Lothians Conservation Volunteers
COVID-19 outbreak: From 2021-08-09 all areas of Scotland have moved "beyond level 0" in the a strategic framework released on 2021-06-22. Most legal restrictions on our activities have ended and we have increased our minibus capacity to allow for more volunteers without their own transport to come on task.
Please look at the task list page to see the programme and the remaining requirements upon volunteers to help suppress the virus.
COVID-19 outbreak: From 2021-08-09 all areas of Scotland have moved "beyond level 0" in the strategic framework updated on 2021-11-16.
At this stage, most legal restrictions on our activities have ended and our task programme will be updated on a quarterly basis as usual. Further announcements are expected from the Scottish Government every 3 weeks, and it is likely that that LCV will make changes to our activities as a consequence. Therefore, please keep checking this website for updates on our tasks and the restrictions in force.
There are still a number of coronavirus control measures in place on our tasks:
You are strongly encouraged to bring the following items if you can
Please book with our Transport Secretary before the task. 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 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.
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 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sep | Sun 5 | Yellowcraig Beach | Buckthorn control | ||
| Sun 12 | Cander Moss | Birch control (note changed meeting meeting point) | |||
| Sun 19 | Vogrie Country Park | Meadow management | |||
| Sun 26 | Red Moss | Birch control and pond management | |||
| Oct | Sun 3 | Easter Craiglockhart Hill | Meadow management | ||
| Sun 10 | Gullane | Scything the meadow | |||
| Sun 17 | Bawsinch and Murder Acre | Pond work | |||
| Sat 23 | Echline Community Woodland | Woodland maintenance | |||
| Sun 24 | Granton Castle Walled Garden | Ground preparation and general tasks (Note: Edinburgh 10k may affect travel) | |||
| Sun 31 | Gifford Community Woodland | Rhododendron control | |||
| Nov | Sun 7 | Portmoak Moss | Birch control | ||
| Sun 14 | Spottiswoode | Brash clearance | |||
| Sun 21 | Gifford Community Woodland | Rhododendron control | |||
| Sun 28 | Humbie Woods | Rhododendron control/pathwork (note: meeting location has been changed slightly) |
Rhododendron control/pathwork (note: meeting location has been changed slightly)
2021-11-28
There are some spaces remaining on this task. Please click to view booking information
Book
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Unfortunately, there are no spaces remaining in the bus for this task
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| Dec | Sat 4 | Gifford Community Woodland | Rhododendron control |
Rhododendron control
2021-12-04
There are some spaces remaining on this task. Please click to view booking information
Book
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There are 2 spaces remaining in the bus for this task
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| Sun 5 | Bawsinch and Murder Acre | Pond work and other maintenance |
Pond work and other maintenance
2021-12-05
There are plenty of spaces remaining on this task. Please click to view booking information
Book
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There are 3 spaces remaining in the bus for this task
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| Sun 12 | Humbie Woods | Rhododendron clearance/pathwork (note: meeting location has been changed slightly) |
Rhododendron clearance/pathwork (note: meeting location has been changed slightly)
2021-12-12
There are some spaces remaining on this task. Please click to view booking information
Book
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Unfortunately, there are no spaces remaining in the bus for this task
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| Sun 19 | Leadburn Community Woodland | Path work |
Path work
2021-12-19
There are plenty of spaces remaining on this task. Please click to view booking information
Book
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There are 3 spaces remaining in the bus for this task
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| Sun 26 | Gore Glen Woodland Park | Broom clearance and burning |
Broom clearance and burning
2021-12-26
There are plenty of spaces remaining on this task. Please click to view booking information
Book
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There are 4 spaces remaining in the bus for this task
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| Jan | Sun 2 | Gore Glen Woodland Park | Broom clearance and burning |
Broom clearance and burning
2022-01-02
There are plenty of spaces remaining on this task. Please click to view booking information
Book
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There are 4 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 | ||
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Plenty of spaces left |
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Plenty of spaces left |
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A few spaces left |
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A few spaces left |
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Task full. You can still book and put
yourself on the reserve list - spaces often become available at short
notice. |
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Unfortunately the bus is full for this task |
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Task cancelled. This will only be done in extreme circumstances. |
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The task is cancelled, or the bus is unavailable for this task |
| Space information last updated: Thursday 25 November |
If you would like to print out our task list, here is our current newsletter, The Puggled Mucker (300K) 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.
