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You are here: Home / Blog / Litter Pick-Me-Up: Volunteering on Scotland’s Canals

Litter Pick-Me-Up: Volunteering on Scotland’s Canals

Volunteers are the lifeblood of what we do. They play an increasing role in caring for the built, natural and cultural heritage of the canals and in delivering projects that help others learn new skills, train for work, gain confidence and get active.

From safeguarding the built heritage of the waterways, which can range from litter-picking on the world’s longest lock flight or managing vegetation in the shadow of The Kelpies, to leading a walk or cycle group or even acting as a mentor for young people on our employability programmes, our volunteers undertake a huge variety of projects that help make our amazing canals a vibrant and valuable part of our communities.

In 2013, our volunteers committed 2,099 days (that’s just under six years!) to projects along Scotland’s canals, helping young people on the path to work, capturing the often unbelievable oral history of the waterways, and undertaking wildlife surveys to protect their rich environments and habitats for years to come.

But there’s also a personal benefit to volunteering. Our volunteers gain valuable new skills, meet new people, boost their CVs, and gain the satisfaction of knowing they’re making a real difference to the waterways and the communities that line their banks.

One of our most successful volunteering projects, Green Action gives young people who are unemployed the chance to work outdoors as volunteers carrying out conservation and vegetation management tasks, caring for and enhancing the Forth & Clyde and Union Canals, learning valuable skills, working as a team and earning vital qualifications. It’s an experience that literally transforms lives.

“From the first day, I knew the project would change my life for the better. Coming to Green Action gives me a sense of achievement I have never had before. I’ve been on benefits since leaving school and I thought I would never achieve or be anything. Coming to Green Action has increased my confidence levels through new motivation and realising I can do anything.” – Lyndsey, Green Action volunteer

To date, 65% of the young people completing Green Action secured a job, place in training or education or a volunteering role. But it’s not just individuals who can benefit from volunteering – businesses such as the Royal Bank of Scotland have also donned their work gear and took to the canal banks, creating bug hotels and clearing space for a wildflower meadow.

No matter who they are or what they do, our volunteers help to connect people with the heritage, wildlife and green, open spaces of our canals, working with us to transform lives and inspire communities across Scotland to create a better future. If you think we can help each other, please get in touch and join our ever-growing network of incredible canal champions.

19th November 201419th November 20141
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  • Community groups and local businesses come together to conserve historic canals
  • Vegware have adopted a stretch of the Union Canal in Edinburgh!
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Upcoming Events

Kenneth Street, Inverness
5sep10:00 am- 4:00 pmHighlands Doors Open Days: Bona LighthouseExplore the history and heritage of Bona Lighthouse

Event Details

The Caledonian Canal was built between 1804 and 1822. It was designed by Thomas Telford and represents a remarkable feat of engineering. Bona Lighthouse was built around 1815 to designs by [...]

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Event Details

The Caledonian Canal was built between 1804 and 1822. It was designed by Thomas Telford and represents a remarkable feat of engineering.

Bona Lighthouse was built around 1815 to designs by Thomas Telford. Inland lighthouses are uncommon in Scotland and the stunning oriel bay window, which once held the light that guided ships from Loch Ness onto the Caledonian Canal in its heyday, remains the focal point of the cottage. The octagonal shape of the building closely follows the types of design Telford used elsewhere for tollhouses.

Join our Canal Officer for Cultural Heritage for informal talks and guided tours of Bona Lighthouse which don’t need to be booked in advance.

Scottish Canals has recently refurbished the building which can now be booked as a holiday let.

www.scottishcanals.co.uk

www.scottishwaterwaystrust.org.uk

Architect: Thomas Telford
Building Date: 1815 approx

Time

(Saturday) 10:00 am - 4:00 pm

Location

Bona Lighthouse

Kenneth Street, Inverness

Organizer

Gemma Wild

[email protected] / 07795 315434

24 Lanark Road Edinburgh EH14 1TQ
5sep10:30 am- 1:00 pmWildflower Survey 5

Event Details

Volunteer and become a “citizen scientist” to help us discover more about the plants growing on the canalside in Edinburgh. Join us on this free wildflower survey where you can [...]

Event Details

Volunteer and become a “citizen scientist” to help us discover more about the plants growing on the canalside in Edinburgh. Join us on this free wildflower survey where you can develop your plant ID skills, make new friends and have fun.

Surveys are led by Anna Canning of Floramedica.

Time

(Saturday) 10:30 am - 1:00 pm

Location

Water of Leith Conservation Trust

24 Lanark Road Edinburgh EH14 1TQ

Organizer

Anna Canning

07790 885969 or [email protected]

15sep - 20sep 1510:00 amsep 20Glasgow Doors Open Days: The White House InnExhibition in Maryhill's oldest building

Event Details

The history of Maryhill’s oldest building is deeply linked to the Forth & Clyde canal, with its origins as a public house selling groceries and alcohol to locals and to [...]

