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The charity making life better by water

Volunteers in hard hats and life jackets stand in thigh-high water at the bottom of a lock removing debris from the canal bed

Volunteer

Canals need many hands to look after them. By volunteering with us, you can really make a difference.

Volunteer by water

Volunteers play an essential role in repairing our canals, rivers, towpaths, and impacting the environment following storm damage.

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.

Why volunteer with us?

Our volunteers are here to tell you why they give their time, and what they're getting out of it.

  • Read the film transcript

    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.

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I’ve been really lucky to find a role which I find interesting, challenging, varied and rewarding
Penny, volunteer
Two volunteers in high vis jackets gardening on the canal towpath

Volunteer with us

Volunteer and help us keep canals alive. Search all current opportunities

#volunteerbywater

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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