We're looking to recruit more volunteers to take on the iconic role of lock keeper in Yorkshire, as it prepares for a busy summer on the region’s waterways.
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 the charity is appealing for volunteers to help keep Yorkshire’s waterways running smoothly.
An invaluable service
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 our 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.
Some of the places where the charity is looking to recruit volunteers to operate locks are the Tinsley Flight on the historic Sheffield & Tinsley Canal and on the South Yorkshire Navigation in the Rotherham, Mexborough, Swinton and Doncaster areas. They are also looking for tidal lock keepers at West Stockwith and Keadby Locks, ideal roles for those who already have some boating and lock operation knowledge and who would like to further understand tidal operation. And for those interested in helping guide freight barges through locks, there are opportunities in the Wakefield area.
Volunteer lock keepers assist us on a shift basis between April-October, while many stay on over the winter months to help the charity as it looks after the nation’s historic waterways. Full training will be provided and people of all ages (over 18) and experiences are encouraged to apply.
A busy year on our waterways
Sean McGinley, our 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.”
A record year for volunteering
This appeal comes in a record year for volunteering, 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.
Around nine million people live within a ten-minute walk of a canal or river cared for by us, yet many don’t realise these spaces – including thousands of locks, bridges, aqueducts and 2,000 miles of wildlife habitat – are maintained by a charity. 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.
