Towpath Taskforces are groups of volunteers who want to get involved and help look after their local waterway but need the flexibility to fit volunteering around their busy lifestyles. Those interested in taking part are able to just turn up on the day and help for as little or as long as they can.
The Tamworth Towpath Taskforce has been going for over three years and it has a committed core of volunteers, but more members are wanted to help look after the Coventry Canal as it wends its way through the town.
Oasis of peace
The canal is integral to Tamworth and keeping it in good order is important both for local residents 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 Tamworth Towpath Taskforce day is on Wednesday 8 April with volunteers meeting at 9.45am at Glascote Locks, Barlow Avenue, off Basin Lane, Glascote, Tamworth B77 2FS.
No experience needed
Canal & River Trust volunteer development coordinator, Tom Freeland, said: “If you're looking to break from routine, to get away from it all or to find a peaceful place to enjoy a spot of lunch, then the Coventry 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 ranges from lock painting and litter picking to tackling invasive plants. 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.
“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 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 go along on the day.