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Towpath Ranger Bridgwater & Taunton canal

Bathpool, Bridgwater and Taunton Canal, Somerset

Outdoors

Volunteers litter picking by the canal
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I have lots of fun creating new habitats for the wildlife and meeting new people.
Tommy, volunteer

What's involved?

We are ensuring all activities are Covid secure. If you sign up the regional team will contact you as soon as they're able to recruit.

Volunteer Towpath Rangers are part of the Canal & River Trust’s team working to encourage the growth in popularity of our towpaths. Rangers are the eyes and ears of the local waterway, a friendly face who is happy engaging with all users of our Towpaths. They also build relationships with local residents and communities to get involved and volunteer with us to make a difference to the canals and rivers they care about.
As a Volunteer Towpath Ranger, you will help to ensure the towpaths enjoyable for everyone; reporting any issues that you see, towpath gardening and light maintenance work - talking to all those on the towpath and telling them about the work of the Trust. The great thing is you can do more if you want to: attending local events, monitoring wildlife, working with local inspection teams, more involved practical work and more.

What skills are we looking for?

The most important attributes are an ability to interact with and help others, a friendly manner and the ability to make a good first impression. You will need a hands-on approach, a can-do attitude and the flexibility to work on your own or with others. It may be that you have an interest in the waterways and/or good local knowledge of the area, but they aren’t essential so long as you’re willing to learn more about both.
This opportunity is flexible so will suit someone with a few hours to spare each week, although you can dedicate more time if you choose to. You’ll be happy chatting with the general public and if you have a love of the local waterways, all the better. We welcome interest from families as well as individuals – this task is a great way to get fit, meet new people and see some great wildlife at the same time!

What will you get from us?

This is the chance to have a positive impact on your local waterway; helping visitors and other local people to value and appreciate it. It is a fact that being by the water makes you happier and healthier, this role allows you to both increase your own wellbeing as well as encouraging others to improve theirs.
Volunteer Towpath Rangers will receive an induction and on-going training as it’s needed. The Trust will provide clothing and equipment and offers reasonable out of pocket expenses.

Illustration of people doing activities along the canal

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With your help we can conserve our green and blue spaces, helping the wildlife thrive and offering people health, happiness and wellbeing on their doorstops.