The Canal and River Trust, the new charity that cares for 2,000 miles of waterways in England and Wales, is on the search for volunteers to help educate young people at local primary schools, Cub, Scout and Brownie groups about the magic of their local waterways.

The volunteers, who will be based at the Devizes Canal Museum at the Wharf, will lead towpath walks, show how locks work and explain how species like dragonflies flourish.

The trust’s education programme helps young people learn about the great outdoors, with the Kennet and Avon Canal in Wiltshire home to an array of wildlife, sites of special scientific interest and some of the nation’s most significant industrial heritage.

People who are interested in the role can come along to Devizes Canal Museum on Monday, March 11, from 2pm to 3pm.

Elaine Stanley, education volunteer co-ordinator at the trust, said: “This is an ideal role for anyone with a love for the waterways and a passion for helping a younger generation discover the wildlife on their doorsteps.

“As a new charity it’s vital that we help to educate young people about our beautiful and historic canals and rivers. We already do a great deal of work with schools and local groups, and the more volunteers we can recruit, the greater variety of projects we can develop.

“There is so much to showcase on the Kennet and Avon Canal – from the history of the Caen Hill Flight through to the thousands of species that make the canal their home – and I’d encourage anyone who wants to help us with our work to get in touch.”

Volunteers interested in the role will need to have experience of working with children and be able to commit to at least three or four days a month.

The trust will provide training, resources and will offer continued supervision and support from its education team.

For more information about the role visit http://canalrivertrust.org.uk/volunteering/opportunity/OPP0000117/explorers-education-volunteer-devizes-wiltshire or contact Elaine at Elaine.stanley@canalrivertrust.org.uk