Current Task Programme

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: Beyond Level 0

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.

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:

  1. To help us comply with relevant guidance, you must book before attending a task. Those who do not book will not be able to participate.
  2. Volunteers who are:
    • experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or
    • self-isolating after a positive test or
    • close contact with a confirmed or suspected COVID-19 case
    MUST NOT attend tasks.
  3. The guidance for self isolation allows close contacts who are:
    • displaying no symptoms
    • fully vaccinated
    • test negative with a PCR test (NOT a lateral flow test).
    to leave self isolation.
  4. During the safety briefing at the start of each task, you will be given guidance on how to conduct the task safely, and minimise the risk of spreading the Coronavirus. Volunteers who wilfully ignore the guidance will be asked to leave for the safety of others.
  5. Volunteers who are in a high-risk group should consider carefully the risks they face (or present to other volunteers) by attending tasks.
  6. Volunteers on task who subsequently test positive for COVID-19 should inform LCV. We will then make reasonable efforts to inform other volunteers affected that they should self isolate. If we are contacted by NHS Test and Protect we will provide them with contact information for volunteers.
  7. We suggest that wherever possible volunteers make their own way to the site to minimise the numbers in close contact. However our minibus is available to those without transport. Maximum capacity is 6 volunteers (including leader and driver). In line with Scottish regulations for public transport, we require all passengers in our minibus to wear a face covering, and we will be ensuring good ventilation throughout the journey. This is important in such a confined space, and with increasing passenger capacity. Any volunteer who is exempt from mask wearing on health grounds who wishes to travel in our bus must contact us in advance so that we can discuss how we can safely accommodate their needs. Full information about the use of our minibus is found on the "Where to Meet" page
  8. No refreshments (tea/coffee) will be provided. You must bring your own.
  9. Hand sanitiser and disinfectant for tools etc will be provided and should be used when directed.

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.

Upcoming 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.

Display popup (you shouldn't see this!)
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
Meadow management 2021-09-19 Unfortunately, there are no spaces remaining on this task. Task full
Book
Unfortunately, there are no spaces remaining in the bus for this task Task full
Sun 26 Red Moss Birch control and pond management
Birch control and pond management 2021-09-26 Unfortunately, there are no spaces remaining on this task. Task full
Book
Unfortunately, there are no spaces remaining in the bus for this task Task full
Oct Sun 3 Easter Craiglockhart Hill Meadow management
Meadow management 2021-10-03 Unfortunately, there are no spaces remaining on this task. Task full
Book
Unfortunately, there are no spaces remaining in the bus for this task Task full
Sun 10 Gullane Scything the meadow
Scything the meadow 2021-10-10 There are plenty of spaces remaining on this task. Please click to view booking information Plenty of spaces
Book
There are 4 spaces remaining in the bus for this task Plenty of spaces
Sun 17 Bawsinch and Murder Acre Pond work
Pond work 2021-10-17 There are plenty of spaces remaining on this task. Please click to view booking information Plenty of spaces
Book
There are 4 spaces remaining in the bus for this task Plenty of spaces
Sat 23 Echline Community Woodland Woodland maintenance
Woodland maintenance 2021-10-23 There are plenty of spaces remaining on this task. Please click to view booking information Plenty of spaces
Book
There are 4 spaces remaining in the bus for this task Plenty of spaces
Sun 24 Granton Castle Walled Garden Ground preparation and general tasks TBC
Ground preparation and general tasks TBC 2021-10-24 There are plenty of spaces remaining on this task. Please click to view booking information Plenty of spaces
Book
There are 4 spaces remaining in the bus for this task Plenty of spaces
Sun 31 Gifford Community Woodland Rhododendron control
Rhododendron control 2021-10-31 There are plenty of spaces remaining on this task. Please click to view booking information Plenty of spaces
Book
There are 4 spaces remaining in the bus for this task Plenty of spaces
Nov Sun 7 Portmoak Moss Birch control
Birch control 2021-11-07 There are plenty of spaces remaining on this task. Please click to view booking information Plenty of spaces
Book
There are 4 spaces remaining in the bus for this task Plenty of spaces
Sun 14 Spottiswoode Brash clearance
Brash clearance 2021-11-14 There are plenty of spaces remaining on this task. Please click to view booking information Plenty of spaces
Book
There are 4 spaces remaining in the bus for this task Plenty of spaces
Sun 21 Gifford Community Woodland Rhododendron control
Rhododendron control 2021-11-21 There are plenty of spaces remaining on this task. Please click to view booking information Plenty of spaces
Book
There are 4 spaces remaining in the bus for this task Plenty of spaces
Sun 28 Humbie Woods Rhododendron control/pathwork
Rhododendron control/pathwork 2021-11-28 There are plenty of spaces remaining on this task. Please click to view booking information Plenty of spaces
Book
There are 4 spaces remaining in the bus for this task Plenty of spaces
Dec Sat 4 Gifford Community Woodland Rhododendron control
Rhododendron control 2021-12-04 There are plenty of spaces remaining on this task. Please click to view booking information Plenty of spaces
Book
There are 4 spaces remaining in the bus for this task Plenty of spaces
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 Plenty of spaces
Book
There are 4 spaces remaining in the bus for this task Plenty of spaces
Sun 12 Humbie Woods Rhododendron clearance/pathwork
Rhododendron clearance/pathwork 2021-12-12 There are plenty of spaces remaining on this task. Please click to view booking information Plenty of spaces
Book
There are 4 spaces remaining in the bus for this task Plenty of spaces
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 Plenty of spaces
Book
There are 4 spaces remaining in the bus for this task Plenty of spaces
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 Plenty of spaces left Plenty of spaces Plenty of spaces left
A few spaces A few spaces left A few spaces A few spaces left
No spaces left Task full. You can still book and put yourself on the reserve list - spaces often become available at short notice.
 Bus full Unfortunately the bus is full for this task
Task cancelled Task cancelled. This will only be done in extreme circumstances. Cancelled The task is cancelled, or the bus is unavailable for this task
Space information last updated: Tuesday 14 September

