How DofE and GO Outdoors are helping care for outdoor spaces nationwide
Ahead of World Cleanup Day in September, colleagues from the head office of our Recommended Retailer of Expedition Kit, GO Outdoors, took part in their own litter pick in Bury, Greater Manchester while store teams across the country joined similar clean-up efforts in their local areas. Together, they helped remove waste from parks, trails, waterways and other outdoor spaces, helping to keep them clean, safe and accessible for everyone.
The activity forms part of a wider partnership between the DofE and GO Outdoors, designed to support volunteering opportunities for young people while encouraging more people to care for the outdoor places they use and enjoy. Through initiatives like litter picking, individuals can make a visible difference in their communities and the environment.
GO Outdoors has also launched an exclusive range of litter pickers, available online and in stores. 5% of net profits from sales will be donated to DofE. The initiative is expected to raise more than £3,800 to support young people doing their DofE.
Volunteering to protect the outdoors
For many young people doing their DofE, spending time outdoors is a key part of their experience. Whether they’re learning new skills, volunteering in their community or taking on the challenge of an expedition, the outdoors provides opportunities to develop confidence, resilience, and teamwork. Protecting these outdoor spaces helps ensure that future generations can continue to access and benefit from them.
Litter picking is one of the most popular volunteering activities. Environmental volunteering activities, including litter picking, conservation work and habitat restoration, provide young people with valuable opportunities to build practical skills, develop leadership qualities and strengthen connections within their communities.
Simple changes, such as disposing of waste responsibly, reducing single-use plastics, recycling where possible and taking part in community clean-up projects, can collectively have a lasting impact. By working together, individuals, organisations and local communities can help create cleaner, greener places for everyone to enjoy.
Rachel Chinn, Partnerships Manager at GO Outdoors, said: “Spending time outdoors comes with a shared responsibility to help look after the places we all enjoy. Through our partnership with DofE, we’re proud to support volunteering opportunities that make a positive difference in local communities, while encouraging more people to play their part in protecting outdoor spaces.”
Matt Barrett, Marketing Partnerships Manager, added: “Volunteering is at the heart of the DofE experience. Every year, thousands of young people give their time to support causes they care about, including environmental projects that help protect local green spaces, parks and waterways. By taking practical action in their communities, they develop confidence, skills and a sense of responsibility, while helping to create cleaner, healthier places for everyone to enjoy. We’re delighted to be working with GO Outdoors on an initiative that supports young people, encourages environmental action and helps care for the outdoor spaces that mean so much to communities across the UK.”
Through their partnership, the DofE charity and GO Outdoors are helping to inspire a culture of volunteering, environmental responsibility and community action, empowering people to make a difference wherever they live and enjoy the outdoors.
If you are a DofE participant, parent or carer of a DofE participant, or a DofE adult, you can save least 10% (and often much more) at GO Outdoors with your free DofE Card, register below to start saving. Every purchase you make with your DofE Card generates a donation for the DofE charity helping more young people do their DofE.
