Canal Work Parties (Summer 2026 & on)

The Basingstoke Canal Society (The Society) needs your manual skills and enthusiasm as part of one of our Work Parties.

The Society wants volunteers to come and join the team taking on outdoor challenges to keep the canal looking good!

Our work parties undertake a variety of tasks for the benefit of the canal and its users. The work parties help to maintain the canal, by clearing the footpath, removing weeds, overhanging tress, repairing banks and construction work such as building wharves and paving footpaths, where necessary. Much of the work is project based, for example, a 200m long mooring for long stay boats has recently been constructed by the group near Farnborough.

It can be physically demanding but work is always completed in good humour and is a great way to keep fit and enjoy the outdoors.

We welcome new volunteers to join us, even if not for every assignment and currently have two working party groups.

Regular Weekend Work Party:

The Weekend Work Party group usuallymeets on the second and fourth weekend of each month and undertakes a variety of tasks for the benefit of the canal and its users. The work parties occasionally host visiting groups to provide specialist skills.

Tuesday Work Parties and other Projects:

In conjunction with the Basingstoke Canal Authority, we also run other work parties including a regular Tuesday Work Party tasks includes clearing vegetation, painting lock gates, litter picking and towpath repairs.

We also have smaller groups helping on variousother Projects during the week depending on what needs doing along the Canal.

These groups are great fun and very rewarding. At the same time, they are flexible as we recognise that volunteers have other commitments. All necessary PPE equipment and tools are provided – you just bring your coffee and sandwiches!

The Society are the guardians of the canal which runs through Surrey and Hampshire.  It works alongside the councils’ managing authority and its overarching aim is to ‘keep the canal alive’.

The canal is a vital local amenity with virtually its whole length designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest. It provides a great range of leisure activities, including boating, running, walking, cycling and angling.

What skills do I need?

Enthusiasm and ability to work in a team

Desire to make a change to your local environment

When do I need to be available?

	Morning	Afternoon	Evening
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday

Details

See Description for details of role availabilities.