Lothians Conservation Volunteers
COVID-19 outbreak: As of 21st March 2022 all major restrictions have been lifted. Our task programme will continue as before.
From 1st April we have significantly increase the number of volunteers permitted in our minibus. While full capacity won't be achieved for a while yet, we hope this will make it easier for you to come on task with us. Face-masks (unless exempt) will continue to be required on our minibus.
Lateral flow testing is no longer generally available. As before, volunteers who are experiencing symptoms should not attend tasks
COVID-19 outbreak: As of 21st March 2022 all major restrictions have been lifted. Our task programme will continue as before.
As of 1st April we have significantly increased the number of volunteers permitted in our minibus. While full capacity won't be achieved for a while yet, we hope this will make it easier for you to come on task with us. Face-masks (unless exempt) will continue to be required on our minibus and we may have to limit bus capacity on specific tasks.
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 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feb | Sun 20 | Grandfield | Cutting back trees and shrubs (note updated time) | ||
| Sat 26 | Eaglescairnie Mains Farm | Hedgerow Planting | |||
| Sun 27 | Gifford Community Woodland | Rhododendron control | |||
| Mar | Sun 6 | Powmill Plantation | Blackthorn control | ||
| Sat 12 | Little Boghead Nature Park | Pond vegetation clearance | |||
| Sun 13 | Little Boghead Nature Park | Pond vegetation clearance | |||
| Sat 19 | Lauriston Farm | Tree planting (extra task) | |||
| Sun 20 | Vogrie Country Park | Meadow management (note: meeting point changed) | |||
| Sun 27 | Cander Moss | Scrub clearance (note 0900 departure from St Andrew Square and BST begins) | |||
| Apr | Sat 2 | Bawsinch and Murder Acre | Wildflower planting | ||
| Sun 3 | Portmoak Moss | Tree cutting | |||
| Sun 10 | Vogrie Country Park | Pond management (note changed meeting place) | |||
| Sun 17 | Granton Castle Walled Garden | Preparing ground for herbal ley | |||
| Sun 24 | Spottiswoode | Clearing storm damage | |||
| May | Sun 1 | Humbie Woods | Path work/rhododendron control | ||
| Sun 8 | Leadburn Community Woodland | TBC | |||
| Sun 15 | Humbie Woods | Path work/rhododendron removal | |||
| Sun 22 | Leadburn Community Woodland | Crown lifting |
Crown lifting
2022-05-22
There are plenty of spaces remaining on this task. Please click to view booking information
Book
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There are 8 spaces remaining in the bus for this task
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| Sun 29 | Easter Craiglockhart Hill | Willow planting (note: task changed) |
Willow planting (note: task changed)
2022-05-29
There are plenty of spaces remaining on this task. Please click to view booking information
Book
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There are 7 spaces remaining in the bus for this task
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| Jun | Sun 5 | Upper Nethan Gorge | Tree maintenance |
Tree maintenance
2022-06-05
There are plenty of spaces remaining on this task. Please click to view booking information
Book
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There are 10 spaces remaining in the bus for this task
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| Sun 12 | Leadburn Community Woodland | Crown lifting |
Crown lifting
2022-06-12
There are plenty of spaces remaining on this task. Please click to view booking information
Book
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There are 7 spaces remaining in the bus for this task
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| Sun 19 | Traprain Law | Ragwort Removal |
Ragwort Removal
2022-06-19
There are plenty of spaces remaining on this task. Please click to view booking information
Book
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There are 7 spaces remaining in the bus for this task
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| Sun 26 | North Berwick Law | Ragwort control |
Ragwort control
2022-06-26
There are plenty of spaces remaining on this task. Please click to view booking information
Book
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There are 7 spaces remaining in the bus for this task
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| Jul | Sun 3 | Traprain Law | Ragwort control |
Ragwort control
2022-07-03
There are plenty of spaces remaining on this task. Please click to view booking information
Book
|
There are 10 spaces remaining in the bus for this task
|
| 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: Wednesday 18 May |
If you would like to print out our task list, here is our current newsletter, The Puggled Mucker (204K) 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.
This area of the Victoria Cycle Path in south Edinburgh is managed by a local resident association and Charles White Factors. The area was planted with hazel around 20 years ago and has become overgrown with laurel which shades out native plants. There are also areas of sycamore and willow.
On this visit we will be cutting back trees and shrubs to improve biodiversity
Please note due to COVID-19:
Find out how to book onto this task.
