Lengthsmen (Summer 2026 & on)

The Basingstoke Canal Society (The Society) needs your time and enthusiasm as a Lengthsmen (or Lengthswomen!).

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

What is a Lengthsmen I hear you ask! These are our eyes and ears of the canal. Each Lengthsman regularly monitors a section of the Canal, or lengths, to keep an eye out for anything untoward, for example, litter, possible leaks and obstructions to the navigation and towpath. 

Currently around 70 volunteers regularly monitor sections of the Canal.  Where the Lengthsmen cannot deal with any particular problem themselves, they ensure that these issues are reported appropriately.

The whole 32 miles of the Canal are covered by this scheme. Lengthsmen can be regarded as the public face of the Canal Society on the ground.

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.