We have a long experience of providing opportunities for Duke of Edinburgh Award participants to complete the volunteering section of the award, with our first DofE volunteers now having completed university and with new careers.
Our volunteering takes place at various locations along the canal route. You could be helping with site clearance, brick cleaning, hedge trimming or planting, fence building and many other tasks.
The volunteering section of a DofE programme is often the most rewarding, uplifting and memorable part of a young person’s DofE adventure and by volunteering with us you know you’ll be helping to build a legacy which you’ll be able to show future generations.
To join us you must:
– aged 13 or over
– have your parents’ permission
– be free on Saturday mornings (10am to 12pm).
Here’s what some of our volunteers have said:
“Volunteering at the trust improved my teamwork and confidence skills. It gave me basic construction and environmental management skills but I have also managed to meet lots of people and be able to work as part of a team with many people. I’m now at university studying cyber forensics, but I do plan to return after university.”
Josh (2019)
“I first started volunteering for the canals because it was a really easy way to complete the volunteering section of my bronze Duke of Edinburgh award. I came back to do my silver award because there’s always going to be loads of work to do on this project and it’s flexible enough to allow to me carry on playing football as well.”
Billy (2020)
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time spent with the restoration trust and thank everyone for their time during my bronze, silver and gold DofE. I will keep an close eye on the progress of the canal.”
(Isaac 2025)