Towpath Task Forces are groups of like minded people who want to get involved and help look after their local waterway but need the flexibility to fit their volunteering around their busy life styles.
The Skipton Towpath Task Force has been going for just over 12 months and its membership has gradually risen, but more members are wanted to help look after the Leeds & Liverpool Canal as it makes its way around this busy market town.
Peace and calm
The canal is integral to Skipton and keeping it in good order is important both for local residents and for tourists and boaters who visit the town. The canal is seen as a local oasis of peace and calm amid the hustle and bustle of modern life and it is important that this haven is maintained for everyone to enjoy.
The next Skipton Towpath Task Force day is in Wednesday 11 March, with volunteers meeting at 10.00am by the canal at Gallows Bridge, close to Cavendish Street car park.
Canal & River Trust volunteer leader Alice Kay says: “If you're looking to break from routine, to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life or to find a peaceful place to enjoy a spot of lunch, your local canal is just a stone's throw away. But we need people to help us look after our canal system,
“We would be delighted for additional volunteers to join us, no experience is needed and the work might include vegetation maintenance work, litter picking and general towpath maintenance. It's a great way to meet other like minded volunteers and get to hear about other volunteering opportunities if you fancy getting more involved.
“On arrival volunteers will be greeted by the group leader who will run through what's to be done, assign task and demonstrate the safe use of equipment. They'll help make sure the tasked is suited to your ability and be on hand throughout the session to provide help, advice and the all important tea and biscuits.
“Passers by often stop to chat and are very much appreciative of the work being done by the volunteers. There's great camaraderie in bringing a dozen or so volunteers together to complete a task that might seem small, but at the end of the day has made a noticeable improvement to the towpath environment.”
If you are interested in joining the task force you can register in advance with [email protected] or you can just turn up on the day.
Please wear suitable outdoor clothing that you don't mind getting dirty and sturdy boots. All the tools and equipment will be provided. The session will probably last until about 1.00pm.
