Please book before the task. You can book either by phone as usual or using our trial online booking service.
First you will need to read how to book, then read about what to bring and finally where to meet us on the day.
If all the online spaces are full please phone 0131 3370223 as there are often spaces available by phone.
If you've volunteered with us before you may book several tasks if you wish to do so.
Though no longer a legal requirement volunteers who are:
If you would like more information about whether a task is suitable for you then please check our information about volunteering with us or if you prefer contact us by email.
There is also practical information about residential tasks.
Hover (or double tap on touchscreen devices) the mouse pointer over the coloured squares next to the task you are interested in for information about the spaces remaining. The first icon shows the number of volunteer spaces remaining and the small "bus" icon indicates the number of spaces remaining on the bus for each task.
Date | Site | Task and availablity | |||
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Mar | Sun 10 | Flanders Moss NNR | Scrub clearance (note early departure - 0900) | ||
Fri 15 - Sun 17 | Ben Lawers | Residential: Fence removal |
Date | Site | Task and availablity | |||
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Mar | Sun 24 | Whim Woods | Rhododendron control |
Rhododendron control
2024-03-24
There are some spaces remaining on this task. If all online spaces are full, try booking by phone.
Book online
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There are 4 spaces remaining in the bus for this task
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Sun 31 | Easter Breich Wood | Path work |
Path work
2024-03-31
There are plenty of spaces remaining on this task.
Book online
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There are 12 spaces remaining in the bus for this task
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Apr | Sun 7 | Portmoak Moss | task TBC, but likely bog and woodland management |
task TBC, but likely bog and woodland management
2024-04-07
There are plenty of spaces remaining on this task.
Book online
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There are 12 spaces remaining in the bus for this task
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Sun 14 | TBC | Tree planting |
Tree planting
2024-04-14
There are plenty of spaces remaining on this task.
Book online
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There are 12 spaces remaining in the bus for this task
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Sun 21 | Spottiswoode | Tree planting |
Tree planting
2024-04-21
There are plenty of spaces remaining on this task.
Book online
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There are 12 spaces remaining in the bus for this task
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Sat 27 | Gifford Community Woodland | Woodland maintenance |
Woodland maintenance
2024-04-27
There are plenty of spaces remaining on this task.
Book online
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There are 12 spaces remaining in the bus for this task
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Sun 28 | Easter Craiglockhart Hill | Pond work |
Pond work
2024-04-28
There are plenty of spaces remaining on this task.
Book online
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There are 12 spaces remaining in the bus for this task
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May | Sun 5 | Eaglescairnie Mains Farm | Woodland maintenance |
Woodland maintenance
2024-05-05
There are plenty of spaces remaining on this task.
Book online
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There are 12 spaces remaining in the bus for this task
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Sun 12 | Whim Woods | Scrub control |
Scrub control
2024-05-12
There are plenty of spaces remaining on this task.
Book online
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There are 12 spaces remaining in the bus for this task
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Sat 18 | Waterheads | Task TBC, but tree-related |
Task TBC, but tree-related
2024-05-18
There are plenty of spaces remaining on this task.
Book online
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There are 12 spaces remaining in the bus for this task
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Sun 19 | Gifford Community Woodland | Woodland maintenance |
Woodland maintenance
2024-05-19
There are plenty of spaces remaining on this task.
Book online
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There are 12 spaces remaining in the bus for this task
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Sun 26 | Whim Woods | Scrub control |
Scrub control
2024-05-26
There are plenty of spaces remaining on this task.
Book online
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There are 12 spaces remaining in the bus for this task
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Jun | Sun 2 | Humbie Woods | Rhododendron control |
Rhododendron control
2024-06-02
There are plenty of spaces remaining on this task.
Book online
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There are 12 spaces remaining in the bus for this task
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Sun 9 | Gifford Community Woodland | Woodland maintenance |
Woodland maintenance
2024-06-09
There are plenty of spaces remaining on this task.
