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 to make a difference through volunteering. These include community work and getting involved with:

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

Finding green volunteering opportunities

There are a number of ways to find green volunteering opportunities near you. You can:

• search the do-it.org national volunteering database for an environmental opportunity
• check the Volunteering England website, which gives you details of local volunteering opportunities and volunteer centres
• check the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers (BTCV) website, which also tells you about volunteering conservation holidays and how to join a conservation group near you
  

If you want to get fit and help with conservation projects in your community, you can join one of the BTCV's free Green Gyms.

• Search the do-it.org database Opens new window

• Search the Volunteering England website Opens new window

• Green Gyms and more from BTCV Opens new window

Countryside volunteering

If you are particularly interested in volunteering in the countryside, contact your local council.

• Find out about countryside volunteering 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. By taking small actions in your household, you can help reduce climate change.

Global Action Plan (GAP) runs a programme called EcoTeams, which helps you set up a group within your local community, or with friends or colleagues. An EcoTeam is a group of at least four people who meet every month to encourage each other to achieve a greener lifestyle and compare progress.

• More information on EcoTeams Opens new window

• Climate change: a quick guide (environment and greener living section)

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 from Every Action Counts, and then help local community groups develop local projects.

• Community Champions Opens new window