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Volunteering on the waterways

Here's a list of national organisations offering volunteering opportunities along UK canals and rivers.

British Waterways
There are a growing number of volunteering opportunities within British Waterways – the organisation that cares for 2,200 miles of the country's canals and rivers

Angling Development Board
Gateway to hundreds of angling groups around the waterways who help bailiff, coach and improve access to angling on the waterways

British Canoe Union
Canoe clubs (and much more) on the waterways who always need volunteers

Inland Waterways Association
Working to promote and extend the inland waterways across the country

National Community Boats Association
Gateway to community boating organisations across the country

Sustrans
Manage the National Cycle Network, some of which is on canal and river towpaths

Waterway Recovery Group
Working to restore and promote waterways across the country

National Waterways Museum
Museums devoted to the fascinating history of our inland waterways.

Waterways Action Squad
Aims to encourage young people aged 16-25 to get involved in the care and promotion of canals and rivers in the North West. Read the latest Waterways Action Squad newsletter

Links to volunteering organisations

If you’re not able to find a suitable volunteering opportunity on the inland waterways, you could try one of these other organisations who would certainly appreciate your assistance. Below are some links that may help:

Environmental volunteering

The National Trust – www.nationaltrust.org.uk
BTCV – www.btcv.org.uk
The Wildlife Trusts – www.rswt.org
YHA – www.yha.org.uk
Sustrans – www.sustrans.org.uk
RSPB – www.rspb.org.uk/
Woodland Trust – www.woodlandtrust.org.uk
Ramblers Association – www.ramblers.org.uk
Soil Association – www.soilassociation.org
National Parks – www.nationalparks.gov.uk
Natural England – www.naturalengland.co.uk
The Big Waterways Clean-Up (London) - www.thames21.org.uk/project/bwcu2012