A team of volunteers and a teenager with a bright idea are helping to keep Marden Quarry Park clean, tidy, and welcoming for visitors.
Whitley Bay residents have joined forces with North Tyneside Council Park Warden, Jess Dickinson, to carry out regular maintenance and improvements across the popular green space.
Working in all weather conditions, the volunteers have been clearing entrances, cutting back overgrown vegetation, and repairing signs and fences.
Their efforts are being complemented by Malina Patrol, a scheme set up by 13-year-old Nikita Schofield as part of his voluntary work for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.
With help from his mum, Anna, Nikita has designed and produced bright pink, 3D-printed dispensers providing free dog waste bags for owners who find themselves without one.
Named after the family’s dog, Malina, the initiative has grown from a simple idea into a network of 11 dispensers across parks and coastal areas in North Tyneside.
“This was my first time volunteering and I’ve really enjoyed it,” said Nikita.
“I didn’t realise how much work goes into creating something from scratch, so it’s been great to get so much positive feedback from people. I’ve learned a lot, and I’d like to grow this idea into something bigger.”
Nikita’s mum, Anna, said: “It’s lovely to see Nikita take the initiative to start his own project and see his idea actually working. I’m really pleased that it’s making a difference in our local community, and I look forward to helping Malina Patrol grow.”
The work of the volunteers and the introduction of the free dog waste bags have been welcomed by park users and Councillor Hannah Johnson, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods.
She said: “The volunteers at Marden Quarry put a lot of care into looking after this much-loved green space, and the dispensers are another practical way they’re helping keep it clean and welcoming.
“By combining our volunteer clean-ups with Malina Patrol’s free bag scheme, we hope that everyone continues to take pride and support our efforts to keep Marden Quarry the special place it is.”
To find out more about Malina Patrol, visit malinapatrol.co.uk.
Anyone interested in volunteering at Marden Quarry Park can email jessica.dickinson@northtyneside.gov.uk.