Book online
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There are 12 spaces remaining in the bus for this task
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Sun 23 | Humbie Woods | Rhododendron control |
Rhododendron control
2024-06-23
There are plenty of spaces remaining on this task.
Book online
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There are 12 spaces remaining in the bus for this task
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Sun 30 | Leadburn Community Woodland | Task TBC, but tree-related |
Task TBC, but tree-related
2024-06-30
There are plenty of spaces remaining on this task.
Book online
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There are 12 spaces remaining in the bus for this task
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Jul | Sun 7 | North Berwick Law | Ragwort removal |
Ragwort removal
2024-07-07
There are plenty of spaces remaining on this task.
Book online
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There are 12 spaces remaining in the bus for this task
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Sun 14 | Traprain Law | Ragwort removal |
Ragwort removal
2024-07-14
There are plenty of spaces remaining on this task.
Book online
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There are 12 spaces remaining in the bus for this task
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Sun 21 - Sat 27 | Taynish | Residential: task TBC |
Residential: task TBC
2024-07-21
There are plenty of spaces remaining on this task.
Book online
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There are 12 spaces remaining in the bus for this task
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The Space column shows if there are any spaces on that task. | The Minibus space column shows if there are any spaces in the bus remaining for this task | ||
Plenty of spaces left | Plenty of spaces left | ||
A few spaces left | A few spaces left | ||
Task full. You can still book and put
yourself on the reserve list - spaces often become available at short
notice. |
Unfortunately the bus is full for this task | ||
Task cancelled. This will only be done in extreme circumstances. | The task is cancelled, or the bus is unavailable for this task | ||
Space information last updated: Friday 15 March 2024 |
If you would like to print out our task list, here is our current newsletter, The Puggled Mucker (157K) which contains a task programme.
The map below shows the sites in the work programme this quarter
There is also an interactive map of all our work-sites.
Situated in the Carse of Stirling, Flanders Moss NNR is one of the largest raised bogs in Britain. Year round the surface of the bog is a carpet of mosses of reds, oranges and greens and is home to a number of bog specialist plants and insects. It is notified as a Site of Special Scientific Interest as well as a Special Area of Conservation.
On this, our first visit to the site, we will be cutting back scrub to help maintain the integrity of the bog. Please note that due to the distance to this site, the bus will depart at 0900 from the square
The Ben Lawers National Nature Reserve lies near Killin above Loch Tay, about two hours north-west. Along with the Cairngorms, this mountain reserve is renowned for having one of the finest examples of rare arctic-alpine plants in Scotland. The area is mostly managed by the National Trust for Scotland, NTS. Extending to over 3,000 hectares of mountain and moorland habitat, Ben Lawers is very popular with hillwalkers who enjoy the spectacular views from the summit. However, the steep and fragile characters of the soils make them particularly vulnerable to erosion.
On this visit we will be removing a redundant deer fence, allowing other fauna (including humans) to more easily move amongst the diverse habitats on this grand mountain. Accomodation will be in the NTS ranger centre in Killin. You must provide your own bedding/sleeping bag - and warm mountain clothing and suitable boots are essential.
Residential tasks are only suitable for volunteers with some LCV experience.
Note: there generally is a small charge for group catering.
Whim Wood is part of Whim Bog SSSI and is situated just south of Leadburn. The bog itself is a lowland raised bog habitat important for several species of sphagnum moss as well as bog asphodel and the carnivorous round-leaved sundew.
On this visit we will be clearing invasive rhododendron from the mixed woodland on the SSSI
Situated between Livingston and Blackburn, Easter Breich Wood is a mosaic habitat of woodland, grassland and waterways. It is home to Roe Deer, numerous butterlies and moths and a diverse range of other wildlife.
On this, our first visit to the site, we will be working with the Easter Breich Community Group to help maintain the path network.
Portmoak Moss is a Woodland Trust managed site near Loch Leven in Fife. It I s a woodland of mixed conifer plantation and native broadleaved woodland with a large raised bog at its core. The mixed habitats make this site valuable for a variety of wildlife including red squirrels, brown hare, green woodpeckers and green hairstreak butterfly.
