The volunteers volunteer regularly as part of our Towpath Taskforce team, which encourages people to come out, get their hands dirty and help protect some of the most important heritage and wildlife habitats along the river.
Murray Scott and David Edwards both had careers as directors of companies in the City of London and have become friends through volunteering together. Murray said: “We could have spent our retirement playing golf or sitting around, but we wanted to do something useful and meet up with some friends. They call us conservation volunteers, but we call ourselves conversation volunteers!”
A lot of fun
We're still looking for new people to join Towpath Taskforce, which meets once a month. Becky Williams, Canal & River Trust volunteer leader, says: “The event on Thursday was a lot of fun. Why do people do it? Well everyone has their own reasons, usually it's a mix of being part of a nice friendly group, being outdoors, caring for your local environment, or just being beside the water.
"The volunteers are made up from those who have volunteered in the area for years - 11 in one case - and those who have just joined us. What a lot of people there said was how friendly and welcoming the group is. You don't need any special skills to join, just turn up in some suitable outdoor clothes and we will help you with the rest.”
Projects the Taskforce take on include litter picking, painting, towpath maintenance, repairs to listed structures, creating wildlife habitats and tree planting. No special skills are required and lunch and refreshments are provided. The group meets on the third Thursday of each month and the next meeting is 19 February.
For more details about getting involved contact [email protected] 07799436816
