Lothians Conservation Volunteers
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 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sep | Sun 3 | Whim Woods | Rhododendron control | ||
| Sun 10 | Gifford Community Woodland | Rhododendron control | |||
| Sun 17 | Red Moss | Bog maintenance and sapling removal | |||
| Sat 23 | Gifford Community Woodland | Rhododendron control | |||
| Sun 24 | Whim Woods | Rhododendron control | |||
| Sat 30 | Holyrood Park | Gorse/scrub control | |||
| Oct | Sun 1 | Gullane | Scything the meadow | ||
| Fri 6 - Sun 8 | Ben Lawers | Residential: Deer fence removal | |||
| Sun 15 | Whim Woods | Rhododendron control | |||
| Sun 22 | Easter Craiglockhart Hill | Meadow raking and pond management | |||
| Sat 28 | Newbridge | Sapling rescue | |||
| Sun 29 | Falkland Estate | Tree tube removal (note: departing at 0900) | |||
| Nov | Sat 4 | Whim Woods | Rhododendron control | ||
| Sun 5 | Portmoak Moss | Bog management | |||
| Sun 12 | Spottiswoode | Birch thinning | |||
| Sun 19 | Holyrood Park | Gorse cutting | |||
| Sun 26 | Humbie Woods | Rhododendron control | |||
| Date | Site | Task and availablity | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec | Sat 2 | Gifford Community Woodland | Tree planting (CANCELLED) |
Tree planting (CANCELLED)
2023-12-02
Our apologies, but this task has been cancelled
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Our apologies, but this task has been cancelled
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| Sun 3 | Yellowcraig Beach | Sea buckthorn control (task changed) |
Sea buckthorn control (task changed)
2023-12-03
There are plenty of spaces remaining on this task.
Book online
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There are 7 spaces remaining in the bus for this task
|
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| Sun 10 | Gifford Community Woodland | Rhododendron control |
Rhododendron control
2023-12-10
There are plenty of spaces remaining on this task.
Book online
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There are 9 spaces remaining in the bus for this task
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| Sun 17 | Penicuik Estate | Tree planting |
Tree planting
2023-12-17
There are plenty of spaces remaining on this task.
Book online
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There are 8 spaces remaining in the bus for this task
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| Sat 23 | Humbie Woods | Rhododendron control |
Rhododendron control
2023-12-23
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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| Tue 26 | Gore Glen Woodland Park | Woodland management |
Woodland management
2023-12-26
There are plenty of spaces remaining on this task.
Book online
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There are 9 spaces remaining in the bus for this task
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| Sun 31 | Gifford Community Woodland | Rhododendron control |
Rhododendron control
2023-12-31
There are plenty of spaces remaining on this task.
Book online
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There are 11 spaces remaining in the bus for this task
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| Fri 29 | Vogrie Country Park | Woodland management |
Woodland management
2023-12-29
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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| Jan | Tue 2 | Gifford Community Woodland | Rhododendron control |
Rhododendron control
2024-01-02
There are plenty of spaces remaining on this task.
Book online
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There are 7 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: Friday 1 December 2023 |
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.
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 rhododendron ponticum from the mixed woodland on this site to allow the woodland to naturally regenerate.
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.
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.
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.
Find out how to book onto this task.
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 rhododendron ponticum from the mixed woodland on this site to allow the woodland to naturally regenerate.
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 clearing gorse to make firebreaks and improve biodiversity by giving other plants a chance
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.
On this visit we will be scything an existing wildflower meadow. ELCRS undertake an annual schedule of scything wildflower rich grassland areas across our sites in East Lothian. Using the traditional method of scything we cut, rake and lift the cuttings. Wildflowers grow best in less fertile soils so this task plays an important part in maintaining these diverse habitats.
Find out how to book onto this task.
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.
Regrettably we have cancelled this residential due to amber flood warnings from SEPA on both Saturday and Sunday. This would make it potentially unsafe to work.
Find out how to book onto this task.
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
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 meadow to reduce nutrient levels and maintain the diverse range of plants, plus other incidental tasks at this popular local nature reserve. We will likely also be enlarging/creating ponds
Located on the western edge of Edinburgh, this is a brownfield site owned by Pulsant, a data service company. It has sprouted saplings of mixed, native, broadleaved trees which are in danger of being destroyed.
On this visit LCV will be working with friends of Leadburn Community Woodland to rescue the saplings ready for re-planting at a receptor site in Midlothian, possibly at Penicuik Estate (to be confirmed).
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 removing tree tubes from maturing trees to ensure they continue to grow and to reduce the amount of plastic waste in the environment. Please note that due to the distance to this site the departure time will be 0900.
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
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.
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 thinning birch regeneration in the native woodland areas to ensure more light enters the understory and to allow the remaining trees to develop successfully.
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 clearing gorse to make firebreaks and improve biodiversity by giving other plants a chance
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
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.
Unfortunately this task has been cancelled as the ground is frozen and covered in snow, making it impossible to plant trees.
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 clearing sea buckthorn (and any other invasive scrub) from the dunes to preserve the duneland habitat.
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.
The estate is home to the celebrated Penicuik House and a large area of designed landscape containing woods, meadows and heath, all with considerable value to the natural world.
On this visit LCV will be working with friends of Leadburn Community Woodland to plant locally rescued tree saplings and commercially reared native species to replenish a traditional Estate woodland at Penicuik Estate.
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 carrying out various tasks (path work, tree maintenance) in this fine old growth woodland in East Lothian
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 removing broom and other invasives. There may well be a fire!
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.
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 removing various invasives from the woodlands in this popular local nature reserve and amenity woodland. THere may be a fire.
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.