Anglian Waterways Volunteers
Discover how we established and now manage a volunteer scheme for the Environment Agency Anglian Waterways Team.
Why is this needed?
In 2016 Cambridgeshire ACRE was asked by the Environment Agency’s (EA) Anglian Waterways Team to help develop a volunteer program to support their work managing the waterways of the River Great Ouse and River Nene. Volunteers assist with tasks such as helping boaters at locks, performing site maintenance, and supporting events. This aligns with the EA’s Corporate Strategy to engage communities and gain local support.
An 18-month pilot was launched in May 2016 at Northampton Marina and The Denver Complex, later expanding to St Ives, Houghton and Godmanchester locks (volunteers no longer operate at Denver). Cambridgeshire ACRE has worked with the EA to develop roles, address health and safety, and manage recruitment, training, and reporting. Cambridgeshire ACRE has continued to co-ordinate and develop the scheme with over 30 volunteers currently active (as at summer 2024).
The success of the programme is due to the strong partnership between the EA and Cambridgeshire ACRE, combining the EA’s expertise in waterways with Cambridgeshire ACRE’s experience in volunteer management and community outreach.
Funder
Funding for this project is provided by the Environment Agency.
How can you get involved?
Anyone local to St Ives, Houghton, Godmanchester or Northampton who is interested in volunteering with the Anglian Waterways Volunteers should contact the scheme co-ordinator, Rachael Brown: rachael.brown@cambsacre.org.uk or 01353 865037. We can only take volunteers over the age of 18.
What impact has our work had?
- By 2024, the scheme had 32 active volunteers who contributed 888 hours and attended 136 locking shifts during the boating season.
- Volunteer lock support makes the overall boating experience more enjoyable by providing a friendly, welcoming, informative service ensuring the fair and efficient use of the locks.
- Volunteers ensure locks are used safely, assist boaters with mobility issues, and promote water safety. They’re trained in rescue, carry throw lines, and report unsafe swimming, making locks safer for all.
- Volunteers are effectively the eyes and ears of the EA on the ground. This makes the EA more responsive to problems and able to keep boaters better informed about difficulties.
- The scheme has given volunteers increased access to the outdoors, enhanced social contact and new skills. Positive comments from the boating public also help with volunteer sense of self-worth and belonging.
Testimony
Our precious waterways are an important part of our nation’s rich heritage and beauty, giving enjoyment to more than a million people every year. They are a national treasure, valued for their contribution to our environment, our health and wellbeing, and our economy. The volunteers play a vital role in helping us look after these cherished waterways – and making the experience of visiting them a great one.”
Ian Bliss, Anglian Waterways Partnership Manager
“We meet so many interesting people, 99.99% of which are really appreciative of our help. Then again, who wouldn’t enjoy being outdoors and near water?”
“I love being outdoors in the fresh air and rain! Meeting and working with volunteer colleagues, helping and chatting to boaters.”
“It is great just meeting a lot of interesting people, out in the fresh air and doing a surprising amount of walking on a busy day. There is a real camaraderie built up with the other volunteers, a great bunch.”
Comments from various volunteers
“Very helpful volunteers, we would have been lost without them, great help, thank you”
“They make boating more enjoyable and it more fun to use the river”
Comments from boaters using the waterways
