THE Canal & River Trust needs more hands on deck and is inviting people to discover a host of ways to give some time canalside in their local community.
Built by hand 250 years ago as the freight arteries that fuelled the Industrial Revolution, canals don’t look after themselves, and generations of people have played their part in the care of the world-famous canal network. Today, canals are sources of calm and beauty and are perfectly placed for the next wave of volunteers wanting to connect to nature and one another.
The appeal forms part of the trust’s new Volunteer By Water campaign, backed by broadcaster and TV presenter Ranvir Singh, which highlights the vital role volunteers play in caring for canals, from helping maintain locks and towpaths to welcoming boaters and protecting wildlife.
Last year alone, nearly 5500 volunteers gave almost 750,000 hours to support the trust’s work in England and Wales, making a huge difference to what the charity can achieve. To make volunteering by water as accessible as possible, the trust has created a programme of 70 welcome sessions, including 19 hosted online, for people to find out more before getting involved.
Ranvir said: “Volunteering by the water is a chance to do something on the doorstep that really matters. I’ve volunteered for the Canal & River Trust myself and found the experience incredibly rewarding. It’s satisfying to finish a session and see the difference you’ve made; it makes you feel part of the community and can really lift your mood.”
Volunteers attending a Welcome Session can expect to get involved within weeks, with a wide range of seasonal and year-round opportunities available.
Visit https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/support-us/our-campaigns/volunteer-by-water
