Making life better by water
Specialist teams
Find out how our expert teams work together to make life better by water
Work for us
We have vacancies across all of our waterways and in the offices, museums and attractions that support them. We're one of the UK's biggest charities and we take pride in everything we do
Contact us
If you're thinking of getting in touch then please take a moment to look through these pages as we probably have the answer on our website
Summer safety by the water
As the weather is warming up we want everyone to be able to enjoy our canals and rivers in the safest possible way
Stoppages and notices
We're continually carrying out work to improve our canals and rivers. Find out if we're working along your route before you set off on a boat trip
10 reasons to take up canoeing
It's a great way to get fit and explore our waterways at the same time
Share the Space
Take a look at our common sense guide to sharing the towpath
Winter open days
Our open days offer a different perspective of our waterways, a behind-the-scenes look at the great work we do. A free day out for all the family.
Find a place to fish
From reservoirs to club-managed canals and river stretches - find your nearest place to fish
Get your free guide
Download your free guide today and start exploring the waterway nature near you
Download your free guides
You've nine free days out guides to choose from - where will you go first?
Find a walk near you
Are you ready to ramble? Find a waterside stroll or a satisfying hike along our beautiful canals and rivers
Art Events
Take a look at our upcoming events here.
Something for everyone
Help us make a difference and have fun along the way. Find your perfect volunteer role today
Join our team
Could you join your local Towpath Taskforce team and help us to keep our canals looking lovely?
Volunteering in partnership
Want to make a real difference to your community? You could join over 400 groups who volunteer with us every year
Desmond Family Canoe Trail
If you're aged 16-25 and would like to get involved with this exciting project, please get in touch
Could you be a volunteer lock keeper?
Find out what's involved with this popular volunteering opportunity
Donate today
100% of your donation will be used to make life better by water
Canals are better with Friends
Becoming a Friend by making a monthly donation is one of the most effective ways to support our work
Leave a legacy
Will you leave a gift in your Will to keep the canals and rivers you care about alive?
Give in memory
Celebrate the life of a loved one by giving a gift in their memory
Give in celebration
Got a favourite place in mind? Dedicate it in celebration of a loved one today
Corporate giving
Make a difference to the wellbeing of your community
We care for our supporters
We are caring and open and aim to put our supporters at the heart of everything we do
Use My Location
Articles about volunteering with the Trust.
Meet Bernard from Burnley
When Bernard suffered from depression, he turned to volunteering and now wants to share his story
Meet Lara from Wigan
Thanks to volunteering with us, Lara is now realising two dreams.
29 January 2020
28 January 2020
When Bernard suffered from depression, he turned to volunteering and now wants to share his story.
16 September 2019
Thelma Edwards is a greeter for the 5,000 visitors who step aboard The Admiral floating visitor centre each year. She relishes her role as storyteller, bringing to life the inspiring tale of the Kennet & Avon Canal.
16 April 2019
A 10-year labour of love is nearing its end for volunteer Mike Rogers, who has been restoring the historic crane at Dundas Wharf on the Kennet & Avon Canal. His work will be finished in the next few weeks and the crane will stand proudly in all its glory once more.
14 February 2019
Ray Goulder has worked extensively as a volunteer for us, and spent recent summers working as a volunteer plant recorder in Yorkshire, writing botanical reports and a book.
12 February 2019
John Webb just loves the waterways and particularly getting his hands on old structures. It could be said he has a bit of a thing about cranes. During his 17 years of volunteering in the Bath area he has been instrumental in bringing derelict canal heritage back to life.
16 November 2018
After a career as a marine mechanical engineer Bill Darch could have easily hung up his spanners to enter a well-earned retirement. But, fortunately for the National Waterways Museum, Ellesmere Port, he didn’t.
13 November 2018
Retiring after 40 years of working in an office environment, my intention had always been to do some form of volunteering, but I wasn’t sure what to do.
12 October 2018
There is a special joy in model making. The joy of challenge and problem-solving, the joy of self-expression, and the pleasure of seeing your vision become a reality and of sharing it with others. Volunteer John Berry is getting rather good at it.
1 October 2018
What does a volunteer lock keeper get up to on a typical day? Find out from Colin.
Last date edited: 29 January 2020