GET INVOLVED
Bankside Volunteering
Help care for the River Foss through practical activities, wildlife recording and other opportunities beside the river.
Make a difference beside the river
Bankside volunteers help us care for the River Foss corridor and better understand the wildlife and habitats found alongside it.
Activities vary throughout the year and may include practical conservation, wildlife observations, litter collection and helping with community events. You can participate regularly or join individual activities when you have time.
What does it involve?
Bankside volunteering can include a variety of practical and observational activities. Opportunities will vary throughout the year and according to the needs of different locations along the River Foss.
Activities may include:
- Helping with clean-ups along the river corridor and associated pathways
- Recording plants and wildlife, during our occasional surveys
- Conservation activities such as clearing invasive plants, particularly Himalayan balsam or improving biodiversity by reducing monocultures.
- Helping promote the RFS at community events
Who can take part?
You don’t need specialist knowledge. Opportunities are available for people with different interests, skills and amounts of time to contribute.
Information about the location, accessibility and requirements of each activity will be provided in advance. Please contact the Society if you have any questions before participating.
How do I get involved?
To get started go to our membership page and then:
- Check our events and activities
- Choose an opportunity that interests you
- Read the information provided for that activity
- Contact us if you have any questions
- Let us know if you would like to hear about future opportunities
At a Glance
- Activities take place at different times of the year
- Opportunities are available for different interests and abilities
- Details are provided before each organised activity
- You can contact the Society before deciding whether to participate
How You Can Help
There are several ways to contribute to the care and understanding of the River Foss corridor.
Join a practical activity
Take part in organised activities that help care for the river and its surrounding environment.
Record what you see
Share observations of wildlife, habitats or changes you notice while spending time beside the River Foss.
Support an event
Help with walks, community activities and other events that encourage people to discover and care for the river.
Help Us Care for the River Foss
Whether you give your time, share your skills or support the Society, your contribution can help make a lasting difference.