2 teenage girls laughing on the beach. It is a rocky beach with a small pier in the distance and appears to be dusk.

Duke of Edinburgh award

Complete your DofE volunteering section by fundraising, campaigning or taking action for us.

There are loads of ways you can support us while completing the volunteering section of your Duke of Edinburgh award. To make it easy, we’ve created example three-, six- and 12-month plans for each action

Please note we cannot act as Assessors for your award. Find out more about choosing an Assessor on the DofE website.

    Campaign for the Ocean

    The ocean is in crisis. Human activity is polluting our waters, destroying precious habitats and harming the species that live there. We need legislative and public change for a better future for the sea.

    Help us fight the ocean emergency by running a campaign as part of your Duke of Edinburgh award. Be a voice for the ocean and help us turn the tide and recover the health of our ocean.

    Start to campaign
    A cardboard campaign sigh that reads "One World" and an image of the Earth in the middle

    A sign that reminds us that we only have one world  |  Image credit: Markus Spiske

    Litter pick around your area

    Around 80% of litter you see in the sea actually starts on the land. That's why it is so important to ensure parks, beaches and streets are clear of rubbish. Wherever you are, the simple act of removing a piece of litter from the environment prevents it from entering the seas and causing harm to marine animals.

    Use your Duke of Edinburgh award to ensure a healthier ocean by joining or organising your own beach or in-land clean.

    Learn more about litter picking for your DofE
    A teenage boy picking up marine litter with a litter picker. He is wearing a black coat and white t-shirt

    A young adult taking part in a Marine Conservation Society beach clean  |  Image credit: Dean Chapple

    Search for Seaweed

    We need people to record the seaweeds found on our coastline to help us research climate change, invasive non-native species and ocean acidification.

    No matter which British seashore or time of year, all reports are important for research. Your findings will actually contribute to a Marine Conservation Society and Natural History Museum scientific project.

    Spend time at the coast while also learning more about this often overlooked ocean superhero.

    Get seaweed searching
    Two women, participating in the Big Seaweed Search, are crouched on a rocky, seaweed-covered shore near the ocean. One woman holds a clipboard and points at something on the ground, while the other looks down at her hand.

    Big Seaweed Search volunteers  |  Image credit: Natural History Museum London

    Fundraise for marine conservation

    Fundraising for charity is a rewarding way to volunteer as part of your DofE. The best part is that it is entirely up to you what that fundraising event will be, making it one of the most inclusive and fun ways to volunteer.

    Our resources will help guide you through the entire fundraising process, from choosing an idea, through planning and promotion, to running the big day and collecting money.

    Check out our resources for fundraising
    A fundraiser swimming for Marine Consevation Society. A pier can be seen behind her.

    A fundraiser who challenged themself to swim around Paignton Pier 365 times in as many days.  |  Image credit: Allie D.

    Also of interest

    2 surfers holding surfboards and wearing wetsuits running alonga beach. The ocean is behind them

    John Muir award

    Make a positive difference to our seas as part of your John Muir Award.

    Community projects

    Lasting marine conservation starts with empowered communities who understand and care for the sea around them.

    Youth Ocean Network

    Aged 13–25 and interested in becoming a voice for the environment? Register your interest in becoming part of our UK-based Youth Ocean Network