If you would like to print out our task list, here is our current newsletter, The Puggled Mucker (285K) which contains a task programme.

Site map

The map below shows the sites in the work programme this quarter

There is also an interactive map of all our work-sites.

Detailed Task Programme

Sunday September 5 Yellowcraig Beach:Buckthorn control

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:

  1. Volunteers are encouraged to meet us on site, at the main Yellowcraig Beach carpark for 1030. You should hopefully see our minibus.
  2. The minibus is available for volunteers who do not have their own transport but spaces are very limited. Please read the guidance related to use of our minibus during the COVID-19 pandemic before asking for a place on the bus

Find out how to book onto this task.

Sunday September 12 Cander Moss:Birch control (note changed meeting meeting point)

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:

  1. Volunteers are encouraged to meet us on site, at the dropped pin for 1030. You should hopefully see our minibus. Detailed instructions follow.
  2. The map makes it look like you can't get all the way there by car, but you can. Basically, once you get to Draffan Marshill farm (it has some blue painted wooden wheels and flower containers at the gates) you turn onto their farm track, but then instead of turning right to go towards the farm buildings, head straight up the hill on the dirt road towards the wind turbines. You might have to open a farm gate - just leave it as you find it, whether open or closed. Once you're up the hill you'll see an area of concrete on the right, with some black wrapped hay bales, beneath a wind turbine. There should be plenty of space to park there.
  3. The minibus is available for volunteers who do not have their own transport but spaces are very limited. Please read the guidance related to use of our minibus during the COVID-19 pandemic before asking for a place on the bus

Find out how to book onto this task.

Sunday September 19 Vogrie Country Park:Meadow management

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:

  1. Volunteers are encouraged to meet us on site, on the right just before Vogrie House for 1015. You should hopefully see our minibus.
  2. The minibus is available for volunteers who do not have their own transport but spaces are very limited. Please read the guidance related to use of our minibus during the COVID-19 pandemic before asking for a place on the bus

Find out how to book onto this task.

Sunday September 26 Red Moss:Birch control and pond management

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:

  1. Volunteers are encouraged to meet us on site, at Threipmuir Car Park for 1000. You should hopefully see our minibus.
  2. The minibus is available for volunteers who do not have their own transport but spaces are very limited. Please read the guidance related to use of our minibus during the COVID-19 pandemic before asking for a place on the bus

Find out how to book onto this task.

Sunday October 3 Easter Craiglockhart Hill:Meadow management

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:

  1. Volunteers are encouraged to meet us on site, at the reserve entrance on Lockharton Gardens for 1000. You should hopefully see our minibus.
  2. The minibus is available for volunteers who do not have their own transport but spaces are very limited. Please read the guidance related to use of our minibus during the COVID-19 pandemic before asking for a place on the bus

Find out how to book onto this task.

Sunday October 10 Gullane:Scything the meadow

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:

  1. Volunteers are encouraged to meet us on site near the Gullane Bents Carpark at 1030
  2. The minibus is available for volunteers who do not have their own transport but spaces are limited. Please read the guidance related to use of our minibus during the COVID-19 pandemic before asking for a place on the bus

Find out how to book onto this task.

Sunday October 17 Bawsinch and Murder Acre:Pond work

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:

  1. Volunteers are encouraged to meet us on site, at the reserve entrance on Duddingston Road West for 1000. Limited car parking is available on site. You should hopefully see our minibus.
  2. The minibus is available for volunteers who do not have their own transport but spaces are limited. Please read the guidance related to use of our minibus during the COVID-19 pandemic before asking for a place on the bus

Find out how to book onto this task.

