Lothians Conservation Volunteers
Please book with our Transport Secretary before the task. First you will need to learn 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 square next to the task you are interested in for information about the spaces remaining.
| Date | Site | Task and availablity | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar | Fri 15 - Sun 17 | Carsegowan Moss | Residential: Scrub clearance and beech control | |
| Sun 24 | Donald Rose Wood | Path work or wildflower meadow creation |
Path work or wildflower meadow creation
2019-03-24
There are plenty of spaces remaining on this task. Please click to view booking information
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| Sun 31 | Roslin Glen | Wildflower meadow management |
Wildflower meadow management
2019-03-31
There are 4 spaces remaining on this task. Please click to view booking information
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| Apr | Sun 7 | Burdiehouse Burn Valley Park | Litter picking |
Litter picking
2019-04-07
There are plenty of spaces remaining on this task. Please click to view booking information
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| Sun 14 | Penicuik Dalkeith Walkway | Meadow management, tree clearance and pathwork |
Meadow management, tree clearance and pathwork
2019-04-14
There are plenty of spaces remaining on this task. Please click to view booking information
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| Sun 21 | Holyrood Park | Wildflower sowing and plug planting |
Wildflower sowing and plug planting
2019-04-21
There are plenty of spaces remaining on this task. Please click to view booking information
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| Sun 28 | Holyrood Park | Wildflower sowing and plug planting |
Wildflower sowing and plug planting
2019-04-28
There are plenty of spaces remaining on this task. Please click to view booking information
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| May | Sun 5 | Blackford Hill | Litterpick and/or burn clearance |
Litterpick and/or burn clearance
2019-05-05
There are plenty of spaces remaining on this task. Please click to view booking information
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| Sun 12 | Blackford Hill | Step work |
Step work
2019-05-12
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| Sun 19 | Roslin Glen | Woodland management and path work |
Woodland management and path work
2019-05-19
There are plenty of spaces remaining on this task. Please click to view booking information
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| Sun 26 | Falkland Estate | Path management |
Path management
2019-05-26
There are plenty of spaces remaining on this task. Please click to view booking information
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| Jun | Sun 2 | Roslin Glen | Tree cutting and ivy control |
Tree cutting and ivy control
2019-06-02
There are plenty of spaces remaining on this task. Please click to view booking information
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| Sat 8 | Easter Craiglockhart Hill | Meadow management and pond work |
Meadow management and pond work
2019-06-08
There are plenty of spaces remaining on this task. Please click to view booking information
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| Sun 9 | Holyrood Park | Himalayan balsam control |
Himalayan balsam control
2019-06-09
There are plenty of spaces remaining on this task. Please click to view booking information
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| Sun 16 - Sat 22 | Taynish | Residential: Bracken bashing and scrub clearance |
Residential: Bracken bashing and scrub clearance
2019-06-16
There are plenty of spaces remaining on this task. Please click to view booking information
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| Sun 30 | North Berwick Law | Ragwort control |
Ragwort control
2019-06-30
There are plenty of spaces remaining on this task. Please click to view booking information
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| Jul | Sat 6 | Addiewell Bing | Tree weeding and path clearance |
Tree weeding and path clearance
2019-07-06
There are plenty of spaces remaining on this task. Please click to view booking information
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| Sun 7 | Springfield Mill | Meadow mowing and raking |
Meadow mowing and raking
2019-07-07
There are plenty of spaces remaining on this task. Please click to view booking information
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| Sun 14 | Falkland Estate | Path work |
Path work
2019-07-14
There are plenty of spaces remaining on this task. Please click to view booking information
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Task full. You can still book and put
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Task cancelled. This will only be done in extreme circumstances. |
| Space information last updated: Saturday 23 March |
If you would like to print out our task list, here is our current newsletter, The Puggled Mucker (239K) 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.
Around four hours south-west of Edinburgh, Carsegowan Moss is one of the best examples of a lowland raised peat bog in Galloway. Cranberry and bog rosemary grow in the Sphagnum carpet and adders bask in the heather. Hen harriers, merlins, short-eared owls and barn owls can be seen occasionally hunting across the bog.
On this visit we will be removing birch scrub from Carsegowan Moss to ensure the bog remains a peat bog and not woodland. On the Sunday we will be removing beech saplings from Carstramon Wood to encourage a natural succession back to tree species expected at this latitude. We will be staying at the Carlingwark Outdoor Centre in Castle Douglas.
Find out how to book onto this task.
