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Iconic volunteer post available on the River Trent

10th Dec 2010

British Waterways is inviting people to apply for a unique opportunity, which will see them carry out an iconic and colourful role on the River Trent.

For the first time British Waterways in the East Midlands is recruiting volunteers to be Seasonal Lock Keepers, working at a selection of scenic locks on the River Trent between Newark and Nottingham.

The ideal Volunteer Lock Keeper will have an interest in the waterways, enjoy meeting people and like the sound of spending time outdoors in beautiful surroundings. They will be working from March until October and will ideally be able to offer two days a week, though this is flexible. No prior experience is necessary – successful applicants will receive full induction, training and a uniform to equip them for their new role as ‘the face of the waterway’. The key attributes are enthusiasm and a willingness to learn.

Make a real difference to the experience of waterway visitors

Lock Keepers have been a fixture on the River Trent for hundreds of years. While some of the duties remain the same, today’s lock keepers will not have as difficult a time as their early predecessors who had to haul the heavy lock gates open by hand, defend themselves against river pirates and fight off toll thieves.

Today the lock gates are mechanised and the role of the modern-day Lock Keeper is to provide a polite and friendly service to waterway visitors, assisting boaters through the locks and maintaining the lock area. It’s a chance for people who are passionate about their local community to make a real difference to the experience of waterway visitors, from boaters and ramblers to families feeding the ducks.

British Waterways' waterway manager for the East Midlands, Sean McGinley, said: “This is an exciting opportunity and we are expecting there to be a lot of interest. The role of a lock keeper is arguably the most iconic and colourful role on the waterway and by opening it out to volunteers we’re hoping to tap into the great wealth of knowledge and passion that we know local people have for their river.”

Growing number of volunteer opportunities

Volunteering is an important aspect of British Waterways’ plans in England and Wales to move management of the nation’s canals and rivers out of state control and into a new ‘national trust’ for the waterways. This exciting new charity, which is targeted to be up and running by April 2012, will attract new investment and give local people a greater role in how their waterways are run – including the opportunity to get involved in a growing number of volunteer opportunities.

For more information and to apply contact Sarah French in British Waterways’ volunteering team on 01827 252097 or e-mail volunteer@britishwaterways.co.uk. Closing date for expressions of interest is Tuesday 21 December.

Further information on all volunteering opportunities within British Waterways can be found on waterscape's volunteering pages.

Last updated: 10/12/2010