Last month, a group of dedicated volunteers from Intertek's IT Teams swapped screens for shears, stepping away from their usual work to take part in a hands-on community restoration project with the Buckingham Canal Society in the UK.

The team rolled up their sleeves to help restore a stretch of the historic canal between Buckingham and Cosgrove, tackling critical maintenance tasks that directly benefited the local environment and community. Their work included clearing overgrown reeds to improve water flow and boat access, repairing damaged brickwork along the banks to enhance safety and aesthetics, and opening up obstructed footpaths to make the area more accessible for residents and visitors alike.

Canals are a vital part of the UK’s heritage, contributing not only to biodiversity and water quality but also to local economies. In fact, clearing this section of the canal is expected to help the Buckingham Canal Society raise up to £50,000 in mooring fees—funds that will go directly toward continued preservation efforts. The team’s contribution will also be matched through National Lottery funding, doubling the impact of their time and effort.

This initiative is a proud example of our commitment to environmental stewardship and our broader mission to Build Back Ever Better—collaborating beyond the workplace to create cleaner, greener, and more inclusive public spaces.

We’re grateful to all the volunteers whose hard work has left a lasting impact on the canal and the surrounding community.