The kinds of work we do
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Improving access
Fact: Walkers are often obstructed by poorly maintained or neglected paths, and lack of direction can lead to damage of sensitive habitats by trampling feet.
Action: Improving access usually involves surfacing; step building; waymarking; drainage work or building bridges, stiles, gates or boardwalks.
Building a bridge at Beecraigs Country Park
Drystane dyking
Fact: Drystane Dykes (called 'drystone walls' south of the border) are the original environmentally sound field boundaries. Today over 80% of dykes are in need of repair, and we are in danger of losing an important landscaping feature that shapes our countryside.
Action: Repairing or building a drystane dyke is like a 3D jigsaw puzzle - sometimes frustrating, but always rewarding. The dykes that we build could last for 100 years.
Laying the foundations of a drystane dyke at Vogrie Country Park
Coastal Conservation
Fact: Sand dunes provide a unique but fragile habitat for rare species of animals and plants. Dunes change structure naturally through wind erosion, but the greatest threat comes from trampling by people.
Action: Planting marram grass and building sand trap fencing helps to stabilise the dunes, whilst building boardwalks and improving coastal paths helps people enjoy the coast while steering them away from sensitive sites.
Planting marram grass at Gullane
Waterways and Wetlands
Fact: Wetlands once covered quarter of the British Isles. Today this figure is just over 1%. Over 75% of ponds have disappeared in the last hundred years. They are home to one third of our native plants and over 1,200 species of invertebrates.
Action: Unmanaged wetlands eventually silt up and become wet woodland. Clearance work, tree felling, and controlling surrounding vegetation is sometimes carried out to stabilise or reverse this natural process of 'succession'. Digging a new pond makes a real contribution to the conservation of an endangered species.
Pond clearance at Vogrie Country Park
Woodlands
Fact: Rhododendron, beech and sycamore are all introduced species and are not native to Scotland. All can have a devastating effect on indigenous species as they compete for light and nutrients and shade out the ground flora.
Action: Typical activities include coppicing, tree planting, felling, clearing and controlling growth of non-native species. Most woodland work is done in winter so as to cause as little disturbance as possible.
Rhododendron control at Barfad Farm
Habitat Work
Fact: Traditionally-managed hay meadows are a rare haven for our wildflowers. Created by human activities such as cattle grazing, these valuable wildlife habitats would be lost if they weren't managed.
Action: Clearing small trees and shrubs that otherwise would destroy a rare habitat through shading or changing soil conditions; grass cutting and weeding. (Serious consideration is always given before removing scrub from a site, as it can be an important habitat in itself).
Removing brambles from the Bawsinch reserve
Fencing
Fact: Most Scottish woodland could regenerate naturally, but is prevented from doing so because of grazing by rabbits, sheep or deer.
Action: Building stockproof fences to form 'exclosures' keeps animals out of an area and allows the natural regeneration of seedlings to take place. Fencing can also be used to discourage the public from entering a sensitive area.
Fencing at Woodhall Dean
(c) Lothians Conservation Volunteers 2008
Lothians Conservation Volunteers is a charity registered in Scotland, No: SC020384