The Wooden Canal Boat Society

Who we are

The Wooden Canal Boat Society help people experiencing loneliness and social exclusion by providing volunteering and employment opportunities through the preservation of historic wooden canal boats, which engage the community in a variety of activities such as; boat recycling trips and running a charity shop; boat restoration, repairs and maintenance.

The boats offer respite for disadvantaged people and those suffering poor mental health, preserving the traditional boat building skills and the history surrounding the operation of these boats. The Wooden Canal Boat Society has the second largest collection of former working wooden canal boats in UK.

Rather than simply restore and preserve them, The WCBS is finding new uses for these wonderful old boats, putting them to work on behalf of the local community and at the same time providing opportunities for people to learn new skills, meet people, make friends, do something useful and rewarding. Working with wooden boats can change peoples lives.