THE Canal and River Trust charity in Ellesmere Port has launched a major appeal for new volunteers to join them in a range of roles.
Roles range from traditional lock keepers to leading walks on historic waterways across Merseyside and Cheshire.
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.
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.
People interested in finding out more are invited to a special one-day Volunteer Welcome Session at the Trust’s National Waterways Museum in Ellesmere Port on Wednesday, January 18, 10am-3pm.
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'We have something for everyone'
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 host costumed and themed events 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 well-being and improve life satisfaction.
"Whether you are looking to boost your well-being, 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."
To reserve a free place at a Volunteer Welcome Session on Wednesday, January 18 at the National Waterways Museum in Ellesmere Port, please go to: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/volunteer-welcome-session-national-waterways-museum-ellesmere-port-tickets-495005794657
To view a wide range of volunteering opportunities available with the Canal & River Trust across the country, visit here.
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