Get involved · Help shape the coast
There’s a place for you in The Doric Way
The route will only succeed through local knowledge, practical cooperation and the support of people who care about the north-east coast.
Whatever brings you here, we’d be delighted to hear from you.
01 · Find the right route in
How would you like to be involved?
Start with the option that sounds most like you, or simply get in touch.
02 · Community groups
Bring your local knowledge to the route
Community councils, heritage groups, environmental organisations, schools, businesses and local residents are already helping The Doric Way reflect the places and people it will connect.
You might know about a missing link, a tricky stretch, local wildlife, a heritage story, an existing path or simply someone we should speak to. Or you might just want to know what’s happening in your area.
Invite NESCAT to give a presentation or join a local meeting.
Share local knowledge, concerns, contacts and opportunities.
Join route walk-throughs or community conversations.
Help gather stories, photographs, wildlife records or heritage information.
Explore whether a local path group or volunteer programme could help.
Thinking about starting or strengthening a path group in your area? Get in touch. We’d be happy to hear your idea, talk through the first steps and explore how it could connect with The Doric Way.
03 · Landowners and land managers
Working with landowners and land managers
Landowners and land managers are central to making each section work well. We want to understand how the land is used, hear your views and explore what could work together. Good conversations can open up opportunities for better-managed access and local enterprise.
We listen first
Tell us how the land is used and help us understand the practical considerations.
Practical issues matter
We’ll always think carefully about privacy, livestock, safety, working access, farming operations, maintenance and sensitive habitats.
Clear routes can help
Good routes, signs and information can guide people towards appropriate access and reduce confusion or disturbance.
Own or manage land near the proposed route?
Get in touch to discuss the route, the land and what might work locally.
04 · Volunteering
Practical ways to help
Some of our amazing volunteers love getting stuck into practical work outdoors. Others share local knowledge, take photographs, offer professional skills or help behind the scenes. We’re hugely grateful for every contribution: The Doric Way simply wouldn’t happen without them. However you’d like to help, you’ll be part of the team.
Practical coastal work
Join path and vegetation days, litter picks and small tasks that help care for completed sections.
Walk-throughs and surveys
Walk sections with us and share what you notice about surfaces, signs, accessibility, safety and connections.
Photography, mapping and local stories
Help record the route and share images, memories, Doric words, wildlife knowledge and stories from the coast.
Events and behind-the-scenes help
Lend a hand with community events, communications, administration, fundraising or other project work.
05 · Business and partner support
Help move sections from ideas to action
Businesses, funders, trusts, professional firms and individuals can all help turn plans into practical work on the ground.
Grants, donations and sponsorship
Help fund surveys, design work, permissions, signs, access improvements, habitat work, volunteering and local conversations.
Team volunteering
Give your team time to help with practical tasks, events, surveys or another activity that suits them.
Professional and pro bono support
Share expertise in planning, engineering, ecology, access, law, design, communications, fundraising or another useful area.
Equipment, materials and practical help
Donating or lending what we need can bring costs down and help local work happen sooner.
06 · Start a conversation
Not sure where you fit?
Tell us what you’re interested in and we’ll point you in the right direction.