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Event Details

The history of Maryhill’s oldest building is deeply linked to the Forth & Clyde canal, with its origins as a public house selling groceries and alcohol to locals and to passing boatmen. There will be an exhibition for visitors, detailing the history of the building and the canal.

The White House is an important early historical landmark in the Maryhill area. It was built in the late 18th century, around the time of the construction of the west side of the Forth and Clyde Canal, the oldest and the longest canal in Scotland, which was completed in 1790.

The White House Inn was built as a public house for those using the canal network – it even served as Maryhill’s first post office. It is situated at the head of Maryhill Locks, near where the main canal joins the spur to Speirs Wharf.

Throughout the week, the building will host an exhibition by Scottish Waterways Trust, detailing the history of the canal in the area.
The White House is now occupied by cycling charity Free Wheel North, who will be organising rickshaw rides along the canal towpath during the Doors Open Day weekend.

Discover Glasgow’s Industrial Heritage: The White House, Maryhill, has played an important role in the history of Scotland’s canal network. In 2015, newly repurposed as a cycling hub which takes advantage of the extensive network of canal towpaths and river walkways, the White House is still relevant to how people of the area think about transportation.

Opening Times - Tue, Wed, Sat & Sun 10am – 4pm

Access - Full Disabled Access

Facilities - Disabled Toilet, Toilets, Refreshments Available

Nearest Train or Subway Station(s): Maryhill, Kelvindale & Summerston
Parking: Car Park Available On-Site – Free of Charge
For more information: http://glasgowdoorsopenday.com/event/white-house-inn/

Time

15 (Tuesday) 10:00 am - 20 (Sunday) 4:00 pm

Organizer

Gemma Wild

[email protected] / 07795 315434

Lambhill Stables, 11 Canal Bank North G22 6RD
20sep11:00 am- 5:00 pmGlasgow Canal Water Taxis from Lambhill StablesTake a guided boat trip along the canal as part of Doors Open Days

Event Details

Take a trip along the Forth & Clyde Canal and explore its rich industrial heritage. You will travel through the wildlife corridor that is the canal in North Glasgow.

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Event Details

Take a trip along the Forth & Clyde Canal and explore its rich industrial heritage. You will travel through the wildlife corridor that is the canal in North Glasgow.

A route to link the Firths of Forth and Clyde by canal had been raised on several occasions. After much debate and deliberation over different schemes, construction of the privately-owned Forth & Clyde Canal was approved by an Act of Parliament in March 1768. The canal was designed by John Smeaton and completed in 1790.

The 35-mile long canal served as a trade route between east and west, carrying coal and other commercial goods between Scotland’s towns and cities. It was to be large enough for seagoing vessels to develop links with trade in Europe and America.

At a time when the road network was limited and generally in a poor condition the canals offered an alternative means of transport that was efficient, relatively fast and tailored to the needs of the growing industrial sector.

The tour will take you through the industrial landscape of North Glasgow. Departing from Scottish Canals Head office on Applecross street you will see one of the remaining historic Bascule Bridges and one of the oldest Canal buildings dating from the late 1700’s. From there you will sail through Firhill Basin and onto Maryhill Locks were the boat will turn before heading to Lambhill Stables. The stables date from the 1820’s and serviced the horses that pulled the ‘Swift Boats’ that brought passengers into the heart of the city.

These and many other historic sights will be highlighted by the on board guides.

Tour Times

Sun 11am & 3pm; 2 hours

Advanced Booking Essential. Booking opens at 10am on Wednesday 26th August 2015. Details of how to book will be updated on this webpage shortly. Please be aware that Doors Open Day events are very popular and will book out quickly.

Please book on the Doors Open Days website: http://glasgowdoorsopenday.com/event/glasgow-canal-water-taxi-from-lambhill-stables/

Access

Limited Disabled Access
There is access for the ambulant disabled into the boat. Access is by steps down onto the foredeck. There may also be a step up to the boat.

 

Getting Here

Nearest Train or Subway Station(s): Possil & Parkhouse

Parking: On Street Parking Available – Free of Charge

 

Organisation

Scottish Canals

Time

(Sunday) 11:00 am - 5:00 pm

Location

Canal Towpath by Balmore Road Bridge

Lambhill Stables, 11 Canal Bank North G22 6RD

Organizer

Gemma Wild

[email protected] / 07795 315434

Twitter

  • 1 day ago Budding bridge builders at the Trust stall at Kirky canal festival. http://t.co/hena7B3tCC
  • 1 day ago Gemma is at the Kirky canal festival today! Come say hello. http://t.co/8BbSbEGQ55

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