Volunteering

Volunteering your time is a fantastic way to directly help nature, get active, learn new skills and make new friends. Across Sunderland, there are so many opportunities to volunteer in the outdoors and give something back to your local area. You don't need experience and you will always be given an induction, clear information about you will be doing.

There are many opportunities to volunteer with many different organisations and local projects.

This list is not exhaustive and will continue to be added to, so please keep checking to see if there is anything in your area:

Durham Wildlife Trust

Durham Wildlife Trust has many exciting opportunities for volunteering and is always looking for people who share a passion for wildlife and conservation to join the team. As a volunteer, you can play an integral role in what the Trust does. It is also a wonderful way to socialise, learn new skills and give back to the community.

Find out more on volunteering Volunteer | Durham

Sunderland North Rangers - North East Sport and Friends of Fulwell

Location: Fulwell which include the beaches, coastline and Cut Throat Dene

Types of volunteering: Litter picking, planting, weeding, general tidy up, painting

Dates and Times: vary so please contact Peter Curtis for more information about dates, times and locations

Meeting Points: Monkwearmouth Academy SR6 8LG or as where and when

Contact Details: Peter Curtis - [email protected]

General Information: Weather dependent on the day

Tops: Wear multiple thin layers. You will likely get warm as you work, so having a t-shirt under a long-sleeved shirt and a jumper allows you to adjust. Long sleeves are highly recommended to protect your arms from nettles, brambles, and sunburn while weeding or picking litter.

Bottoms: Choose sturdy, thick trousers like old jeans or canvas work pants. Avoid shorts entirely; they leave your legs completely exposed to insect bites, thorny plants, and scrapes.

Footwear: This is crucial. Wear closed-toe, sturdy shoes. Waterproof hiking boots or wellies are ideal if the ground is damp. If it's dry, old trainers you don't mind ruining will work. Never wear sandals or open-mesh shoes.

Headwear: A cap or wide-brimmed hat will keep the sun off your face and keep dirt or paint out of your hair.

Gloves/Tools and equipment will be provided.

Back on the Map

Location: Barley Mow Park, Urban Garden and Orchard in the Allotments on Corporation Road

Types of Volunteering: Gardening, weeding, planting, watering, litter picking, educational sessions

Dates and times: There are various sessions throughout the week, but there is a general meet and greet session on Fridays 1-3pm in our Urban Garden for new starters.

Meeting Points: Carnegie Library, 67 Toward Rd, Hendon, Sunderland SR2 8JG

Contact Details: Please contact Alex Richings by email on [email protected]

To find out more call into the library or the Urban Garden open session or fill in your details here https://form.jotform.com/230103020869344

General Information: General outdoors clothing, the jobs vary day to day. We can provide PPE like gloves and eyewear if needed. There is a space for lunch and shops around on Villette Road.