Yellowcraig is situated 23 miles east of Edinburgh just north of the attractive East Lothian village of Dirleton and is a Site of Special Scientific Interest. It comprises a variety of habitats, including mature and developing woodland, sand dunes, coastal grassland and rocky outcrops, as well as its long sweeping sandy beach with views to Fidra island.
On this visit we will be removing sea buckthorn from the dunes to help preserve the grassland habitat
Please note due to COVID-19:
Find out how to book onto this task.
Cander Moss Site of Special Scientific Interest south of Larkhall, is a remnant of a formerly more extensive raised bog. It is virtually undisturbed and is one of the best examples of raised bog in South Lanarkshire.
On this visit we will be removing birch scrub from the moss to maintain water levels.
Please note due to COVID-19:
Find out how to book onto this task.
Vogrie is a popular country park half an hour from Edinburgh and four kilometres south-east of Dalkeith. It is run by Midlothian Council. About half the area is covered by woodland and scrub, with smaller patches of grassland, three ponds, an alder coppice and a conifer plantation. Over the years we have cleared the ponds, cut meadow grass, repaired part of a drystane dyke, cleared scrub, coppiced alder and planted trees.
On this visit we will be raking cut material from the meadow to reduce the nutrient levels and improve the habitat
Please note due to COVID-19:
Find out how to book onto this task.
The main feature of Red Moss, which is an Scottish Wildlife Reserve above Balerno on Edinburgh's south-west corner, is a raised bog. Over time, the sphagnum moss has built up. It now acts like a sponge as the water level at the centre of the raised dome is considerably higher than the nearby Bavelaw reservoir. To prevent the bog drying out, over the past 15 years we have pulled up any birch which has self-seeded. This site can be wet so wellies are recommended if you have them.
On this visit we will be removing birch scrub from the bog to reduce the loss of water through transpiration and to ensure the important bog habitat continues to regenerate. In addition we'll be doing some management of ponds within the reserve
Please note due to COVID-19:
Find out how to book onto this task.
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 raking the wildflower meadows on the site to reduce nutrients and disperse seeds. This will help the meadow regrow in future years
Please note due to COVID-19:
Find out how to book onto this task.
Gullane Links are part of the beautiful and dramatic coastal scenery in East Lothian to the east of Edinburgh, which includes sand dunes, mudflats, sandy beaches, rocky headlands, steep cliffs and a scattering of small islands. Gullane Bay is about two miles north-east of Aberlady and is one of the finest and most popular sandy beaches within easy reach of Edinburgh. Pirri pirri bur is a low growing, evergreen perennial native to New Zealand. The plant has become invasive along parts of the East Lothian coastline, where it outcompetes native grasses on the dune system.
On this visit we will be scything the wildflower meadow, prior to raking the cut material to release the seeds for next year
Please note due to COVID-19:
Find out how to book onto this task.
Bawsinch and Duddingston Loch are found in the heart of Edinburgh on the southern edge of Holyrood Park, just below Arthur's Seat and only three kilometres from the city centre. Formerly a derelict industrial site, Bawsinch is a triangular area next to the south shore of the loch. This 26 hectare reserve, partly owned and managed by the Scottish Wildlife Trust, is a bird sanctuary and has been designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest. The area boasts breeding and wintering wildfowl, marshland with reedbeds and willow, patches of scrub and woodland, some freshwater ponds and an area of grassland named Goose Green. In the past LCV has felled trees, cleared ponds, built log bridges and cleared invasive vegetation. In recent years an additional area of land known as Murder Acre has been leased from Historic Scotland to extend the reserve.
On this visit we will be clearing and maintaining the ponds on site to improve the habitat and undertaking any other maintenance tasks (pathwork etc) that may be needed
Please note due to COVID-19:
Find out how to book onto this task.
