How can I volunteer with the Canal & River Trust?

You can find local volunteering opportunities and sign up for welcome sessions on the Canal & River Trust website.

What is the Sheffield & Tinsley Canal's historical significance?

The Sheffield & Tinsley Canal was crucial for Sheffield's industrial growth, enabling trade and transport that transformed it into a steel and cutlery powerhouse.

Why do the canals need more volunteers?

The canals have been battered by storms and floods, requiring significant maintenance and protection efforts from dedicated volunteers.

Home / Environment / Canal Volunteers Needed: Battered Waterways Seek Aid

Canal Volunteers Needed: Battered Waterways Seek Aid

3 Jan

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Summary

Canal & River Trust requires more volunteers to maintain waterways.
Over one million people live near Yorkshire's canals, unaware of their care.
Historic Sheffield canal walks highlight city's industrial transformation.

Canal Volunteers Needed: Battered Waterways Seek Aid

The Canal & River Trust has issued an appeal for more volunteers to help safeguard its extensive canal network across Yorkshire and the North East. This vital infrastructure, comprising locks, bridges, and towpaths, has recently endured significant damage from severe storms and flooding, necessitating increased support. Despite over a million residents in Yorkshire living within a ten-minute walk of these waterways, a notable portion remain unaware that the charity manages and maintains them.

Christine Mellor, Head of Volunteering, emphasized the growing challenges in preserving the 250-year-old canal system. She highlighted that the canals are "battered by storms and floods and eroded over time," underscoring their urgent need for assistance. Volunteers play a pivotal role, contributing their time, knowledge, and skills to ensure the canals remain accessible for local communities and beneficial for wildlife. The trust aims to "turn the tide" with this much-needed community support.