Historic Canals Need Community Support in Leicestershire
The Canal & River Trust has launched an urgent appeal for volunteers across Leicestershire to help maintain and protect the region's historic waterways. The charity's new 'Volunteer By Water' campaign, which began on January 20, aims to recruit local residents to support the 300 miles of canals in the East Midlands that require ongoing care and attention.
Campaign Backed by Broadcaster Ranvir Singh
The initiative has received prominent backing from broadcaster and television presenter Ranvir Singh, who has personally volunteered with the Trust and understands the value of this community work. "These waterways bring nature, heritage and free green space right into the heart of our communities," Singh explained, emphasising how canals serve as vital green corridors in urban and rural areas alike.
She continued: "Volunteering by the water is a chance to do something on the doorstep that really matters. I've volunteered for the Canal & River Trust myself and found the experience incredibly rewarding."
Welcome Sessions at Foxton Locks and Online
To make volunteering accessible to everyone, the Trust is hosting special Volunteer Welcome Sessions at the iconic Foxton Locks, alongside virtual online alternatives. These sessions provide newcomers with opportunities to:
- Meet existing volunteers and Trust staff members
- Ask questions about different volunteering roles
- Explore opportunities matching their skills and availability
- Learn about both regular commitments and one-off activities
Christine Mellor, Head of Volunteering at the Canal & River Trust, highlighted the growing challenges facing Leicestershire's waterways: "From ageing infrastructure to the impact of storms and floods, our canals need help now more than ever. Volunteering is flexible, rewarding and open to everyone."
The Scale of Volunteer Impact
The Trust revealed impressive statistics about volunteer contributions across England and Wales:
- Nearly 5,500 volunteers participated last year alone
- They contributed almost 750,000 hours of their time
- This support makes a substantial difference to what the charity can achieve
- Around nine million people live within a ten-minute walk of Trust-managed waterways
Despite this proximity, many residents don't realise that these valuable community assets - including thousands of locks, bridges, aqueducts and 2,000 miles of wildlife habitat - are maintained by a charitable organisation rather than local authorities.
Why Volunteer Alongside Waterways?
The Trust emphasises multiple benefits for those considering canal volunteering:
- Community connection: Meeting new people and becoming part of local networks
- Health benefits: Enjoying outdoor activity in natural settings
- Skill development: Learning about heritage conservation and environmental protection
- Flexible commitment: Opportunities range from occasional drop-in sessions to regular weekly volunteering
Mellor added: "If you're looking to do something positive for your local community, make new friends, and make a big difference, we'd love to welcome you to meet the team." Volunteers attending welcome sessions can typically begin their involvement within weeks, with seasonal and year-round opportunities available throughout England and Wales.
The canals, originally built by hand 250 years ago as freight arteries that fuelled the Industrial Revolution, continue to serve as sources of calm and beauty while requiring ongoing maintenance. The Trust positions volunteering as one of the easiest and most rewarding ways for Leicestershire residents to give back to their communities while protecting these historic waterways for future generations.
