Agreement follows a study by Chris Mitchell of Portmead, who prepared a report, The Future Management of the River Avon Trust, commissioned and funded both trusts.

Originally one navigation, Avon ownership was split in the 19th century and the section above Evesham became derelict.

The lower section struggling on to be taken over by enthusiasts and reopened in 1962, making it the first major restoration by volunteers.

Later – in a much more ambitious and difficult scheme, involving a new Act of Parliament – a separate trust restored the navigation to just above Startford-upon-Avon; officially opened by HM The Queen Mother in 1974.

It seemed logical that the two trusts should amalgamate but previous attempts have failed. They have, however, already formed a closer working relationship and currently share the same works engineering base at Wyre Piddle, office, office manager and a combined professional works team.