Volunteer Lock-Keeper (Ashted Lock Keeper & Maintenance Volunteer)

Lock keepers have been a fixture on Britain’s canals for hundreds of years and are one of the oldest traditions of the waterways. As ‘the face of the waterway’, modern-day volunteer lock keepers play an integral part in the visitor experience. Their role is to provide a polite and friendly welcome to waterway visitors, assisting boaters through the locks and helping to maintain the area.

We're looking to establish a new team of Volunteer Lock Keepers at Ashted Lock Flight on the Birmingham & Fazeley Canal.

As well as assisting boaters through the locks, volunteers will help care for and maintain this historic stretch of canal. Activities may include:

• Lock keeping and supporting canal users
• Vegetation management and cutting back overgrowth
• Litter picking and improving the local environment
• Painting and general maintenance tasks
• Greasing lock mechanisms and other routine upkeep
• Supporting the overall presentation and operation of the lock flight

While boat movements naturally begin to slow during the winter months, this provides an ideal opportunity for new volunteers to learn the role, become familiar with the lock flight, and gain hands-on experience before the busier boating season returns.

You'll receive training, guidance and ongoing support from a team of experienced Lead Volunteers and existing Lock Keepers, helping you develop the skills and confidence needed to undertake the role safely and effectively.

Anyone can join as long as you are over the age of 18 and have a least a day a week available. Following appropriate selection, training and induction sessions we expect the role to commence fully around April and run through to October (local variations may apply).