Play a role in safeguarding this beautiful community asset. Meet new people. Help restore habitats for wildlife and amenities for leisure. We promote the canal and the Society by meetings, publications, exhibitions and giving talks. Give back to your local community. Get involved!
Details of all the different ways you can get involved are provided below.
Restoration
A wide variety of manual work, skilled plant operations and light duties are undertaken and there is something for everyone, regardless of age or experience.
If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Project Manager Tom Fulda via tom.fulda@shropshireunion.org.uk for more details and how to join. Some further information is provided below.
Restoration work parties generally run for three days from Friday to Sunday once or twice a month and volunteers offer whatever time they can spare.
Some volunteers attend regularly for the whole work party, others on single days more occasionally. It’s up to you! The schedule of work parties can be found here.
Restoration is currently taking place south of Crickheath Bridge on the Montgomery Canal. This is a construction site where the Society operates as the principal contractor to Canal & River Trust.
See our Restoration page for more details of current and past projects.
Enhancement
Starting May 2023, the Society recommenced canal enhancement work. A wide variety of lighter maintenance and improvement activities are undertaken such as weeding and planting, painting, litter picking, towpath repairs and many more.
If you are interested, please get in touch with Enhancement Leader David Carter via dcartersucs@gmail.com for more details and how to join. Some further information is provided below..
These sessions are held on the Llangollen Canal in the middle of beautiful, historic Ellesmere, usually on the third Saturday of each month. The schedule of work parties can be found here.
They are run by the Society’s Enhancement Leader who will run through what’s to be done that day, assign tasks and demonstrate the safe use of any equipment. They will also help make sure the task is suited to your skills and ability and be around throughout the session to provide help and advice.
The sessions start at 0930 and wind up by 1530. Volunteers can choose when they work within those times – it’s up to you! Wear suitable outdoor clothing you don’t mind getting a bit mucky. Some sturdy shoes are advisable as is waterproof clothing or sunscreen where necessary. For full day sessions bring a packed lunch and drinks. All tools and materials are provided.
Everyone is welcome. Bring the whole family. Young people under 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Walks and Talks
The Society periodically arranges walks on different parts of the Shropshire Union canal network and earns fees from talks to local groups. If you are interested in getting involved with either of these activities please contact secretary@shropshireunion.org.uk.
Fundraising, Publicity and Admin
The Society is run entirely by volunteers and much organisation is required behind the scenes to run the activities and the Society itself and publish Cuttings, the Society’s quarterly magazine. If this interests you or you have something to offer please contact secretary@shropshireunion.org.uk.
Young People and Corporate
The Society’s activities offer a wide range of great opportunities for young people to learn new skills, work towards awards, such as the DofE, and develop their personal statement. We tailor the involvement around personal preferences and interests, in compliance with our Safeguarding, Equal Opportunities and other Society policies.
Each year, we welcome corporate volunteer days to either our restoration or enhancement activities.
If you are interested in finding out more about either of these opportunities please contact secretary@shropshireunion.org.uk or, if you prefer, contact the Restoration Project Manager, via tomfulda@shropshireunion.org.uk, or Enhancement Leader, via dcartersucs@gmail.com, directly.