Saturday October 23 Echline Community Woodland:Woodland maintenance

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:

  1. Volunteers are encouraged to meet us on site, just off Bo'ness Road for 1000. Limited car parking is available so please park considerately. You should hopefully see our minibus.
  2. The minibus is available for volunteers who do not have their own transport but spaces are limited. Please read the guidance related to use of our minibus during the COVID-19 pandemic before asking for a place on the bus

Find out how to book onto this task.

Sunday October 24 Granton Castle Walled Garden:Ground preparation and general tasks TBC

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 continuing ground preparation works for the forest garden and undertaking various other tasks around the garden which will be confirmed nearer the time

Please note due to COVID-19:

  1. Volunteers are encouraged to meet us on site, on the access road next to the Social Bite facility for 1000. Limited car parking is available on the access road but please park considerately. You should hopefully see our minibus.
  2. The minibus is available for volunteers who do not have their own transport but spaces are limited. Please read the guidance related to use of our minibus during the COVID-19 pandemic before asking for a place on the bus

Find out how to book onto this task.

Sunday October 31 Gifford Community Woodland:Rhododendron control

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:

  1. Volunteers are encouraged to meet us on site, at the reserve entrance on Station Road for 1030. Very limited car parking is available on site and it is recommended that you park courteously elsewhere in Gifford and walk to the site. You should hopefully see our minibus.
  2. The minibus is available for volunteers who do not have their own transport but spaces are limited. Please read the guidance related to use of our minibus during the COVID-19 pandemic before asking for a place on the bus

Find out how to book onto this task.

Sunday November 7 Portmoak Moss:Birch control

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:

  1. Volunteers are encouraged to meet us on site, at the car park for 1030. You should hopefully see our minibus.
  2. The minibus is available for volunteers who do not have their own transport but spaces are limited. Please read the guidance related to use of our minibus during the COVID-19 pandemic before asking for a place on the bus

Find out how to book onto this task.

Sunday November 14 Spottiswoode:Brash clearance

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:

  1. Volunteers are encouraged to meet us on site, at the double gates for 1030. You should hopefully see a sign from the site owner and our minibus.
  2. The minibus is available for volunteers who do not have their own transport but spaces are limited. Please read the guidance related to use of our minibus during the COVID-19 pandemic before asking for a place on the bus

Find out how to book onto this task.

Sunday November 21 Gifford Community Woodland:Rhododendron control

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:

  1. Volunteers are encouraged to meet us on site, at the reserve entrance on Station Road for 1030. Very limited car parking is available on site and it is recommended that you park courteously elsewhere in Gifford and walk to the site. You should hopefully see our minibus.
  2. The minibus is available for volunteers who do not have their own transport but spaces are limited. Please read the guidance related to use of our minibus during the COVID-19 pandemic before asking for a place on the bus

Find out how to book onto this task.

Sunday November 28 Humbie Woods:Rhododendron control/pathwork

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:

  1. Volunteers are encouraged to meet us on site, at the carpark for 1030.
  2. The minibus is available for volunteers who do not have their own transport but spaces are very limited. Please read the guidance related to use of our minibus during the COVID-19 pandemic before asking for a place on the bus

Find out how to book onto this task.

Saturday December 4 Gifford Community Woodland:Rhododendron control

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:

  1. Volunteers are encouraged to meet us on site, at the reserve entrance on Station Road for 1030. Very limited car parking is available on site and it is recommended that you park courteously elsewhere in Gifford and walk to the site. You should hopefully see our minibus.
  2. The minibus is available for volunteers who do not have their own transport but spaces are limited. Please read the guidance related to use of our minibus during the COVID-19 pandemic before asking for a place on the bus

Find out how to book onto this task.

Sunday December 5 Bawsinch and Murder Acre:Pond work and other maintenance

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:

  1. Volunteers are encouraged to meet us on site, at the reserve entrance on Duddingston Road West for 1000. Limited car parking is available on site. You should hopefully see our minibus.
  2. The minibus is available for volunteers who do not have their own transport but spaces are limited. Please read the guidance related to use of our minibus during the COVID-19 pandemic before asking for a place on the bus

Find out how to book onto this task.

Sunday December 12 Humbie Woods:Rhododendron clearance/pathwork

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:

  1. Volunteers are encouraged to meet us on site, at the carpark for 1030.
  2. The minibus is available for volunteers who do not have their own transport but spaces are very limited. Please read the guidance related to use of our minibus during the COVID-19 pandemic before asking for a place on the bus

Find out how to book onto this task.

Sunday December 19 Leadburn Community Woodland:Path work

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:

  1. Volunteers are encouraged to meet us on site, at the road layby on the A703 for 1030. You should hopefully see our minibus.
  2. The minibus is available for volunteers who do not have their own transport but spaces are very limited. Please read the guidance related to use of our minibus during the COVID-19 pandemic before asking for a place on the bus

Find out how to book onto this task.