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 us for our second annual meadow survey at Drumbrae on Saturday 27 June from 10am-3pm.

We will be identifying and recording the varied plant species we find across the different habitats overlooking the Sheriffmuir Battlefield.

This event is suitable for those with some botany / plant identification skills. There will be an ecologist to help so you don't need to be an expert. You are welcome to bring any apps / books / resources that you usually use. We will also have some Field Studies Council ID guides for people to borrow on the day. 

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

Important Info 

  • You must be 16 years old or over to volunteer.
  • You should wear clothes suitable for the forecasted weather and sturdy footwear.
  • You should bring something to sit on, drinking water and a packed lunch.
  • 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 we may take photographs / videos during the 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.
  • It will involve walking along a short section of road, a track and on rough, hilly, grassy terrain.
  • 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 10am. 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, but we encourage car sharing.
  • Parking is available at Cockburn 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

Join us to improve the well-loved path to Dumyat from Sheriffmuir Road. We will be working alongside an experienced upland path builder to help maintain the path.  There will be a range of tasks, including repairing drainage features, clearing ditches and water bars to keep water off the path to prevent further erosion.

The volunteer days will run from 10am-3pm and the activity will be strenuous. Volunteers are welcome to sign up to multiple days.

If you would like to come along, please read the information below and make sure you register using the form below. If the event is fully booked we will operate a waiting list.

Important Info 

  • The volunteer days will run from 10am-3pm.
  • All tools and equipment provided.
  • No previous experience needed.
  • You must be 16 years old or over to volunteer.
  • Volunteers to bring drinking water and a packed lunch.
  • You should wear clothes you don't mind getting dirty, have sturdy footwear and appropriate clothing for the weather (e.g. waterproofs, sun hat, sun screen).
  • 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. 

Accessibility Information  

  • The activity level will strenuous. Reasonable fitness is required as there will be tool use, manual handling and walking on upland paths.
  • Everyone can work on tasks that they are comfortable with, and we will have regular breaks to enjoy the views.
  • We will be working in small groups and most people won't know each other.  
  • Parking is available on Sheriffmuir Road, Pendreich car park and Cocksburn Wood.
  • Volunteers need to be able to get to the meeting place for 10am. Link to meeting point (Google maps)
  • Please note there is no public transport to Sheriffmuir Road. We encourage car sharing and will try to facilitate lifts from Bridge of Allan.
  • 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

Previous volunteering events

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

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