Feature: River Thames needs help from river volunteers

The River Thames is one of the most famous rivers in the world, snaking its way through London overlooked by iconic buildings such as the Houses of Parliament.

But when the tidal stretch of the River Thames ends, it becomes a watery playground for millions of people.

The government's Environment Agency issued a plea on Thursday for new recruits to join its growing band of volunteers on the non-tidal River Thames stretching for some 217 km beyond the British capital.

The main task is helping operate the 45 locks along the river for boats. Most locks are in sumptuously pastoral landscapes, but others are in more urban settings where they provide a small oasis of tranquillity amongst the hustle and bustle of metropolitan life.

Rising near Cirencester in Gloucestershire and tracing a glistening, serpentine route through some of the most gorgeous countryside in Britain, the freshwater River Thames is a source of recreational pleasure for walkers, runners, cyclists, anglers and boaters.

Demetri Somarakis who manages the Environment Agency's River Thames volunteer team, said: "The service we provide boaters on the Thames is unrivalled by any other river in the world. Our ability to maintain such high standards relies on the significant contribution of our volunteers."

Peter Le Gros who volunteers at Hurley Lock near Maidenhead in Berkshire said: "I used to fish here as a boy, and am coming back now. I've retired to help boaters which is a great fun. It's lovely being out in the fresh air."

Sandy Jeffrey from Woodcote, Oxfordshire, works at Goring Lock, also in Berkshire, said: "I popped down to the lock for an ice cream one day and the next thing I've been volunteering here for four years. I love coming on the lock, because the people are so lovely."

The Environment Agency is looking for people to offer at least one day per week working at one or more locks of their choice from the 45 the agency operates from Gloucestershire, through Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Surrey to southwest London.

As John Stevenson from Woodstock, Oxfordshire found, it is an easy and cheap way of staying fit.

He said: "I work at one of the traditional beam locks, which have to be worked by hand, and it's a great way to stay fit -- far better than going to the gym." Endit