Appeal launched for new lock keepers on London’s canals

The Canal & River Trust are searching for new volunteers to take-up the most iconic waterway role – the lock keeper.

The Canal & River Trust are on the lookout for people interested in volunteering at sites along the Grand Union Canal, Regent’s Canal and River Lee. The role includes helping passing boaters, welcoming visitors and giving a hand to the Trust’s teams in maintaining the canal.

The volunteers will help to keep the historic tradition of lock-keeping alive in the capital, where lock keepers have been part of waterway life for hundreds of years. It comes at a time when London’s waterways are more popular than any time in living memory, with more boats than ever before and over 60 million towpath visits per year.

Full training is provided and adults of all ages and experiences are encouraged to apply. Volunteer lock keepers work on a shift basis throughout the year, with busier periods typically expected between April-October.

Debbie Vidler, their volunteer development co-ordinator, said: “The canals are enjoying a new golden age, with more and more people boating and using the water and towpath. The lock keeper is probably the most iconic role on the waterways and we’re on the lookout for people to come and help everyone who is using the canals.

“It’s a great role for anyone looking to work outdoors and meet plenty of people. In many ways the lock keeper is the friendly face of the canals. It can be hard work, but hugely rewarding. You don’t need any previous experience so I’d encourage anyone looking for a new challenge to get in touch.”

Freda Pashley has worked as a volunteer lock keeper in Camden for three years. She is one of a team of three who work there once a week. She adds: “Working as a lock keeper is great fun, especially at Camden as it’s one of the busiest locks around. A typical day will see us help up to 30 boats through the locks, but we’ll also litter pick and we get plenty of questions from tourists and other people visiting the area.

“We also keep a lookout for the local wildlife, like the geese and ducks, we’ve even had to rescue a mother and her chicks from the lock. I didn’t have any prior knowledge about canals before starting, it was pretty daunting to be honest, but with the help of the other lock keepers I picked it up pretty quickly.

“It’s physical work but a good way to keep fit. In the winters we’re wrapped up in lots of layers but come the summer there can’t be many places better to work – you can get a great tan. It’s not long before you know everyone on the canal, and everyone knows you. There’s plenty of characters around and a great buzz out on the water.”

Applications for the role are open until now, with training and induction beginning in March.