The charity making life better by water
Making life better by water
Canals need many hands to look after them. By volunteering with us, you can really make a difference.
Canals are a source of calm, connection and beauty, but they don’t look after themselves. They need your help.
We offer a variety of roles for our volunteers, whether you can spare a few minutes or a few days. Every contribution counts, and you can truly make a meaningful impact in your community.
We're a lead partner in the Big Help Out/Big Do taking place from 5 to 8 June. This year, in honour of Sir David Attenborough’s 100th birthday, the initiative is championing the call for people to take action for nature in what will be the UK’s biggest celebration of community.
Want to start making a difference where you live, here's how you can get started
Our volunteers are here to tell you why they give their time, and what they're getting out of it.
Come and join us as a volunteer. It's a great way of meeting people, local communities, and exchanging friendships.
One of the nicest things about volunteering, is the sense of camaraderie that you get, with other volunteers. It's not just a question of working in the outdoors, it's actually doing it alongside nice people.
I love it, fresh air and exercise. We have a great time. There's no end of opportunities for all types of individuals.
I think it just helps with my general health and wellbeing. It's a good way to relax, and it's a good way of giving something back to the community as well.
The canals are a brilliant national resource, that if they're not maintained, then they're going to fall into disrepair and I think it's important to keep them for future generations.
Without our volunteers, we can't keep the canals alive.
Check out all the different roles we offer
How to get involved if your community group wants to volunteer along the canal
Discover more ways you can help
Our wonderful volunteers each have their own journey to tell
I’ve been really lucky to find a role which I find interesting, challenging, varied and rewarding
We love hearing from our volunteers. Want to be featured on this page? Post your snaps and stories on Twitter and Instagram with the hashtag #volunteerbywater
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