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A view outside the Palatine Centre

Stephenson volunteers make a difference in Durham

2 November 2026
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View of Durham riverside

Volunteering is an important part of the student experience at Stephenson College, giving students opportunities to develop valuable skills, build connections and make a positive contribution to the local community.

Stephenson College students have recently demonstrated that volunteering ethos through their work with Durham City Riverscape Community, which has been recognised for its environmental achievements, community partnerships and work to uncover hidden stories along the River Wear. 

Many Stephenson students have volunteered with Riverscape  over the last few years, but current JCR President Flynn Edwards (Theology, Stephenson College, 2022-2025) and recent alumna Dora Leong (Biological Sciences, Stephenson College, 2023-2026) have been instrumental in developing this community initiative, with the aim of helping to create a cleaner, greener riverside. Alongside current third year Natural Sciences undergraduate student Sivad Murphy-Freeling, they recently joined fellow Riverscape volunteers at a special awards ceremony celebrating the group’s achievements. 

An outstanding contribution 

Durham City Riverscape Community received the inaugural Partner of the Year Award from the City of Durham Parish Council, recognising its work to bring residents, students, businesses and community organisations together to care for and protect one of Durham’s most treasured natural and historic assets. 

In presenting the award, councillors praised the organisation’s “true community partnership” and its contribution to making Durham a more welcoming city. 

Through regular litter-picking events and community-led environmental projects, Riverscape works to improve the appearance and accessibility of the River Wear corridor. Flynn and Dora are among the Stephenson students and University staff who have joined local residents, businesses and partners in caring for the riverside and celebrating the city’s unique landscape.

I have been involved with the Riverscape litter picks for the last 3 years and it has been a fantastic project to be involved with; personally, it has been incredibly rewarding and is a great way to get involved with the local community and meet new people. We have collected hundreds of bags of rubbish from in and alongside the river, helping to maintain the local environment and ensure that the walks are enjoyable for all.
Flynn Edwards
Stephenson College

Revealing Durham’s hidden heritage 

The impact of volunteering extends beyond environmental improvements. During a recent community litter-picking event, Riverscape volunteers uncovered a plaque hidden beneath overgrown ivy near Elvet Bridge. 

The plaque commemorates the creation in 1883 of Fearon Walk, a riverside route between Elvet Bridge and Bow Lane. Its discovery helped reveal the story of Reverend William Andrewes Fearon, former headmaster of Durham School, who campaigned for the walkway to be created, demonstrating how volunteering can also help uncover and preserve Durham’s heritage. 

A strong culture of volunteering 

Flynn and Dora’s contribution reflects Stephenson College’s wider commitment to volunteering and community engagement. Students are encouraged to get involved in a wide range of local and international projects, helping them to develop skills and connections while making a meaningful contribution beyond the College. 

This strong volunteering ethos was recognised in 2026 when Stephenson was named College of the Year for Volunteering, with students contributing more than 2,000 hours each year to a wide range of projects.  

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