Volunteering – Work Boats
Work Boats
Join our workboat team and play a vital role in keeping the canal safe, accessible, and well-maintained. Volunteers help operate tugs, dredgers, and other craft to support dredging, transport, and general waterway upkeep.
Tasks include moving hoppers and equipment, transporting materials, assisting with canal bank and towpath maintenance, and managing silt during dredging operations. Full training is provided to ensure safe handling of boats and tools.
On the work boats, it’s all about restoring and maintaining the canal. The biggest issue we’ve had is the silt build-up. We’ve made significant progress over the years, but there’s still work to do.
Work Boat Volunteer
Current vacancies
Workboat Team Volunteers
Join our team operating the Trust’s workboats to support canal restoration projects. Duties include navigating boats, assisting with dredging, moving materials, and helping maintain waterways. Ideal for those who enjoy hands-on work on the water and being part of a practical, active team.
Types of roles available
Download our role descriptions below to give you a better idea of volunteering within the Work Boat team.
Workboat team
Help maintain the canal by operating workboats, tugs, and dredgers. Support dredging, transport, and bank maintenance while gaining training in safe boat handling.
Wookey hole Crew
We’re looking for one or two new volunteers to join the long-established Wookey Hole team, a friendly and experienced group responsible for keeping the canal between Ocean and Capel’s Mill clear, tidy, and accessible.
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.