Canal charity issues appeal for new local volunteers

The Canal & River Trust charity has launched a major appeal for new volunteers to join them in a range of roles from traditional lock keepers to leading walks on historic waterways across Greater Manchester.

Anyone interested in finding out more is invited to special Volunteer Welcome Sessions at Bugsworth Basin, near Whaley Bridge today (Saturday), Manchester city centre on Friday February 24, and Portland Basin in Ashton on Tuesday, February 28.

Nationally the waterways and wellbeing charity cares for 2,000 miles of historic canals and rivers across England and Wales, and each year it depends on the support of thousands of volunteers across the network.

Last year In the North West, 585 volunteers contributed nearly 78,000 hours to improving life on and off the water for both people and wildlife.

Many of the roles, like towpath rangers, boat crew and wildlife conservationists, are in the great outdoors volunteering along the nation’s waterways, interacting with boaters and towpath visitors, and helping to tackle the biodiversity crisis in our towns and cities. 

The Trust believes they are perfect for those who like being surrounded by nature, enjoy meeting new people and who want to give something back to their local community and environment. 

Research shows that in return, volunteering by water is great for your mental and physical wellbeing.

Steve Bergquist, North West community engagement manager with the Canal & River Trust, said: “Our welcome events are an invitation to find out about all the amazing volunteer opportunities the Trust has to offer.

“We are hoping to recruit volunteers to become lock keepers, join our monthly towpath taskforces or even go into schools to teach children about our wonderful canal heritage and staying safe by water.

"No matter what your skillset or experience, we have something for everyone.

“In recent years it has been shown by many organisations that volunteering can have a big impact on your health and wellbeing and improve life satisfaction.

"And whilst all community volunteering is good for you, volunteering by water with the Canal & River Trust is particularly good for a healthy mind and body.

“Whether you are looking to boost your wellbeing, get fit and active, or just make a new year’s resolution to give something back; join the thousands of people already benefitting from volunteering by water and #ActNowForCanals.”

To view a wide range of volunteering opportunities available with the Canal & River Trust across the country, or to reserve a place on a Volunteer Welcome Session, click here

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