How to book and volunteer with LCV

How to start

You do not need to apply in advance to volunteer with LCV, just choose a task, book yourself onto it and come along. Please note we don't take group bookings.

The only exception to this is that your first task cannot be a residential task. If you are interested in coming on a residential task with us, then you need to come out on a day task first and to be over 18.

If you've volunteered with us before you may book several tasks if you wish to do so.

Choosing a task

Have a look at our list of upcoming tasks and find one that you like the look of. Once you have picked a task then book yourself onto it. This ensures that we don't leave without you and tells us how many people to expect so that we can plan the work with our clients and take the right number of tools with us.

How to book

You must make your own booking onto task with us. Booking on the behalf of others is not allowed.

There are two ways to book:

1. Online booking trial

Each task from 15th October 2023 onwards has a booking link to our booking platform, EventBrite. At least 6 spaces on each task are available to book online. The booking process will collect your name, telephone number, email and whether you would like us to bring any equipment.

Online booking is only available to those using the bus. For those making their own way to a task, or with other special requirements, please book by phone.

If you do book an online space, and then realise you cannot attend - please do cancel the booking through EventBrite or call the number below

2. By phone

To book telephone Debbie on 0131 3370223 You will get an answerphone message. Leave Debbie a note of:

1. your full name,
2. contact telephone number,
3. and chosen task. Please say the task description, location and date, for example "rhododendron clearance at Gifford on 20th May"

Although Debbie usually tries to phone new volunteers back (if she can) you should assume that if you have not heard anything then you are booked and everything is fine. We know this can be a bit scary if you haven't been out very many times, but our system very rarely fails us. If you have not heard anything then everything is fine.

Whichever booking method you choose, please book by 1800 on the Friday before the task as this helps us to plan the work with the client

We only have 13 seats in our bus, and it is often full, so don't forget to come if you've booked. We understand that things go wrong sometimes but if you need to cancel then let us know. If you don't then you will cause someone else to miss out and, if you fail to show up repeatedly, we will not let you book again.

Where to meet us

For day tasks, if you are getting the bus we will usually meet on the north side of St Andrew Square, Edinburgh, at 9.30 a.m. sharp. If we are meeting in another location or time, you will be told after booking your place on the bus.

Look out for our white minibus.

If you have been on a day task with us before and are now coming on a residential then we will let you know when and where we will pick you up.

What to bring

What we provide

We will provide all of the tools and equipment that you need and we have gloves that anyone can borrow. We can also lend you wellington boots, waterproof jackets and waterproof trousers if you do not have your own.

What to bring with you

You need to be prepared to work outside all day, whatever the weather, and so you will need:

1. Warm, tough clothes and plenty of spare layers to put on if you get cold.
2. A waterproof jacket and waterproof trousers. These are not optional. However, we do have some we can lend you for your first few trips out. When you book tell us what you need to borrow and give us a rough idea of your size. You may also want to borrow our kit if you have expensive waterproofs that you would prefer not to wreck. Even the best weather-proof jackets are sadly not thorn-proof.
3. Sturdy boots or wellies. We recommend boots with steel toecaps if you have them but can lend you wellies. When you book tell us that you need them and what size you are.
4. Your lunch and a drink. On hot sunny days you will need 1.5 to 2 litres of water.
5. Depending on the time of year, suntan lotion and insect repellent are also useful.

Please make sure that your tetanus vaccination is up to date before coming on task with us.

Residentials

If you have been on a day task with us before and are now coming on a residential trip then you will also need kit for an overnight stay including:

1. A complete change of clothes so that you can change out of your work gear in the evening.
2. Bedding - depending on where we are staying you may need to supply sheets / a sleeping bag.
3. A wash-kit and towel.
4. Anything else you need to be away for a night.
5. Snacks - we supply food (usually vegetarian and in generous quantities) at cost price but if you want extra chocolate or like the occasional drink of an evening then you need to bring supplies with you.