British Waterways

British Waterways cares for approx. 2,200 miles of the country's canals and rivers.  Rich in heritage, abundant in wildlife and alive with culture, inland waterways are as popular today as they've ever been. Half the population lives within five miles of one of these canals and rivers and an incredible 13 million people use them every year as part of their everyday life - as a short-cut to work, walking the dog or simply taking time-out and watching the boats.  There are endless opportunities for volunteers along the UK's canals and rivers.

Your time volunteering on the waterways could be spent in many ways; helping different communities, conserving historic structures, protecting wildlife habitats, or simply tidying up the stretch of canal around the corner.

There are national and local events to be organised, there’s historic research to be carried out and of course, there are envelopes to be stuffed with the monthly newsletter. You could help out at a nearby community boat and enthuse young people about the waterways, or assist with the restoration of our waterway heritage. Canalside museums need people on the front desk to welcome visitors as well as people in the background to count the cash at the end of the day.

For further information about volunteering opportunities go to www.waterscape.com/things-to-do/volunteering|

 

Gravel Pits Action Group

Manages the wildlife site of Darcey Lever Gravel Pits, part of the Moses Gate Country Park in Bolton.

Click here for further information: www.gpag.co.uk|

 

Lancashire Wildlife Trust

Leading conservation charity dedicated to all wildlife.

Visit their website at: www.lancswt.org.uk|

 

 

Links to other volunteering organisations

If you’re not able to find a suitable volunteering opportunity amongst those listed above, 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|