Could you volunteer your time to help canal clean up?

A WATERWAYS and wellbeing charity is calling on residents to get hands-on to help look after their local canal and ensure it is a great place for people and wildlife.
The canal near ParkgateThe canal near Parkgate
The canal near Parkgate

The Canal and River Trust is on the lookout for anyone who wants to get involved in the new Rotherham Towpath Taskforce — a monthly session where volunteers will carry out a range of practical tasks along the Sheffield and South Yorkshire Navigation.

Lucy Dockray, volunteer leader at Canal and River Trust, said volunteering has many benefits.

“It’s a fantastic way to spend some time outdoors, learn different skills and meet new people,” she added. “Volunteers get so much out of the sessions for themselves, but also get a boost from supporting others in their community too," she said.

“We’ll be doing all sorts of tasks over the coming months and people don’t have to commit to each session — just turn up when you can and get stuck in.”

One of the first things the group will be doing is giving the area near Rotherham Train Station a tidy up. With the borough council’s plans for the nearby Forge Island regeneration taking shape, it is hoped the whole area will become more inviting for residents and visitors.

The first session for Rotherham Towpath Taskforce is from 10am to 1pm on Friday, September 28, and they will be held on the fourth Friday of each month from then on. 

The group will meet at Rotherham Lock (S60 1RX, off The Statutes behind the train station), at 10am and work until 1pm. All tools, equipment and light refreshments will be provided, and there’ll be expert guidance on the tasks. Volunteers should wear old clothes they don’t mind getting dirty and protective footwear if possible.

To find out more visit www.canalrivertrust.org.uk.

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