Donald Rose Wood near Markinch/Star in Fife is conservation-volunteer owned and planted-from-scratch native species biodiversity woods that LCV has been helping establish on nearly annual tasks since 2000 (on your host Tim Duffy's part of the site).
On this visit, depending on weather conditions we will either be preparing the ground and seeding a wildflower meadow or constructing access paths in this reserve.
Find out how to book onto this task.
Roslin Glen is a 19 hectare reserve south of Edinburgh to the east of Roslin village and on the south bank of the River North Esk in Midlothian. The site is owned and managed by Midlothian Council. It is a relatively undisturbed mixed deciduous woodland largely made up of native sessile oak, wych-elm and ash, with a shrub layer of hazel and holly. There are also some introduced sycamore, beech and Norway spruce trees which are gradually being removed. The area boasts a rich woodland flora which includes dog's mercury, ramsons, wood-rush and various ferns. Dippers and kingfishers can be seen in the fairly clean waters of the Esk. The area has been put under a Millennium Forest for Scotland grant scheme to return the woodland to a native mixture of trees such as ash, alder, oak, pine and birch.
On this visit we will be mowing one of the meadows previously planted in the lower glen. This aids the dispersal of seeds from the wildflowers and reduces the nutrient levels of the ground, ensuring that grasses and scrub do not overwhelm the flowers.
Find out how to book onto this task.
Burdiehouse Burn Valley Park is a peaceful green corridor through the heart of Gilmerton. In recognition of its quality as a green space it was awarded Green Flag status in 2010.
This rich habitat includes meadows, young, native woodlands, mature woodland and old limestone quarries. In the clear water of the Burdiehouse Burn you may spot a dipper racing up and down the water or a grey heron gracefully fishing.
Working in conjunction with the Friends of Burdiehouse Burn Park we will be assisting in a litterpick and burn-clearance at this local Edinburgh greenspace.
Find out how to book onto this task.
The route of the old Edinburgh to Peebles Railway line now provides a welcome green corridor. In addition it supports a picturesque route for walkers and cyclists between several historic Midlothian towns.
A mixture of tasks on this visit to this well-used footpath and cycleway. We'll be helping to maintain the path itself, clearing excess trees from the route and raking the meadows planted at various points to help spread last year's seeds for the growing season.
Find out how to book onto this task.
Holyrood Park is the Koh-i-Noor in the crown jewels of Edinburgh's stunning landscape. Comprising 650 acres of mixed grassland and encompassing Arthur's Seat, the iconic Salisbury Crags as well as some of the oldest exposed rocks in Edinburgh this is a vital island for wildlife in the heart of our majestic capital.
On this visit we will be seeding scarified soil with wildflowers to enhance the biodiversity of the grassland in the park
Find out how to book onto this task.
Holyrood Park is the Koh-i-Noor in the crown jewels of Edinburgh's stunning landscape. Comprising 650 acres of mixed grassland and encompassing Arthur's Seat, the iconic Salisbury Crags as well as some of the oldest exposed rocks in Edinburgh this is a vital island for wildlife in the heart of our majestic capital.
This visit will be a continuation of the work on the 21st
Find out how to book onto this task.
Blackford Hill is one of the largest open spaces managed by the City of Edinburgh Council. The views across the city in all directions can hold visitors and locals spellbound as the Blackford panoramas extend over the Forth to the distant Lomond Hills.
It is an important part of Edinburgh's natural heritage, and along with neighbouring Hermitage of Braid is classified a Local Nature Reserve. The hill encompasses the oldest rocks in the city and is home to linnets, buzzards and wildflowers aplenty.
On this visit we will be carrying out a litterpick in this popular Edinburgh beauty spot and helping to clear the burn of litter and larger timber
Find out how to book onto this task.
Blackford Hill is one of the largest open spaces managed by the City of Edinburgh Council. The views across the city in all directions can hold visitors and locals spellbound as the Blackford panoramas extend over the Forth to the distant Lomond Hills.
It is an important part of Edinburgh's natural heritage, and along with neighbouring Hermitage of Braid is classified a Local Nature Reserve. The hill encompasses the oldest rocks in the city and is home to linnets, buzzards and wildflowers aplenty.
On this visit we will be replacing worn out steps on the paths in the nature reserve
Find out how to book onto this task.
