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Be a Volunteer!

Coast and Countryside Volunteer Rangers

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The Coast and Countryside Volunteer Rangers do voluntary work on a Wednesday, and are a mix of friendly, sociable people, from young to old.

They do lots of different work protecting and enhancing the coast and the countryside of East Durham, which can include picking litter, clearing gorse, keeping footpaths open, managing magnesian limestone and woodland habitats, looking after wetland areas and improving water vole habitats.

two volunteers working on habitat works

Yvonne and Anne getting involved in habitat works

I volunteer for fun, friends and fitness. I also help the environment and get to nice places whilst learning about nature. The best thing about volunteering is the variety of places, the tasks we do and the people I meet. I now have obtained an NVQ 2 in Environmental Management - an unexpected bonus!
Anne, Coast and Countryside Volunteer Ranger

The Coast and Countryside Volunteer Rangers are always seeking to recruit volunteers to help with environmental improvements. To find out how you can join the Coast and Countryside Volunteer Rangers, help with environmental projects and gain new skills, contact Mark Frain on 07717 355 846 or Deborah Hannaby on 0191 383 5704.

Adopt a Beach

Beach litter is more than just an eyesore, it is potentially harmful to humans and wildlife, and it is costing local authorities in the UK an estimated £14.5 million annually.

Adopt-a-Beach and MCS Beachwatch are coastal environmental initiatives organised by the Marine Conservation Society (MCS), involving local individuals, groups and communities in caring for their coastal environment.

The annual MCS Beachwatch event takes place on the 3rd weekend of September every year and the data collected is used for the annual MCS Beachwatch report. MCS Adopt-a-Beach extends the monitoring to 4 times a year. Locally, the beaches at Seaham, Horden, Blackhall and Crimdon have all been adopted.

Little Terns

Our Little Terns arrive at Crimdon from the west coast of Africa in May, settling on the sands at the mouth of the dene, resting and building up strength by feeding on small fish. These are one of Britain's rarest sea birds and need help to ensure that they flourish.

If you have a little spare time during May to August and are interested in helping look after the Crimdon Little Terns then get in touch. No experience is necessary and every little bit of help is welcome.

For more information, contact Geoff Barber of Tees INCA, tel: 01642 370 319 or email geoff.barber@inca.uk.com.