Towpath Team Volunteer (Aylesbury Arm Vegetation Project)
We will be undertaking an ambitious offside/towpath vegetation project on the Aylesbury Arm of the historic Grand Union Canal. Volunteers will be helping us cut back and prune the offside trees and vegetation to clear the navigation on the canal, as well as tackling overgrown vegetation along the towpath. We will be covering the section starting from Lock 1 at Marsworth and working our way along the canal towards Lock 16 and the Aylesbury Basin. All PPE, training and equipment will be provided. Welfare is available on the boat. One thing to remember... always make sure you dress appropriately for the weather. The Taskforce will run from November 2025 to the end of February 2026 and will take place on Tuesdays (depending on the weather). These are the session dates:
November 2025: 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th December 2025: 2nd, 9th, 16th January 2026: 6th, 13, 20th, 27th February 2026: 3rd, 10th, 17, 24th
There is a possibility that additional sessions will be added to this event (depending on time availability and progress of the work).
The work undertaken may be quite physical, so you must be able-bodied. If you enjoy gardening and pruning, your skills would be greatly welcomed. You must be able to climb in and out of a boat as we will need to be moving around at times.
Once you register, you’ll receive email updates and information regarding the tasks and session dates. This is important to remember as we will have new starting points along the canal as we move down the canal. You'll be helping us improve the canal and towpath, making it a more inviting space for boaters and the community alike. And, of course, you'll have great opportunities to make new friends.
You can join as many or as few sessions as your time permits. Each session will run from 10:00 till 14:00. Hopefully, this event will help build up a team of volunteers interested in other potential projects in the future.
Why we want you
Join our team for the next stage in your volunteer journey.
What you will be doing
The skills you need
What's in it for you