Last year, we welcomed three enthusiastic DoE volunteers. This year we have three more, which is great news.
We aim to assign one or two projects to the young people for them to complete. Last year, they ran a stall at our Christmas sing-along.
The DofE volunteers also cleared an area of brambles, laid chippings, planted saplings, and created a ‘fairy ring’ which was more accessible for little ones, complete with stools made from the diseased ash trees.
This year, the DofE volunteers helped to move at least 25 tonnes of chippings to refurbish the path helping to make this a lovely corner of Whitley Bay.
In July, they spent time removing sticky weed, snowberry, ash and sycamore suckers. All of these are detrimental to the health of the other plants, as left unchecked, they would crowd out the native species we want to flourish.
The Friends of Redhouse Ramble safeguarding policy specifically includes the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme…”supervise young people aged 14 years or over undertaking the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme. This arrangement is via local schools and is in agreement with the young person’s parents or guardian.”
Do you have a young person in your family who would like to volunteer with us? Please email info@redhouseramble.org.uk to express interest and find out more.
The Ramble wouldn’t be what it is today without the magnificent work undertaken by all our volunteers.
Human Connection
Coming together with a common goal provides satisfaction and a great sense of achievement, which in turn can boost confidence.
Not only does it make it a lovely place for all to enjoy, but it’s also a great opportunity to meet others in the neighbourhood. The work we do on The Ramble varies, so there is always something for everyone to get involved in. And the bonus is that it provides free exercise and plenty of fresh air!
Environmental volunteering can offer individuals a wider perspective on sustainability issues. Engaging in such volunteering activities with a diverse group of people from various backgrounds can expose volunteers to different cultural and social norms, promoting cultural sensitivity and global awareness.
Movement supports mental health
Volunteering is an activity that can be enriching, supporting good mental and physical health and wellbeing. It can lift your mood, reduce stress and improve focus.
It often leads to new friendships and a stronger connection to our local community. It can even lead to new careers, whether intentionally or unintentionally, picking up new skills or lending your skills to others.
The Friends of Redhouse Ramble work with local volunteers of all ages and backgrounds. We believe that volunteering should be accessible to everyone. The same is true for nature. Everyone deserves to have nature in their lives.
The benefits of being in nature mirror those mentioned above for volunteering, especially the health benefits. Combining the two has been proven to increase a sense of well-being and stress reduction.
Inclusivity in green space volunteering
The Friends of Redhouse Ramble is a fantastic community hub in Whitley Bay. Over the 10 years of operation, activities have been adapted to the needs of the community so that they are both relevant and accessible.
Our volunteers are diverse but united by a shared love of nature, practical conservation, and being outdoors. Volunteer experiences are enriched when volunteers from different backgrounds can share their skills and stories with others. The broad range of volunteers on the Ramble means you see a 70-year-old showing a 16-year-old how to complete a task, and encourages a mix of age groups who may not usually get the opportunity to interact.
“Through volunteering with the FoRH, I have gained invaluable experience. I have learnt a great deal about working with others and urban green space cultivation. I also developed various skills essential for working in the charity sector”.
Alex – age 16 years, Nov 2025
“It’s very satisfying to know that you are helping maintain the standard of an award-winning urban green space”.
Dillon – age 16 years, Nov 2025
“The Redhouse Ramble was a brilliant experience because I got the opportunity to develop my communication skills and felt my efforts had a meaningful impact on the area in creating the Fairy Ring within the Ramble”.
Olly – age 16 years, Nov 2025