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 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

Join us to help monitor the crab apple and wych elm trees that were planted as part of a project with the Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh. This will involve some weeding / clearing bracken from around the trees, adjusting tree tubes and stakes, checking the condition of the tree, recording if the trees are dead / alive and measuring their height.  

This task will involve using an online survey created by Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh. If you have access to a smart phone to complete the tree monitoring online survey, please bring it along. 

Friday 21 August – 10am - 3pm 
We will be monitoring the elm trees that have been planted. The day will run from 10am-3pm. We will be meeting at the parking area at Cocksburn Woods, just north of the main Dumyat path, on Sheriffmuir Road. This will involve walking on rough uneven ground.  

Saturday 22 August –10am - 1pm – Family Friendly 
We will be monitoring the crab apple trees and the event will run from 10am-1pm. We will meet at the start of the Cocksburn Reservoir path on Sheriffmuir Road. This event is family friendly and children accompanied by adults are welcome to attend. Recommended for ages 10+.

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 

  • You don’t need any specific skills or previous experience and we will provide the tools, work gloves and survey equipment.
  • You must be 16 years old or over to volunteer on Friday.
  • Children accompanied by an adult are welcome to attend on Saturday.
  • Volunteers should bring drinking water and packed lunch / snacks.
  • If you have access to a smart phone to complete the tree monitoring online survey, please bring it along with you.
  • 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).
  • 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 be easy / moderate.  Everyone can work on tasks that they are comfortable with, and we will have regular breaks.
  • We will be working in small groups and most people won't know each other.
  • Please note there is no public transport to Sheriffmuir Road. We encourage car sharing and will try to facilitate lifts from Bridge of Allan.
  • Parking is available at Cockburn Woods, Sheriffmuir Road, and Pendreich.
  • 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 (Community.Ranger@ed.ac.uk) if you have any questions or accessibility requirements.

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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