A farm in East Lothian with areas managed for wildlife habitat
This is our first visit to this site where we will be planting a hedgerow of native species. As we are yet to visit the site some details about this task (meeting points etc) may change nearer the time.
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.
An LCV member, Chris Boam, has bought 8 hectares of redundant farmland at Powmill, Kinross-shire, 30 miles north-west of Edinburgh, which he is planting with native trees with the aid of a Forestry Commission grant. On previous visits, we have planted and weeded trees and also removed ragwort.
On this visit we will be reducing the amount of blackthorn on site to give some of the other trees a chance to get ahead and maintain a diverse tree population
Please note due to COVID-19:
Find out how to book onto this task.
Little Boghead Nature Reserve is a extensive area of greenspace on the outskirts of Bathgate, 20 miles to the west of Edinburgh. It contains a variety of habitats including woodland, meadow, wetland and several small ponds connected by a wooden boardwalk. There is an open grassland area which contains a mix of wildflowers in the spring and summer. The site boasts a wealth of wildlife including 82 species of birds, 14 mammal species and 14 butterfly species.
On this visit we will be clearing floating vegetation mats from the pond to help preserve some open water for waterbirds
Please note due to COVID-19:
Find out how to book onto this task.
Little Boghead Nature Reserve is a extensive area of greenspace on the outskirts of Bathgate, 20 miles to the west of Edinburgh. It contains a variety of habitats including woodland, meadow, wetland and several small ponds connected by a wooden boardwalk. There is an open grassland area which contains a mix of wildflowers in the spring and summer. The site boasts a wealth of wildlife including 82 species of birds, 14 mammal species and 14 butterfly species.
On this visit we will continue the work begun on Saturday clearing floating vegetation mats from the pond to help preserve some open water for waterbirds
Please note due to COVID-19:
Find out how to book onto this task.
Lauriston Farm is an exciting and ambitious new project coordinated by the Edinburgh Agroecology Cooperative (EAC) to transform 100 acres of land in North West Edinburgh, from sheep-grazed fields to a multi-functional integrated land use project for people, wildlife and food-growing. The project is a local response to the growing challenges of climate change, biodiversity collapse and the lack of access to healthy, fresh, affordable food for many. Find out more.
On this visit we will be assisting in tree planting on land surrounding the farm to help restablish a more biodiverse environment on the site.
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.
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.
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 seeding a new wildflower area
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 trees 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.
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 clearing excess vegetation from the pond and the filter-bed drains to preserve open water for birds and other wildlife. There will in addition be some tree work to do.
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 preparing the ground in the garden for sowing a herbal ley later in the year. Herbal leys are a temporary species-rich grassland which will provide a wider diversity of habitat in the garden as well as improving the soil structure, nutrient levels and ability to capture carbon.
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 storm damaged trees from the previous winter to make space for replanting
Please note due to COVID-19:
Find out how to book onto this task.
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 and re-establishing paths within the site
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.
The task will be confirmed nearer the time
Please note due to COVID-19:
Find out how to book onto this task.
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 and re-establishing paths within the site
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 be lifting the crowns (removing the lower branches) on mature non-native conifers to let additional light in and promote some regeneration of other plants. At some point in the future these trees will be felled and replaced with native species, but for now crown lifting will provide some biodiversity benefit
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.
This time we will be putting Willow stakes and spirals across gaps in the decking at the south end of the pond and back filling with earth to make more vegetation wildlife habitat at the end of the pond near the sports centre
Please note due to COVID-19:
Find out how to book onto this task.
Upper Nethan Gorge is a gorge carved by the River Nethan. This peaceful ancient woodland supports a huge range of species, including locally uncommon plants such as broadleaved helleborine, wood melick and meadow saxifrage. Great spotted woodpeckers and buzzards are often seen.
On this visit we will be maintaining recently planted trees in this reserve
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 be lifting the crowns (removing the lower branches) on mature non-native conifers to let additional light in and promote some regeneration of other plants. At some point in the future these trees will be felled and replaced with native species, but for now crown lifting will provide some biodiversity benefit
Please note due to COVID-19:
Find out how to book onto this task.
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.
Please note due to COVID-19:
Find out how to book onto this task.
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 controlling ragwort on the Law to prevent harm to the herd of Exmoor ponies that are used for conservation grazing there.
Please note due to COVID-19:
Find out how to book onto this task.
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.
Please note due to COVID-19: