Support for the community to improve the environment

The dedication and enthusiasm of local communities is our most important tool for creating a cleaner and greener County Durham. We do all we can to support schools, groups and individuals who strive to make a difference to where they live, work or visit. So whether you have an idea for a project but don't know where to start, or you are a thriving volunteer group in need of some advice, we are happy to help. 

Loan of equipment

With a range of tools, equipment and safety gear in stock, we may be able to loan the equipment you need for your environmental project. Our equipment helps groups from across the whole of County Durham, so please try to give us plenty of notice to avoid missing out.

Book loan equipment

Health and safety equipment, advice and support

The health and safety of community volunteers is of the up most importance. We offer different levels of support based upon the needs of your group. We can:

• Loan equipment to self-led and experienced groups who have their own insurance in place.
• Loan equipment and offer health and safety advice to new groups who wish to run their own project but need extra support to get started.
• Loan equipment and attend the event covering all aspects of health and safety including site and risk assessments, health and safety talks and supervision throughout. This is ideal for groups who do not have their own insurance or do not feel confident leading the health and safety elements of a project.

Environmental volunteering

Volunteers are at the heart of our service and we work with proactive groups across County Durham. If you are an individual new to volunteering, or you are simply looking for a new challenge, we may be able to help you find a local group to join, particularly one which is part of our environmental campaigns.

Litter picking volunteers

One of the most common activities we support is that of litter picking.

For further information on how to book the loan of equipment and the guidelines on how to lead your own litter pick safely, please contact litterfreedurham@durham.gov.uk.

Please note: we aim to cater for the needs of all volunteers, as far as possible, but on occasion we may assess a project that does not meet our safety requirements. In this instance, we will not be able to loan equipment until we have helped you to find an alternative location or activity.

Recognition

We believe that environmental volunteers deserve recognition for their hard work and community spirit. There are several initiatives and competitions which do just that, such as the It's Your Neighbourhood Campaign and we can help your group to apply.