Volunteering opportunities

Throughout the year there will be opportunities to volunteer at the University's Forest and Peatland sites. Local residents, community groups, students and staff are welcome. Opportunities can be found on this page, which will be regularly updated.

Over spring and summer we have some great volunteering opportunities. Full details and online booking for each activity will be available 4-6 weeks before the event. An email will go out via the mailing list when online booking is open. You can sign up to the mailing list below to be kept updated.

Join our Community Ranger to create a wildflower meadow in the community activity area at Rullion Green Wood. We will be preparing the ground by removing the top layer of vegetation, raking the soil and then sowing a mixture of native wildflower seeds. The task will involve tool use, manual handling and a short walk from Flotterstone.

Volunteers need to be able to make their own way to Flotterstone car park. Flotterstone car park is accessible by bus, has public toilets and parking (charges apply).

If you would like to come along, please read the information below and make sure you register using the form below. Please note that this volunteer day is now fully booked. If you sign up you will be added to the waiting list. Priority will be given to local community members in the first instance for any spaces that become available.

Important Info 

  • Volunteer day will run from 10:15am-1.:15pm
  • You don’t need any specific skills or previous experience and we will provide the tools and equipment.
  • You must be 16 years old or over to volunteer. Those under 16 years old, must be accompanied and supervised by a responsible adult. This activity is recommended for age 10 and above.
  • Volunteers should bring drinking water and any snacks you might want.
  • You should wear clothes you don't mind getting dirty, have sturdy footwear and bring waterproof clothing in case of rain.
  • Places are limited and spaces must be booked in advance.  If the event is over-subscribed we will operate a wait list.
  • Volunteers are required to fill in a registration form to help us keep everyone safe. 
  • Travel expenses will be reimbursed up to a maximum of £35. 
  • The Community Ranger will be in touch with volunteers to confirm the details the week before the volunteer day. 
  • Please note that photography and/or videography may be taking place during volunteering activities. Please speak to the Community Ranger if you would not like to be in any photography or videography.  

Accessibility Information  

  • The activity level will be moderate / strenuous.  Everyone can work on tasks that they are comfortable with, and we will have regular breaks.
  • Reasonable fitness is required as there will be tool use and manual handling.   
  • We will be working in small groups and most people won't know each other.  
  • Meeting place is Flotterstone car park, EH26 0PP. Google pin: https://maps.app.goo.gl/8pfRuGVTEEKZUoGp8
  • Public toilets and parking is available at Flotterstone, please note parking charges apply.
  • Flotterstone car park can be reached by public transport, bus number 101. Timetable available on Houstsons website: Timetables - Houstons Coaches
  • If you are not able to submit the online registration form, an alternative format can be provided. Please contact the Community Ranger.
  • Please get in touch with the Community Ranger (Community.Ranger@ed.ac.uk) if you have any questions or accessibility requirements.    

Join us for our first annual bird survey at Drumbrae on Saturday 30 May, from 7-10am. We will be splitting into small groups to listen and look for bird species in some different areas across Drumbrae. The survey will involve walking to a survey location and remaining at that location for a set period of time and recording what species you see and hear. You can also record any species seen or heard while walking to and from the survey locations.

This event is suitable for those with bird identification skills. You don't need to be an expert to take part, but this event is not suitable for a complete beginner.

Please note if the weather forecast is poor, then it may be moved to the following day Sunday 31 May.

If you would like to come along, please make sure you register using the form below. 

Important Info 

  • You must be 16 years old or over to volunteer.
  • Volunteers should bring drinking water and snacks.
  • You should wear clothes suitable for the forecasted weather, have sturdy footwear, bring something to sit on and binoculars. You are welcome to bring any bird ID books, apps or resources with you. 
  • Places are limited and spaces must be booked in advance.  If the event is over-subscribed we will operate a wait list.
  • Volunteers are required to fill in a registration form to help us keep everyone safe. 
  • Travel expenses will be reimbursed up to a maximum of £35. 
  • The Community Ranger will be in touch with volunteers to confirm the details the week before the volunteer event.
  • Please note we may take photographs/ videos during volunteering activities. If you do not wish to be photographed / filmed your wishes will be respected.

Accessibility Information  

  • The activity level will be easy / moderate.
  • Most survey locations will involve walking along grassy paths and uneven terrain. It will involve walking uphill and downhill.
  • We will be working in small groups and most people won't know each other. 
  • Volunteers need to be able to get to the meeting place, Cocksburn Woods for 7am. A google pin to the meeting point is here: https://maps.app.goo.gl/H93GP6uFJhZPyaBs7
  • Please note there is no public transport to Sheriffmuir Road.
  • Parking is available at Cocksburn Woods.
  • There are no toilets on site. The closest public toilets are in Bridge of Allan. 
  • If you are not able to submit the online registration form, an alternative format can be provided. Please contact the Community Ranger.
  • Please get in touch with the Community Ranger if you have any questions or accessibility requirements: Community.Ranger@ed.ac.uk 

Drumbrae

Friday 12 June - Saturday 13 June, Tree maintenance

Thursday 18 June - Saturday 20 June, Archaeology dig at Logie Homestead. This event is led by local archaeologist Dr Murray Cook. Please contact Murray directly if you are interested in taking part. Email address: m.j.cookstirling35@gmail.com. 

Saturday 27 June, Meadow survey at Sheriffmuir

Thursday 16 July - Saturday 18 July, Path maintenance on Dumyat core path

You can see photos of our past volunteer events in the Volunteering section of our Story Maps.

Drumbrae StoryMap

Rullion Green StoryMap

You can also find out more information in our Forest and Peatland news page.

Forest and Peatland news

For more information about volunteering with the Forest and Peatland programme take a look at our Volunteer Handbook below. If you have any questions about volunteering please email Community.Ranger@ed.ac.uk

Volunteering on Dumyat Hill 2024
Volunteering on Dumyat Hill 2024