diverted money away from planned maintenance and repairs across our canal network to secure a water supply this summer.  However, it isn’t sustainable for our charity to bear this cost alone. 

“This summer, we’d love people to come along and experience the canal in all its glory.

“We must keep the momentum behind the campaign to keep the canal alive.  We’re asking people to sign the petition calling upon the Welsh Government to help find a sustainable future for the canal which, in the last few weeks, has already reached over 12,500 signatories. This helps illustrate the strength of public support for the canal and we want to thank everyone who has signed it.”

To sign the petition, please visit: https://petitions.senedd.wales/petitions/246570