We work with a number of different community groups across the county. They run preventative campaigns, helping their communities learn how to stop waste becoming litter in the first place. Some work in a group, others work individually on a specific project, fitting in their volunteering around their other work, study or home commitments.

Whatever your situation, there are aspects of volunteering you can take part in to support the Litter Free Dorset cause, and we’re very grateful for all that these community groups and volunteers do.

Dorset Devils is a community of mainly Bournemouth residents who so love where they live they are prepared to pick up other people’s litter, whenever and wherever they decide. Also, during the year we do some DDactivities with schools, scout packs, other organisations and help out on a couple of local festivals to engage and encourage others to take positive steps where they live, work and play.

Dorset Devils voluntary group has an age range of 4-84 with everyone being fully kitted out and guided how to do it the DDway. They gain a sense of satisfaction helping to create community spirit and have fun along the way.

Litter-Free Purbeck was formed to help local volunteers organise their own litter picks in their own area, to provide equipment and guidance to those who want to improve their environment by removing the litter left by others. We now have several groups who meet regularly as well as joining in with Dorset-wide or national events such as Great British Spring Clean. We send out newsletters every 2 months or when there are events to publicise, or post on our Facebook page. We welcome new volunteers, no previous experience needed, and are able to support anyone wanting to start their own group in their community.

Dorset CPRE (Campaign to Protection Rural England) was formed in 1937 to retain a beautiful, diverse countryside for the benefit of everyone, wherever they live. We have active members working hard to protect, shape and enhance a beautiful, thriving countryside for everyone to value and enjoy.

CPRE is very active in trying to stop the litter that blights our roads, towns and countryside. CPRE launched Stop The Drop in 2008. In 2018, after ten years of hard work, we persuaded the government to commit to a deposit return system for drinks containers in England.

Please contact Linda Williams for more information: info@dorset-cpre.org.uk

Wimborne War on Waste (WWoW) is a focussed and dynamic community group that seeks to raise awareness about the environmental impact of single use plastic. They hope to inspire people to rethink and reduce their use of single use plastics, in particular, disposable coffee cups, plastic bottles, straws and bags. They work closely with local businesses, the Town Council, schools, community groups and other organisations to empower everyone to take positive action as the current single use culture is unsustainable.

Their first major event was to raise awareness around the issues of single-use disposable coffee cups in the town of Wimborne Minster. Most recently the voluntary group has successfully secured ‘Plastic Free Status’ for Wimborne and organised a ‘Plastic Free’ Street Party.

Check out the Wimborne War On Waste Facebook page for upcoming events or email wimbornewaronwaste@gmail.com

Damers First School in Poundbury are true eco warriors. They were the driving force for the Refill campaign in Poundbury, Dorchester.

Damers are currently supporting Dorchester to become ‘Plastic Free’. The children have written letters to Dorchester Headteachers asking them to sign their school up to work towards Plastic Free School Status. This is something Damers achieved in May. The children have also written letters to all the businesses in Dorchester and Poundbury asking them to give up three single use plastics or find three alternatives.

Bennett’s Community Crew are a team of people from Bennett Restaurants Ltd. (a franchise of McDonald’s) who want to make a difference in their local area.

Bennett Restaurants currently have 11 restaurants from Basingstoke to Bournemouth. As well as doing litter patrols on a daily basis in local areas, Bennetts CC have bigger events at least quarterly. They have a Planet Champion in each of their restaurants who work with their local community. We are always looking for local events to take part in.

Plastic Free Bournemouth was founded in August 2017. It is a social movement run by volunteers. We are dedicated to raising awareness of plastic pollution and working together to reduce it by supporting individuals and businesses to become more sustainable. We do this through sharing tips on social media, organised beach cleans and public engagement stands at local events.

If you would like to help your community become more environmentally aware, join our volunteer group here to get involved!