For centuries, lock keepers have been an essential part of Britain's waterways, and Bramwith Lock proudly continues this tradition. As a manual lock, Bramwith offers a truly hands-on experience for both boaters and volunteers, making it a unique and rewarding place to support.

By becoming a volunteer lock keeper at Bramwith Lock, you'll be the friendly face of the waterway, welcoming visitors, assisting boaters as they work through the manual lock, and helping to keep the area clean, safe, and enjoyable. Your support not only makes each passage smoother and safer-it helps preserve the character and heritage of this well-loved stretch of canal.

This role is ideal for anyone who enjoys being outdoors, meeting new people, and getting involved in practical, hands-on tasks. You don't need any prior experience-just enthusiasm, reliability, and a willingness to learn how a manual lock operates.

Anyone over 18 can join, as long as you can offer at least one day a week. After selection, training, and induction, we expect volunteer duties at Bramwith Lock to start fully around April and run through to October.

If you're looking for a meaningful and active way to support your local waterway, we'd be delighted to welcome you to the Bramwith Lock team.

Why we want you

Lock keepers have been a fixture on Britain's canals for hundreds of years and are one of the oldest traditions of the waterways. As 'the face of the waterway', modern-day volunteer lock keepers play an integral part in the visitor experience. Their role is to provide a polite and friendly welcome to waterway visitors, assisting boaters through the locks and helping to maintain the area.
It's a perfect opportunity for those who enjoy working in the outdoors and are perhaps looking for something different to do and want to help support the Canal & River Trust. The key qualities we're looking for are enthusiasm and a willingness to learn.
Anyone can join as long as you are over the age of 18 and have a least a day a week available. Following appropriate selection, training and induction sessions we expect the role to commence fully around April and run through to October (local variations may apply).

What you will be doing

Helping boats through the locks

Talking to customers

Litter picking and/or minor vegetation works

When you register as a volunteer, we will ask you about any unspent convictions which you need to declare and risk assess these as needs be.

The skills you need

Great communication skills. This is all about talking to people.

Practical skills - it's also about minor maintenance to ensure that your locks are functional.

Teamworking skills - whilst you may spend some of your time alone, fundamentally you're part of a team.

What's in it for you

It's a great way to meet other local volunteers, learn new skills, and hear about other volunteering opportunities if you fancy getting more involved.

Volunteer Lock-Keeper (Bramwith Lock)

Volunteer Lock-Keeper (Bramwith Lock)

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