People in Nottinghamshire encouraged to volunteer with the Canal & River Trust, with welcome events planned for Newark and Stoke Bardolph

People in Nottinghamshire are being encouraged to join the army of volunteers who work alongside the Canal & River Trust.

The trust, a charity, wants to grow its mission to protect and preserve the nation’s 2,000-mile historic canal network.

With volunteering by water proven to come with added wellbeing benefits for those taking part, the trust is appealing for its biggest ever range of volunteer roles and activities — from the iconic lock keeper, through to numerous community, administrative and professional support, wildlife and heritage conservation opportunities that support the charity.

Over the coming weeks the charity will be hosting a series of volunteer welcome events at Newark and Stoke Bardolph, where people can find out about the variety of flexible roles and activities they can get involved in, learn about how they can make a real difference to local communities, make great friends, and have fun.

To find out more about volunteering with the Canal & River Trust, visit www.canalrivertrust.org.uk/volunteer

A full list of the volunteer welcome events taking place in the East Midlands can be found at https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/welcome-sessions-east-midlands-1455269

Diana Vogtel, community engagement manager for the Canal & River Trust, said: “Still used and navigated by boats just as they were hundreds of years ago, canals and rivers in Nottinghamshire also provide crucially important habitat for endangered wildlife and vital places for people to experience nature.

“These historic places need constant care to look after them and we need the support of local people to help ensure that these precious spaces are handed onto future generations.

“Whilst all community volunteering is good for you, volunteering by water with the Canal & River Trust is particularly good for a healthy mind and body. Whether you are looking to boost your wellbeing, get fit and active, or just make a new year’s resolution to give something back; join the thousands of people already benefitting from volunteering by water.”

Research in 2021 by the trust shows that volunteering by water is good for you.

The research found that people who volunteer by water for the Canal & River Trust report being happier, feeling more worthwhile and feeling less anxious than other volunteers or those who don’t volunteer at all.

In a recent survey (2023) conducted on behalf the trust, findings show that half of people surveyed said the reasons they get involved with volunteering are to give something back to their community (48%) and to meet new people and make new friends (31%).

Mental wellbeing was another key reason volunteers said they get involved (30%).