Grand Union Canal volunteering and biodiversity programme

This multi-year project aims to create opportunities for people to get out onto the canalside whether through guided walks, arts events and workshops, or volunteering to help improve the environment of the canal for both people and wildlife.  We have launched a biodiversity and volunteering programme on the Grand Union Canal in Old Oak and Park Royal.

The project is funded by The Canal & River Trust, OPDC (Old Oak & Park Royal Development Corporation), Mayor of London and LEAP (The Local Enterprise Partnership).

Get involved

We have two regular volunteering groups:

• Nature conservation volunteering: 2nd Thursday of Each month
• Towpath Taskforce: 2nd Saturday of each month

We're excited about continuing to work with OPDC to deliver on some of the ambitions of the Canal Placemaking study to create a green corridor of biodiversity along the canal and to build a network of committed volunteers in the area who can support this. We aim to improve the environmental conditions of the canal, enhance the sense of local ownership, and invite the local community to be part of a legacy of volunteering.

All are welcome to join our volunteer team, and we would love to have your help in improving your local waterway. Events and activity will take place along the Grand Union Canal between Scrubs Lane and Alperton Aqueduct, West London.

We are looking to engage with local businesses, residents, community groups and general canal user,s. Please click on one of the links below or email [email protected] for more information and to register your interest with the project.

What we've done so far

We have achieved great results from the first few years of the volunteering and biodiversity project. We have run various volunteer events including:

• towpath clean ups
• vegetation clearance eventsSetting up community garden on the canalside
• planting events
• canoe/paddle picks
• maintenance events
• Plant identification and print making sessions
• aquatic ecosystem installations

As well as our public events we are also offering local businesses the opportunity to get involved by adopting a stretch of canalside that they would like to help to improve and look after. If you are interested in joining our canalside adoptions scheme then please contact: [email protected]