This woodland site is sandwiched between the Forth Road Bridge and the Echline Housing Estate in South Queensferry, just outside Edinburgh. This small urban site (about 0.5ha) formerly owned by Miller Homes, was transformed into a community woodland by the local Scottish Wildlife Trust branch. Funding from the Woodland Grant Scheme helped them to plant 1300 native trees and shrubs in 1992. Small areas of wildflower meadow and a bee and butterfly garden are also features of the site.
On this visit, our first for a number of years we will be undertaking various woodland maintenance tasks in this community-run woodland site
Please note due to COVID-19:
Find out how to book onto this task.
This site is a category B-listed medieval walled garden that once belonged to Granton's lost castle. Whilst the castle may be gone its two acre walled garden has survived through many centuries of change thanks to its fertility and the unique microclimate created by its high stone walls.
On this visit we will be clearing areas for further planting in the next growing season. Edinburgh 10K: Road closures related to this event may affect morning transport in Edinburgh City centre and pickup from the square. In case of issues please call 0772 0287037.
Please note due to COVID-19:
Find out how to book onto this task.
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 this visit we will be clearing non-native rhododendron stands to help with the regeneration of the woodland.
Please note due to COVID-19:
Find out how to book onto this task.
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 this visit we will be removing regenerating birch from the moss to reduce drying of the bog and encourage regeneration of mosses and the wider bog habitat
Please note due to COVID-19:
Find out how to book onto this task.
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 clearing and likely burning brash from felled plantation spruce to make space for further habitat creation
Please note due to COVID-19:
Find out how to book onto this task.
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 this visit we will be clearing non-native rhododendron stands to help with the regeneration of the woodland.
Please note due to COVID-19:
Find out how to book onto this task.
Private client
Owned privately this woodland has recently seen an upsurge in the prevalence of rhododendron. This is our first visit here where we will be helping the owners control this invasive species. There is also some path work required.
Please note due to COVID-19:
Find out how to book onto this task.
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 this visit we will be clearing non-native rhododendron stands to help with the regeneration of the woodland.
Please note due to COVID-19:
Find out how to book onto this task.
Bawsinch and Duddingston Loch are found in the heart of Edinburgh on the southern edge of Holyrood Park, just below Arthur's Seat and only three kilometres from the city centre. Formerly a derelict industrial site, Bawsinch is a triangular area next to the south shore of the loch. This 26 hectare reserve, partly owned and managed by the Scottish Wildlife Trust, is a bird sanctuary and has been designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest. The area boasts breeding and wintering wildfowl, marshland with reedbeds and willow, patches of scrub and woodland, some freshwater ponds and an area of grassland named Goose Green. In the past LCV has felled trees, cleared ponds, built log bridges and cleared invasive vegetation. In recent years an additional area of land known as Murder Acre has been leased from Historic Scotland to extend the reserve.
On this visit we will be clearing and maintaining the ponds on site to improve the habitat and undertaking any other maintenance tasks (pathwork etc) that may be needed
Please note due to COVID-19:
Find out how to book onto this task.
Private client
We will be continuing our work helping the owners control this invasive species. There is also some path work required.
Please note due to COVID-19:
Find out how to book onto this task.
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 will working to improve the paths in this popular community woodland.
Please note due to COVID-19:
Find out how to book onto this task.
Gore Glen Woodland Park is a good example of land restoration. This former coal bing ten miles south-east of Edinburgh has been landscaped into an attractive area for both wildlife and visitors. The park was planted in 1979 with a variety of species and is mainly woodland in character. The Gore Water runs through the park and supports kingfishers, dippers and herons.
On this visit we will be clearing invasive broom to allow regeneration of native woodland and other plants
Please note due to COVID-19:
Find out how to book onto this task.
Gore Glen Woodland Park is a good example of land restoration. This former coal bing ten miles south-east of Edinburgh has been landscaped into an attractive area for both wildlife and visitors. The park was planted in 1979 with a variety of species and is mainly woodland in character. The Gore Water runs through the park and supports kingfishers, dippers and herons.
On this visit we will be clearing invasive broom to allow regeneration of native woodland and other plants
Please note due to COVID-19: