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Unlock your volunteer potential


Waterway lovers are being offered the chance to volunteer as a lock keepers for the Canal & River Trust, the charity that takes over British Waterways’ responsibility for 2,000 miles of waterways in later this year.

Lock keepers have been a fixture on Britain’s canals for hundreds of years and while some duties remain the same, today’s lock keepers don’t have as difficult a time as their early predecessors. who had to haul heavy lock gates open by hand, defend themselves against river pirates and fight off toll thieves. The role of the modern-day lock keeper is to provide a polite and friendly welcome to waterway visitors, assist boaters through locks and help maintain the lock area.

Successful scheme

Between March 2010 and April 2011 over 50 people took part in British Waterways’ volunteer lock keeper trials on the Grand Union Canal, Kennet & Avon Canal and River Trent. The scheme was so successful that it has now been expanded to over 50 locations.

New sites will include Bingley Five Rise on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal, the deepest lock in the country at Tuel Lane Lock on the Rochdale Canal and the Hertford Union Canal within site of the London 2012 Olympic site.

Make a difference

Ed Moss, national volunteering manager for British Waterways commented: “The task of a lock keeper is arguably the most symbolic on the waterways and our trials have shown us that there’s huge public interest out there for the waterways. It’s a perfect opportunity for those who enjoy working in the outdoors and are perhaps looking for something different to do and help support the Canal & River Trust in what will be its first year.

“The waterways are a national treasure and need looking after. Our volunteers have been able to provide so many additional benefits on top of the fantastic work our own staff carry out and are really making a difference. The key qualities we’re looking for are enthusiasm and a willingness to learn. Whether it’s helping a boat through the lock, talking to customers, litter picking or undertaking vegetation works, it can really make a great difference to a visitor’s appreciation of the waterways.”

Brian Blessed's backing

Brian Blessed launches the volunteer lock keeper appeal
The actor and adventurer Brian Blessed is backing the volunteer lock keeper campaign and appealing to the 13 million people who use the nation’s canals and rivers each year. He says: “Ever since I was a child I’ve loved our canals and rivers, going off exploring on my bike and looking for wildlife.

"They’re unique places so I would urge people with a real passion for their local waterway to get involved as a volunteer lock keeper or take advantage of one of the many opportunities to support the Canal & River Trust. They meant so much to me as a child so I think it’s important we all do what we can to help protect them for our next generations to enjoy.”

Volunteers can start quickly and no prior experience is necessary as a full induction, training and a uniform will be provided.

See a list of locations with volunteer lock keeper opportunities.

Update: We've had a fantastic response to our appeal for people to look after locks and greet visitors. Thank you to everyone who has expressed an interest.

The volunteering team are now working hard to start the ball rolling and assign roles to people who have volunteered. This means that, for the time being, no new applications will be looked at - unless they are for an area which has previously had little interest.

For more information email volunteer@britishwaterways.co.uk

Last updated: 20/02/2012

In this section ...

  1. Volunteer Lock Keeper
    The role of a volunteer lock keeper »

    We've had a fantastic response to our appeal for people to look after locks and greet visitors. Thank you to everyone who has expressed an interest. More »

  2. Volunteer Lock Keeper
    Meet our volunteer lock keepers »

    British Waterways' volunteer lock keepers Gill Anlezarck, Peter Tomkins and Barbara Hillier share their experience of helping out on their local canals and rivers. More »