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Working holidays

We run volunteer working holidays to help waterway restoration, with the chance to learn traditional skills – such as bricklaying and stonework – and more modern techniques – such as piling, concreting or even how to operate machinery such as excavators and dumpers.

Our Waterway Recovery Group has been supporting waterway restoration across Britain for over 50 years, so you’re in safe hands.

Book a holiday with a difference

Our Canal Camp working holidays attract a wide range of people: from young volunteers taking part in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme; to waterway enthusiasts who want to help restore and preserve the system; to people who just want to get outdoors and dirty, have fun and learn new skills. Volunteers on our working holidays must be aged over 18 but, apart from that, age or previous experience don’t matter.

Our programme of 2024 Canal Camps is available on line and you can see our film…

Drop us a line if there is anything else that you would like to know – [email protected]

Don’t delay – the Camps book up fast.

£80 for a week’s holiday includes

All meals

Cooked breakfast, lunch on site and a substantial home-cooked evening meal… along with plenty of tea breaks.

Accommodation

Accommodation is basic – volunteers sleep in a large communal space, usually in a village hall or scout hut.

Transport

We can pick you up from the nearest rail or coach station. We also provide travel between the accommodation and site.

Good times

and lots of laughter, mud and fun!

Leadership Roles

Experienced volunteers with appropriate skills are sought to take on leadership roles.  Find out what it takes to be a leader or an assistant.  There are opportunities for cooks too!  There is more information here.

Advice and support is always available.

Working Holidays in England and Wales