Big Help Out: Canal & Community Volunteering at St Pancras Lock

UCL students will take part in a hands-on outdoor Big Help Out at St Pancras Lock. Volunteers will be split into small groups and rotate through a range of practical activities that support the canal and surrounding area. Tasks are designed to be team-based, engaging, and accessible, with all equipment and guidance provided on the day.

This Big Help Out takes place at St Pancras Lock, supporting the upkeep and day-to-day activity of the local canal environment. The work helps maintain an important community space used by walkers, boaters, and local residents.

Activities will be adapted where possible in poor weather, though late notice or on-the-day cancellation may be required if conditions are unsafe.

What's a Big Help Out?

Big Help Outs are fun one-off volunteering opportunities that involve a big group. It’s all about small actions creating big change when we work together. At our events, you’ll always find friendly student and staff faces to make sure you feel welcome and supported.

Why join in?

You’ll support the care of a vital local waterway, gain practical outdoor volunteering experience, and enjoy a varied day working as part of a friendly team — all while making a visible difference to a shared community space.

To support your involvement, hot drinks and a vegetarian lunch will be provided. Please share any dietary requirements in advance.

Meeting Point

To make it easier to get involved, you can travel to the event with a member of our team. This is a great way to meet fellow volunteers, make new friends, and arrive together.

Meet-Up Point: Bloomsbury Theatre Ground Floor at 9:20am

Please note: We will leave the Meet-Up Point at 9:30am, so please arrive promptly. If you prefer not to meet together, you can meet us directly at the location.

By signing up, you’ve claimed a limited ticket. This does not automatically confirm your place. We’ll be in touch closer to the date to confirm selection, as there are only 24 volunteer spots available.

What to expect?

olunteers will be split into groups of around 6 people, rotating through four activities (approximately 1 hour each):

• Gardening: Helping maintain green spaces around the lock
• Litter Picking: Keeping the canal environment clean and welcoming
• Lock Keeping: Supporting lock activity (life jackets provided)
• Boat Trip: A short, supervised trip on the water

All equipment will be provided, including safety gear where required.

What to bring?

This is an outdoor activity, so please:

• Dress for the weather
• Wear sturdy, flat shoes
• Bring layers and waterproofs if possible
• Bring a drink bottle