On previous visits to this site we have removed regenerating trees from the moss to reduce drying of the bog and encourage regeneration of mosses and the wider bog habitat, undertaken invasive species removal from the screening woodland and other habitat maintenance tasks.
On this visit we will be planting trees at a site near Whitburn, West Lothian. The location of this site will be confirmed nearer the time.
Dr David Long from the Royal Botanic Gardens, Edinburgh, has purchased land near Lauder that contains a spruce plantation. He has gradually removed the spruce and replaced it with natural broadleaf woodland to increase biodiversity. LCV has visited Spottiswoode a number of times in the last few years, clearing and burning spruce and planting trees.
On this visit we will be planting trees to replace areas of felled plantation conifer, helping to expand the native broadleaf woodland on this site.
Gifford Community Woods was purchased by the local community in April 2017 with the support of the Scottish Land Fund and various other donations. It is an approximately 55 acre woodland near the East Lothian village of Gifford and comprises mixed and plantation woods on an ancient woodland site.
The Gifford Community Land Company is seeking to restore the area to native woodland supporting broad biodiversity which will be an asset to the local community now, and for generations to come.
On previous visits to this site we have cleared felled trees, planted trees, removed invasive species and carried out path work. It is likely that this task will involve one or more of these activities.
Craiglockhart Hill is above Craiglockhart Sports Centre and as one of Edinburgh's seven hills, offers excellent views across the city towards the castle and Arthur's Seat. The area is owned jointly by the City of Edinburgh Council and Napier University. We will be working with the Friends of Craiglockhart Nature Trail - a local group supported by the Scottish Wildlife Trust - who have produced a management plan and a trail leaflet, and continue to manage the site for wildlife.
In previous tasks on this LNR LCV has raked two cut meadows and cleared rubbish from the habitat enhancement pond areas - two large areas of vegetation have been planted to add to the biodiversity and give cover for the breeding birds.
On this visit we will be removing excess vegetation and otherwise maintaining the pond in this popular local nature reserve.
A farm in East Lothian with areas managed for wildlife habitat
On this visit we will be assisting the client with their programme of woodland management for conservation, including maintaining new tree plantings.
Whim Wood is part of Whim Bog SSSI and is situated just south of Leadburn. The bog itself is a lowland raised bog habitat important for several species of sphagnum moss as well as bog asphodel and the carnivorous round-leaved sundew.
On this visit we will be removing invasive scrub including rhododendron to help the woodland to regenerate.
The Eddleston Water Project is a partnership led by the Tweed Forum, part funded by the Scottish Government and SEPA, which aims to investigate the effectiveness of large scale flood management and habitat restoration techniques.
On this visit we may be removing tree tubes or continuing the sapling rescue and replanting work we've previously carried out with this client. Note that this task may move to Leadburn or the Barnes Estate near Peebles.
Gifford Community Woods was purchased by the local community in April 2017 with the support of the Scottish Land Fund and various other donations. It is an approximately 55 acre woodland near the East Lothian village of Gifford and comprises mixed and plantation woods on an ancient woodland site.
The Gifford Community Land Company is seeking to restore the area to native woodland supporting broad biodiversity which will be an asset to the local community now, and for generations to come.
On previous visits to this site we have cleared felled trees, planted trees, removed invasive species and carried out path work. It is likely that this task will involve one or more of these activities.
Whim Wood is part of Whim Bog SSSI and is situated just south of Leadburn. The bog itself is a lowland raised bog habitat important for several species of sphagnum moss as well as bog asphodel and the carnivorous round-leaved sundew.
On this visit we will be removing invasive scrub including rhododendron to help the woodland to regenerate.
Situated at the foot of the Lammermuir Hills, Humbie Wood is an attractive stretch of woodland offering shelter to a wide variety of wildlife. The mixed Scots pine, Douglas fir and beech are home to hedgehogs, red squirrels, jays and grey heron can be spotted near the waterfall on the Humbie Water.
