Volunteerss
Welcome to Anglian Waterways
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EA staff and volunteers on the Northampton Lock island clean up
We are looking for volunteers to be an important source of information for boaters and to help keep our waterways a special place to enjoy.
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Who runs the scheme?
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Cambridgeshire ACRE is working in partnership with the Environment Agency to manage this highly successful volunteer scheme. The scheme works to recruit friendly, helpful, informative individuals to represent the Environment Agency on our Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire stretches of our waterways. Cambridgeshire ACRE carry out the entire recruitment process including; organising training and networking events and generally support all volunteering activities alongside the Environment Agency's Partnership and Development team.
What could you gain from being an Environment Agency Volunteer?
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You would develop an in-depth insight into how our waterways are managed for public use, acquire a range of practical and personal skills and make a valuable contribution to providing safe passage to our valued users through our network of locks . We also hope you will get a huge amount of personal satisfaction from seeing the fantastic results of all your hard work. Our volunteers are highly valued by the boating community and we know our users experience wouldn't be the same without them.
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Attending the stand at one of our events
Getting stuck in to a lock island clean up
Tackling some overgrown and untidy bushes
What experience do you need?
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No boating experience is needed, but you should be comfortable around water. We'll provide full training, both in the classroom and on-site, to keep you safe. You just need to be 18+, in good health, and happy to complete a Basic DBS check (arranged by the EA).
What additional skills could you gain?
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Master lock operation on the river
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Enhance your knowledge of navigating the River Great Ouse
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Boost your communication and teamwork abilities
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Learn valuable water rescue skills
In 2024 some of our volunteers undertook Throwline training which was coordinated by Northants Fire and Rescue Service and the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI). This included both classroom and practical elements with members of Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue braving the colder water to allow our volunteers some experience in a safe and controlled environment.
Here is what one of our volunteers thought of this experience...
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"I thought that the water responder training was very useful as well as fun. Throwing the bag was definitely much harder than it looked. Something we all need to practice in an empty lock."​​
Time to get out of the class room and get involved in some training in the fresh air
Who volunteers?
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When you join as a volunteer you will become part of a very special group. We have people from all walks of life with different skills, abilities and knowledge. We really do appreciate the time and effort that all our volunteers give, so as a small gesture for such a big help, we hold an annual Thank You evening. It gives our volunteers the opportunity to meet each other and for us to say thank you for all their hard work over the past year.
Some of our wonderful volunteers at our special evening to say thank you for their hard work, the triumphant quiz team and a rather nice cake
What do our current volunteers enjoy about volunteering with Anglian Waterways?
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" It has been more fun than we could have imagined – you can have a good laugh with boaters and the public and it’s important not to be too officious - we like to put a smile on people’s faces"​
"I like meeting a lot of interesting people, out in the fresh air and doing a surprising amount of walking on a busy day. The camaraderie built up with the other volunteers is good, a great bunch"
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"We don’t just help boaters. We talk to visitors and the public as well and explain how locks work and all about the river –I love it and feel very proud to help people and keep them safe"
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"I enjoy it all – particularly when it is busy – it gets buzzy and exciting and makes me feel useful"
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"Without a doubt being an Anglian Waterways Volunteer has lived up to and exceeded my expectations. It’s constantly varied, and working with a group of such positive guys is a true pleasure"
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What do the boaters on the Anglian Waterways think of our volunteers?
"After over 20 years plus on the Gt Ouse, they are the best thing ever at locks, excellent face of the EA!!!"
"​Very helpful volunteers, we would have been lost without them, great help, thank you"
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"So grateful for their help, such lovely people and great knowledge!"
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"Very much appreciated help from very knowledgeable and polite team! Made life so much easier!!!"
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Are you interested in joining our brilliant team of volunteers?