Conservation / Restoration Volunteers

Volunteers are needed to carry out canal conservation work e.g. clearing scrub from bed of the canal and tidying tow path in company with a group of friendly people.

Work party activities include conservation and restoration of the canal infrastructure and also wildlife conservation in the environment of the canal. Currently in addition to working on the restoration of a lock structure they are undertaking hedge-laying along the towpath.

Buckingham Canal volunteers work all year round and continue with their canal restoration work on Tuesdays, Thursdays and on the second Sunday on the month right through November, December and January and are always looking for more volunteers who enjoy the environment and working in the outdoors.

Additional work parties are organised depending upon volunteer availability and project needs.

Currently, they are working along four sites of the disused Buckingham Canal. It will depend on weather conditions and seasonal requirements, like the bird nesting season, which site you will be asked to work at. They usually run from 10 am to 3 pm and it is advisable to wear old clothes, steel capped boots if you have them or otherwise walking boots or wellies will do. If it is a particular muddy work site you will be advised beforehand. You will also need to bring your lunch with you. 

There are a variety of tasks on site and most people find one that suits their needs. These vary from the more strenuous ones to the very muddy ones to the much lighter ones but most importantly your day should have been fun!

There are social events organised  for volunteers and members, which includes a festival in July, and boat trips in the Autumn.

What skills do I need?

No experience necessary, but volunteers should like working out of doors and be reasonably fit. 

If you do have any specialist skills that you feel would be useful to the Society do let them know so that they can incorporate them into the work parties. 

Location

This opportunity has no specific location e.g. can be carried out anywhere.