Volunteering – Western Depot
Construction and Maintenance
Western Depot, Eastington
Join our renovation and maintenance teams to help bring the Cotswold Canals back to life. This hands-on role covers a wide variety of work across Phase 1 of the restoration (Saul to Brimscombe), from rebuilding locks to maintaining waterways. Every day is different, and every task makes a real difference in keeping the canal safe, functional, and welcoming.
As a volunteer, you could be involved in restoring and maintaining locks, spill weirs, sluices, bridges, barriers, and towpaths. You might also help repair and maintain equipment, vehicles, and boats – everything from strimmer’s and pumps to generators. This is vital work to ensure our tools and fleet are always ready for the next challenge.
There are also opportunities to support specialist projects, including mechanical, civil, and electrical work. Volunteers can develop practical skills in construction, welding, and woodworking, while also taking part in projects such as installing benches and other canal-side features to enhance the visitor experience.
Whether you’re experienced in a trade or simply keen to learn, this role offers the chance to gain new skills, work outdoors, and make a visible impact on the restoration of the Cotswold Canals. You’ll be part of a friendly, supportive team working together to preserve a vital part of our local heritage.
If you’re looking for something challenging and different, this is it. You’re part of a team, learning new things every day. Even at 70, I’m doing things I’ve never done before, from strapping down loads to jumping in and out of a tipper! It’s brilliant. This has done so much for me personally. It’s more than volunteering – it’s about confidence, connection, and being part of something that really matters.
Construction Volunteer – Western Depot, Eastington
Current vacancies
Construction and Maintenance Team Members
Help maintain and restore the canals, including lock repairs and general construction tasks. This hands-on role is ideal for those who enjoy practical outdoor work and making a visible impact on the waterways.
Construction Team Leaders
Lead and coordinate small teams of volunteers on restoration projects, ensuring tasks are completed safely and efficiently. Team Leaders provide guidance, share skills, and help plan day-to-day work activities.
Administration Assistant
Support the smooth running of the depot with office-based tasks such as data entry, record keeping, volunteer coordination, and general administrative support.
Corporate Volunteering Team Members
We are receiving increasing numbers of requests from corporate groups keen to volunteer on the canal. We need friendly, practical volunteers to help facilitate these days and ensure everyone enjoys a rewarding experience.
Types of roles available
Download our role descriptions below to give you a better idea of volunteering within the Construction team at the Western Depot.
Construction and Maintenance Team
Volunteers help to restore the Cotswold Canals, from rebuilding locks and towpaths to maintaining equipment.
Construction Team Leaders
We’re seeking practical volunteers with site or construction experience to lead small teams on vital restoration and maintenance tasks.
Administration Assistant
The Administration Assistant provides essential support to ensure the efficient day-to-day running of the Western Depot.
Logging Team Member
Join our Logging Team and help process, deliver, and recover firewood. This hands-on role directly funds the restoration of the Cotswold Canals.
How to apply:
Simply fill out our online form via the button below and a member of our volunteer engagement team will be in touch to discuss opportunities within our charity and answer any queries.
If you are under 18, please email us to find out about volunteering opportunities for Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) and other youth volunteering programmes | volunteersupport@cotswoldcanals.org.
Don’t see your skill here?
No problem! We’re always open to new ideas and hidden talents. If you have a skill to offer – get in touch via the button above and select “other”. We’ll find a place for you.
Find out what other volunteering roles are available.
There’s a space for everyone