Canal & River Trust is pleased to offer a series of practical heritage skills training courses on the Kennet & Avon canal during September 2025.
This course spans two days — Thursday 2nd and Friday 3rd October at Garston Lock and Pillbox. Each course will introduce participants to the management and care of built heritage, including surveying techniques, conservation principles, in-person demonstrations, and practical hands-on training in caring for heritage structures using traditional materials and techniques.
The training will be conducted over two days, with options to attend either Tuesday-Wednesday or Thursday-Friday. Single-day attendance is possible but may not cover all course content; attending both days is recommended for maximum benefit.
The venues are based on or near WWII pillbox structures from 1940, which will be repaired during the courses. This year marks the 80th anniversary of VE Day, commemorating the end of WWII in Europe.
Limited places are available, with small group sizes (maximum 8 people per day) to ensure personalized supervision and guidance from trainers.
Places will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
The training will be delivered by two members of the Trust’s Heritage team, with over 50 years of combined experience in conservation. They will be joined by a leading WWII archaeologist to bring the story of the WWII pillboxes to life.
During WWII, canals played a role in national defense, a history that is not widely known. The courses will explore this aspect of canal heritage.
Requirements
* Interest in waterways heritage
* Interest in learning practical building conservation skills
* Ability to travel to the respective canal section
The courses take place over two consecutive days; single-day attendance is possible, subject to availability.
This is an opportunity to gain practical skills, contribute to the Canal & River Trust, and enjoy the scenic beauty of UK canals and rivers. Participants will work with a local heritage advisor for support.
An informal interview with the Heritage Team will be held to ensure a good fit for the role.
Why we want you
Our Conservator volunteers help maintain the network through heritage and environmental activities, such as painting and litter picking, and ensuring accessibility and upkeep of the canals.
Volunteers can participate in ongoing tasks or project-based activities like rebuilding stone walls or planting.
What you will be doing
* Day-to-day maintenance
* Heritage restoration
* Graffiti removal
* Environmental enhancements such as hedgelaying
* Creating new access points with steps or ramps
When registering, volunteers will declare any unspent convictions for risk assessment purposes.
The skills you need
* Willingness to learn new skills
* Ability to travel to remote locations
What's in it for you
* Spending time outdoors
* Learning new skills (some with external accreditation)
* Keeping fit
* Meeting new, friendly people
* Being part of a supportive team
* Improving wellbeing
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