We are one of the UK’s biggest charities and we care for 2,000 miles of canals, rivers, docks and reservoirs because we believe life is better by water
About the Organisation
Our canal network is unique. No two days are the same when it comes to looking after it. We have around 1,600 employees and thousands of volunteers working to make our waterways the best they can be. Every time you step onto the towpath or take to the water, you’ll see the fruits of our labours. Our expert hydrologists, historians, ecologists and engineers work together to make sure you experience everything the canals have to offer. With the support of our volunteers, heritage and nature can coexist, and history is kept alive for us all to enjoy. Along with our waterways we also manage museums, archives and the country's third largest collection of historic buildings, as well as the nature and wildlife that calls our canals home. All of this enables us to provide wellbeing opportunities for millions of people each year.
Join a towpath taskforce team and meet new people, making a difference on days that suit you. Tasks vary on a regular basis but typically include:
lock painting,
hedge planting
vegetation management
litter-clearance from land and water
Let's activities on the water and towpath
What are we looking for?
What will you get from us?
This role is specifically planned without a need for skills or training. As a result of joining it, you’ll find out about other roles where training may either be needed or can be given to help build your skills.
Tips on preparation
Let us know you're coming in advance, so we can look out for you and let you know of any last-minute changes
Wear suitable outdoor clothing you don't mind getting mucky or snagged
Sturdy shoes are a must
For full-day sessions bring a packed lunch, and a hot drink
On arrival, you'll be greeted by the taskforce leader who will run through what's to be done that day, assign tasks and demonstrate the safe use of any equipment. They'll help make sure the task is suited to your ability and be on hand throughout the session to provide help, advice, and support. There are a whole variety of roles available in the Canal River Trust, but this is where it starts. Please talk to us if public transport costs are a problem.
This role is specifically planned without a need for skills or training. As a result of joining in, you’ll find out about other roles where training may either be needed or can be given to help build your skills.
When do we need you?
Additional Requirements
We are always open to new volunteers
Wednesday mornings at Sowerby Bridge - meet at the Moorings Pub car park, Canal Basin, Sowerby Bridge HX6 2AG at 9.30am. Bus 579 from Halifax goes past the Canal Basin. Volunteer lead: Andrew Leatherbarrow
Tuesday and Thursday mornings at Salterhebble Lock - Salterhebble locks, Wakefield Road, Copley, Salterhebble, Halifax, HX3 0QH
What.three.words - Patrol.woods.stacks - volunteer lead: Sandra Harrison
Lower Calder Valley Volunteer Group meets twice a month and is working its way from Eastwood to Mytholmroyd - email Volunteer Lead matthew.crowley@canalrivertrust.org.uk to find out when they next meet.