Roslin Glen is a 19 hectare reserve south of Edinburgh to the east of Roslin village and on the south bank of the River North Esk in Midlothian. The site is owned and managed by Midlothian Council. It is a relatively undisturbed mixed deciduous woodland largely made up of native sessile oak, wych-elm and ash, with a shrub layer of hazel and holly. There are also some introduced sycamore, beech and Norway spruce trees which are gradually being removed. The area boasts a rich woodland flora which includes dog's mercury, ramsons, wood-rush and various ferns. Dippers and kingfishers can be seen in the fairly clean waters of the Esk. The area has been put under a Millennium Forest for Scotland grant scheme to return the woodland to a native mixture of trees such as ash, alder, oak, pine and birch.
On this visit we will be undertaking various woodland management tasks and helping to maintain the pathways in this popular beauty spot
Find out how to book onto this task.
Falkland Estate covers around some 1900 hectares, just under one-fifth of which is wooded, with the rest divided between arable farmland on the low ground and rough grazing on the hills. There have been settlements here from at least the time of the Iron Age people who built hill forts. It was a favourite royal hunting ground of the Stuart monarchs and home to Victorian leaders of rural and architectural style.
On this visit we will be working on paths within the estate to enhance access to the woodlands on site.
Find out how to book onto this task.
Roslin Glen is a 19 hectare reserve south of Edinburgh to the east of Roslin village and on the south bank of the River North Esk in Midlothian. The site is owned and managed by Midlothian Council. It is a relatively undisturbed mixed deciduous woodland largely made up of native sessile oak, wych-elm and ash, with a shrub layer of hazel and holly. There are also some introduced sycamore, beech and Norway spruce trees which are gradually being removed. The area boasts a rich woodland flora which includes dog's mercury, ramsons, wood-rush and various ferns. Dippers and kingfishers can be seen in the fairly clean waters of the Esk. The area has been put under a Millennium Forest for Scotland grant scheme to return the woodland to a native mixture of trees such as ash, alder, oak, pine and birch.
On this visit we will be undertaking various woodland management tasks and removing excessive ivy from the park.
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 meadows to ensure the habitat is not overtaken by denser vegetation and clearing the pond to encourage waterfowl and other wildlife.
Find out how to book onto this task.
Holyrood Park is the Koh-i-Noor in the crown jewels of Edinburgh's stunning landscape. Comprising 650 acres of mixed grassland and encompassing Arthur's Seat, the iconic Salisbury Crags as well as some of the oldest exposed rocks in Edinburgh this is a vital island for wildlife in the heart of our majestic capital.
On this visit we will be continuing our work to control invasive himalayan balsam within the park
Find out how to book onto this task.
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, removing bracken and clearing scrub from the peat bog to aid regeneration. Accomodation at the Kilmartin Bothy.
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 pulling ragwort to protect the herd of Exmoor ponies that graze the law to preserve the grassland habitat.
Find out how to book onto this task.
Addiewell Bing is a long, narrow reserve of 21 hectares 20 miles from Edinburgh just south of Bathgate in West Lothian, which is leased and managed by the Scottish Wildlife Trust. It is an excellent example of how a derelict industrial site--part of the oil shale industry--can be converted into an important wildlife refuge.
Most of the reserve is covered by woodland and scrub, but there are also patches of bracken, heather, open grassland and marshy ground with a rich variety of plants and birds. Originally, the area was planted with lodgepole pine to help stabilise the steep sides of this old spoil heap. More recently, these trees have been replaced with native species including oak and ash. In the past we have felled lodgepole pine, upgraded the footpath and cleared invading broom from areas of heather.
On this visit we will be weeding previously planted trees and clearing excess vegetation from the access paths within the reserve
Find out how to book onto this task.
Springfield Mill is a site in the North Esk Valley between Loanhead and Bonnyrigg just south-east of Edinburgh. A paper mill until the late 1960s, the site has now been reclaimed and restored as a wildlife area for use by the public. It has been seeded with wildflower mixes and planted with various native trees. Located at a bend in the River North Esk there are two seasonal ponds, areas of birch and willow woodland and grasslands.
On this visit we will be scything the meadows that we helped to sow a number of years ago and raking off the cut plants. This will help to keep nutrient levels low and preserve the important meadow habitat for insects and other wildlife.
Find out how to book onto this task.
Falkland Estate covers around some 1900 hectares, just under one-fifth of which is wooded, with the rest divided between arable farmland on the low ground and rough grazing on the hills. There have been settlements here from at least the time of the Iron Age people who built hill forts. It was a favourite royal hunting ground of the Stuart monarchs and home to Victorian leaders of rural and architectural style.
On this visit we will be working on paths within the estate to enhance access to the woodlands on site.