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 August 2018
Karen wanted to make a difference to her local community, but volunteering with the Trust led to so much more. She tells us about the boost to her wellbeing and her route to new employment.
6 July 2018
I was visiting the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct with friends. As one of the group didn’t want to walk across the Aqueduct, we decided to go into the visitor centre where I picked up an application form for volunteers. It was a life changing event.
25 June 2018
We are giving students skills that will help them achieve their dreams, by encouraging colleges to volunteer with us on our canals.
26 April 2018
I’ve been involved with the National Waterways Museum Gloucester since the beginning. As a freelance press photographer in 1988 I captured Llanthony Warehouse’s transformation into a museum. Now, after many changes for the museum, and for me, I’m back.
26 March 2018
Volunteering has really improved my skills and abilities in so many ways. I love the training the Trust provides to volunteers.
19 March 2018
Whenever he can, volunteer lock keeper Paul Harry leaves behind his life as a computer programmer in Bristol to help boaters through the six locks in Bath.
2 March 2018
We are delighted to open nominations for the Mike Carter Award to recognise the passion and dedication of young volunteers.
7 February 2018
I work full time caring for parks and open spaces, so I greatly value the waterways. This is especially true in our urban environment where they provide a peaceful oasis to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life and provide valuable habitats for wildlife.
20 November 2017
I began volunteering with the Trust in 2012, initially as a volunteer lock keeper, but since 2015 I’ve also been working with the safety team as a visitor attraction risk assessor.
I’m a volunteer lock keeper on the beautiful Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal. I started volunteering in April 2017 following an article on the Welsh news about Llangattock. They also gave out some information about volunteering, and here I am.
Last date edited: 29 January 2020