Volunteering opportunities and events

Throughout the year there will be opportunities to volunteer and attend public events 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.

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 to plant juniper trees at Rullion Green Wood. We will be working with Friends of the Pentlands to plant this native small tree as part of a project with the Pentland Hills Regional Park and Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. 

The volunteer day will run from 10am-3pm and it will be a moderately strenuous activity. It will involve preparing the ground, planting the trees with timber stakes and guards. We will be walking uphill, over rough uneven terrain and will be carrying tools, trees and other kit.  

This event is open to University of Edinburgh staff only. A perfect way to use your Day to Make a Difference.  

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

Important Info  

  • The volunteer day 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 a packed lunch and drinking water / hot drinks.    
  • You should wear clothes you don't mind getting dirty, have sturdy footwear and bring waterproof clothes in case of rain.   
  • Places are limited and spaces must be booked in advance. If the event is over-subscribed we will operate a waiting 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 will be moderately strenuous. The day will involve tool use, manual handling and walking on rough, uneven terrain.
  • We will be working in small groups and most people won't know each other.
  • Parking is available at Flotterstone car park, EH26 0PP.
  • Volunteers need to be able to get to Flotterstone car park for 10am.
  • There is a public bus service, number 101 from Edinburgh. We will wait for the bus to arrive before leaving the car park.  You can find the bus timetable on the Houston's Coaches website. Houston's Coaches
  • There are public toilets at Flotterstone car park and a cafe.
  • 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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