With fuel prices soaring and ongoing uncertainty around international flights, UK holidaymakers are being encouraged to rediscover one of Britain’s most charming travel experiences - the classic canal boat holiday - and we are appealing for volunteers to help keep Foxton Locks running smoothly.
Foxton Locks is the UK’s longest, steepest flight of staircase locks, built by hand more than 200 years ago to help raise cargo-carrying boats 75ft uphill. Set in 34 acres of natural green space, the site is also home to the remains of the Foxton Inclined Plane – a Victorian boat lift designed to haul boats up the hill and now a Scheduled Ancient Monument. Visitors can find out more about the Inclined Plane at Foxton Canal Museum and enjoy something to eat or drink at the site’s pubs and cafes.
Lock keepers have been part of waterway life for hundreds of years and today volunteers provide an invaluable service in helping boaters through locks and lending a hand to Canal & River Trust colleagues who look after the canals. With many people enjoying their local towpaths as a place to walk and relax, lock keeper volunteers also play a key role in welcoming people and giving local information about the area.
Linny Beaumont, regional director, said: "It promises to be a busy year on our waterways with boaters heading out onto the water and people taking the opportunity to book boating holidays. Our volunteer lock keepers play a key role in keeping things running smoothly and helping visitors and boaters with their local knowledge, with the opportunity to chat with people face-to-face in the great outdoors.
"Volunteering at the Trust is open to everyone, it is flexible and offers a rewarding experience where you can really make a difference. Those who help our charity are doing something positive for their local community, connecting, meeting new friends, and making a big difference to the canals and rivers that matter to them.
"You don’t necessarily need experience of boating or working on the waterways, the most important things we’re looking for are enthusiasm, willingness to learn and a friendly manner. It’s a wonderful opportunity to keep the tradition of lock keeping alive."
The appeal comes in a record year for volunteering with us, with over three quarters of a million hours donated by more than 8,000 volunteers across its 2,000 miles of waterways during 2025/26, adding to the scope and scale of what the charity can achieve.
We urge people to see volunteering on their local canal as one of the easiest and most rewarding ways to give back to their community. It’s a fantastic way to meet new people, enjoy the great outdoors and make a meaningful difference.
People of all ages (over 18) and experiences are encouraged to apply and full training will be provided. We're looking for people who have at least one day a week available, with lock keepers due to be on duty until October.
