Website of the UK government

Types of ‘green’ volunteering

People from all walks of life are taking small steps locally which add up to make a big difference globally.

There are many different ways you can get involved to make a difference through volunteering. These include community work and initiatives around:

• wildlife conservation
• environmental education projects
• supporting international aid work
• recycling
• taking part in your nearest community group which works on environmental or global issues

Finding green volunteering opportunities

• use the postcode search engine on the Sustainable Development website
• the Volunteering England website gives you details of your local volunteering centre, which will provide information about local volunteering opportunities
• help with conservation projects in your community, and improve your health by joining a free Green Gym with the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers (BTCV)
• the BTCV website also tells you about volunteering conservation holidays, and how to join a conservation group near you
  

• Volunteering England Opens new window
• Green Gyms and more from BTCV Opens new window
• Search for green volunteering opportunities in your area Opens new window
• Search a national database of volunteering opportunities Opens new window

Local green initiatives

There are a number of local projects and initiatives in the UK that are encouraging people and businesses to be greener. For instance you can become an ‘Energy guardian’ with Leeds City Council or find out how to donate unwanted items with Basingstoke and Deane Borough Councils.

• More information on local green initiatives (environment and greener living section)

Countryside volunteering

If you are particularly interested in volunteering in the countryside you can use the following link to take you to your local authority website where you can find out more.

• Find out about countryside volunteering Opens new window

Becoming a Community Champion

Every Action Counts has a Community Champions scheme. Community Champions devote a small amount of time each month to help others take action to improve their community and the environment. Community Champions receive training and advice through the Every Action Counts initiative, and then help local community groups develop local projects.

• Community Champions Opens new window

Get together with others to be greener

Get together with your friends or neighbours to see what you can do to improve the environment. Global Action Plan (GAP) run a programme called EcoTeams, which helps you set up a group within your local community, or with friends or work colleagues.

An EcoTeam is a group of at least four householders who meet every month to encourage each other to achieve a greener lifestyle and compare progress. By taking small actions in each household you can help reduce climate change.

• More information on EcoTeams Opens new window