Toggle menu
    Love where you live background

    Environmental volunteers

    Our volunteers help us to make Gateshead's parks and green spaces clean and tidy for people and wildlife to enjoy now and for generations to come. We have a range of volunteering opportunities that you can get involved with including: 

    • countryside volunteers  
    • litter picking/individual roles  
    • park volunteers 
    • 'Friends of' groups 
    • partnership and corporate groups 

    There's something for everyone!

    Volunteering increases the pride people have in the area, builds up team work and trust and helps volunteers understand the links with other activities and groups which are operating locally and in the wider area. 

    Diane Ward, Friends of Saltwell Park

    Volunteering gives me a sense of pride and satisfaction knowing I'm helping the environment while bringing the community together. Sharron Potts, Wardley Wombles

    Become a volunteer

    You can volunteer as a group, as an individual, join our Countryside Rangers or one of the many community groups that operate throughout the borough. 

    You don't need any particular skills or experience to become a volunteer, just some time and enthusiasm. Whether you're passionate about nature, wildlife, the great outdoors or just want to take pride in where you live - there are plenty of ways to help out! 

    Environmental volunteering opportunities

    Environmental volunteering opportunities list

    • Countryside Volunteers

      Countryside volunteers help maintain and conserve council owned and managed countryside sites. Tasks vary depending on the time of year, and include meadow raking, woodland thinning, tree planting, footpath improvement, litter picking and Himalayan Balsam control. Tasks are led by a member of council staff and take place on Tuesday's and Thursday's with transport available from Swalwell. No experience needed and all tools/equipment provided.

      Get in touch (Go to Countryside Volunteers)

    • Volunteer as an individual

      Volunteering as an individual in Gateshead is a simple yet powerful way to make a real difference to your community. Whether you're picking up litter while walking the dog or doing a spot of gardening on your high street, every little action helps keep our wonderful community clean, green, and welcoming for everyone.

      Express your interest (Go to Volunteer as an individual)

    • Start a volunteer group

      We have several groups operating throughout the borough and we're always keen to invite more to join us! All volunteer groups operating on Council Land need to register with us so we can be sure everyone is operating safely and sensibly. Registering with us helps us to provide groups with support, advice and protective equipment as well as networking and training opportunities.

      Register with us (Go to Start a volunteer group)

    • Corporate and partnership volunteering

      If you are a local business, community organisation or charity interested in volunteering in Gateshead, there are many opportunities to get involved, from litter picking and gardening to helping out in the countryside. Please get in touch if you would like to discuss volunteering opportunities.

      Get in touch (Go to Corporate and partnership volunteering )

    • Parks volunteers and 'Friends of' groups

      Many of our local parks and green spaces have dedicated volunteer groups. If you're looking to join an established volunteer group and for all other volunteering opportunities, please visit the OurGateshead website to search for ways to help and to apply for the organisations you are interested in. The organisations will respond to you directly to discuss their volunteering opportunities with you.

      Find out more (Go to Parks volunteers and 'Friends of' groups)