Making a difference by volunteering to improve our local canal

Our team of 23 finance professionals swapped their calculators and spreadsheets to volunteer along the Leeds and Liverpool Canal at Rodley recently

We recently gave our time to volunteer with waterways charity Canal & River Trust, which looks after 2,000 miles of canals and rivers in England and Wales – 320 miles of which are in Yorkshire.

On a warm and sunny Friday, the team split into three groups, tackling vegetation maintenance along the towpath at Rodley, as well as making improvements to the moorings and taking part in the Canal & River Trust’s #PlasticsChallenge by picking up plastic and litter.

Buckle Barton’s director Mark Dalton, and one of the volunteers who rolled up their sleeves to help out, said: “We were keen to get the whole team out of the office and into our local community to enjoy a day of volunteering, making a real difference to the area – which is why we decided to volunteer our time with Canal & River Trust.

“Hopefully, all the work everyone has put in will be enjoyed by lots of local people over the summer months and beyond. We’re so pleased with everyone’s efforts to make the canal area in Rodley an even nicer place to be.”

Becca Dent, business and corporate engagement partner at Canal & River Trust, said: “We’re delighted that the team from Buckle Barton enjoyed their volunteering experience, and we really appreciate their support. The work they’ve done has made a real difference to their local canal-side area for the whole community to enjoy. Our 250-year-old canal network needs support now more than ever before and volunteers play a vital role in helping our charity care for these much-loved places.”

Recent research shows that spending time by canals – whether volunteering, walking or enjoying the towpath – is proven to have significant wellbeing benefits, enabling people to relax and take time away from life’s stresses, as well as connecting with wildlife and enjoying quality time with family and friends. The 2,000 miles of canals looked after by Canal & River Trust bring a £1.1 billion cost saving to the NHS, as a result of people being active along the charity’s waterways and towpaths.

To find out about Canal & River Trust and how you can support the work of the charity, visit: www.canalrivertrust.org.uk