On this visit we will be continuing our work removing invasive rhododendron from this privately owned woodland to ensure the woods can naturally regenerate in the future.
Gifford Community Woods was purchased by the local community in April 2017 with the support of the Scottish Land Fund and various other donations. It is an approximately 55 acre woodland near the East Lothian village of Gifford and comprises mixed and plantation woods on an ancient woodland site.
The Gifford Community Land Company is seeking to restore the area to native woodland supporting broad biodiversity which will be an asset to the local community now, and for generations to come.
On previous visits to this site we have cleared felled trees, planted trees, removed invasive species and carried out path work. It is likely that this task will involve one or more of these activities.
Situated at the foot of the Lammermuir Hills, Humbie Wood is an attractive stretch of woodland offering shelter to a wide variety of wildlife. The mixed Scots pine, Douglas fir and beech are home to hedgehogs, red squirrels, jays and grey heron can be spotted near the waterfall on the Humbie Water.
On this visit we will be continuing our work removing invasive rhododendron from this privately owned woodland to ensure the woods can naturally regenerate in the future.
Leadburn Community Woodland, 13 miles south of Edinburgh, was recently purchased from the Forestry Commission by a small group of individuals known as the Friends of Leadburn Community Woodland. The group intend to replace the previous plantation of conifers with native trees such as silver birch, ash, oak and rowan, among others, and planting at the site has recently begun. The area is boggy in places, so wellies are recommended if you have them.
On this visit we may be removing tree tubes or continuing the sapling rescue and replanting work we've previously carried out with this client. Note that this task may move to Waterheads or the Barnes Estate near Peebles.
Twenty five miles east of Edinburgh, situated to the south of North Berwick itself and prominently visible from the coastline, North Berwick Law is a well-loved green space with stunning views over the Forth and much history, ancient and modern. In previous visits to this site we have carried out pathwork and ragwort control.
On this visit we will be removing toxic ragwort plants. This helps to protect the health of the herd of Exmoor ponies that are used for conservation grazing on the hill
At 221m Traprain Law is a distinctive, dome shaped hill, which overlooks the East Lothian town of Haddington just to the east of Edinburgh. First occupied about 3500 years ago it has a long history of human activity - there is evidence that the site was used for burial as well as for manufacturing bronze tools. In the early twentieth century archaeologists working on the site uncovered a cache of Roman silverware. It is believed that the mythical King Loth of the Goddodin, from whom the Lothians take their name, ruled from the hill in the first half of the fourth century.
On this visit we will be removing toxic ragwort plants. This helps to protect the health of the herd of Exmoor ponies that are used for conservation grazing on the hill.
The ancient deciduous woodland at Taynish is one of the largest in Britain and thoroughly worth the long trip from Edinburgh. Oak trees have flourished here for 6000 years or more — a little longer than people have lived here. Once a source of timber and charcoal, these woods now form one of Britain's largest remaining native oakwoods. The importance of the site was recongnised in 1977 by designation as a National Nature Reserve and it is now managed by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH). Taynish lies on a scenic peninsula overlooking Loch Sween, which was scoured out by glaciers 11000 years ago and has an atmosphere all of its own.
The peninsula has a wide range of habitats, including shoreline, grassland, scrub, bog, heath and woodland, each home to a host of plants, insects, birds and mammals that thrive in the clean, humid air. In all, between the woodland's dripping ferns and mosses and the marsh and grassland, over 300 plant species and more than 20 kinds of butterfly are supported. To help the woods keep their near-natural character and rich wildlife, SNH is also removing rhododendron, which crowds out other plants.
Our summer residential this year will be at Taynish and Mhoine Mhor. Accomodation will be at the Kilmartin Bothy as in the past. In previous years we have helped to suppress bracken to aid forest regneration and removed scrub from the peat bog at Mhoine Mhor. The precise task(s) will be confirmed nearer the time.
Please note that spaces are limited to 10 and you must have attended a day task before booking for a residential.