THE Canal & River Trust is looking for volunteers to join them in a range of roles from lock keepers to walking guides on historic railways across Cheshire and Merseyside.
Nationally the waterways and wellbeing charity cares for 2,000 miles of historic canals and rivers across England and Wales, and each year it depends on the support of thousands of volunteers across the network. Last year In the North West, 585 volunteers contributed nearly 78,000 hours to improving life on and off the water for both people and wildlife.
A Volunteer Welcome Session will be held at the National Waterways Museum in Ellesmere Port on Wednesday, January 18, from 10am to 3pm.
Many of the roles, like towpath rangers, boat crew and wildlife conservationists, are in the great outdoors volunteering along the nation’s waterways, interacting with boaters and towpath visitors, and helping to tackle the biodiversity crisis in our towns and cities.
The Trust believes they are perfect for those who like being surrounded by nature, enjoy meeting new people and who want to give something back to their local community and environment. Research shows that in return, volunteering by water is great for your mental and physical wellbeing.
Steve Bergquist, North West community engagement manager with the Canal & River Trust, said: "Our welcome event is an invitation to find out about all the amazing volunteer opportunities the Trust has to offer.
"We are hoping to recruit volunteers to help out at our amazing visitor attractions, the National Waterways Museum and Anderton Boat Lift, become lock keepers, join our monthly towpath taskforces or even go into schools to teach children about our wonderful canal heritage and staying safe by water. No matter what your skillset or experience, we have something for everyone.
"In recent years it has been shown by many organisations that volunteering can have a big impact on your health and wellbeing and improve life satisfaction. And whilst all community volunteering is good for you, volunteering by water with the Canal & River Trust is particularly good for a healthy mind and body.
"Whether you are looking to boost your wellbeing, get fit and active, or just make a new year’s resolution to give something back, join the thousands of people already benefitting from volunteering by water and #ActNowForCanals."
To reserve a free place at a Volunteer Welcome Session on Wednesday 18 January at the National Waterways Museum in Ellesmere Port, you can visit the Evenbrite link.
To view a wide range of volunteering opportunities available with the Canal & River Trust across the country, visit: www.canalrivertrust.org.uk/volunteer.
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