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.

Upcoming opportunities

In 2025, we will have volunteering opportunities at Drumbrae. Check out the current opportunities below, it's a great opportunity to get involved, learn new skills, meet new people and help nature.

Join our Community Ranger to plant trees near Cocksburn Reservoir, at Drumbrae. We will be planting crab apple trees as part of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh’s Scottish Plant Recovery project. 

You will help prepare the ground for planting, plant trees and make sure all trees are recorded so we can monitor them over the years

When: Monday 7 April 2025, 10am-1pm

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

Please note that registration for this event is now closed. The event is fully booked and we have a waiting list in case of any cancellations. 

Important Information 

  • 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 8 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 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 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 that photography and/or videography may be taking place 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.
  • We will be walking along the Cocksburn reservoir path from Sheriffmuir Road.
  • The area where we will be planting trees will be grassy, the ground is uneven and on a slope.
  • We will be working in small groups and most people won't know each other.
  • Parking is available on Sheriffmuir Road and Pendreich car park.
  • Volunteers need to be able to get to the meeting place for 10am.
  • A google pin to the meeting point is here: https://maps.app.goo.gl/yfqMVoa3zgW6iMw69
  • Please note there is no public transport to Sheriffmuir Road. Parking is available on Sheriffmuir Road and Pendreich car park.
  • There are no toilets on site. The closest public toilets are in Bridge of Allan.
  • Please get in touch with the Community Ranger if you have any questions or accessibility requirements: Community.Ranger@ed.ac.uk

 

Other volunteering opportunities

  • In March, students from the Wildlife and Ornithological societies will be planting two important local plants, sticky catch fly and common rock-rose in partnership with the local Scottish Wildlife Trust group.
  • In April, students from the Dirty Weekenders will be visiting Drumbrae to plant apple trees as part of a project with the Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh.
  • Throughout summer there will also be more public path maintenance days working on the Dumyat core path. 

For more information about volunteering with the Forest and Peatland programme take a look at our Volunteer Handbook below.

Volunteering on Dumyat Hill 2024
Volunteering on Dumyat Hill 2024

What happened in 2024

During June and July 2024 we ran a number of volunteer days working on the main path at Dumyat hill. This popular path is enjoyed by over 50,000 people each year, and was in need of some maintenance.

Equipped with spades and mattocks, local residents, members of the public, and University staff and alumni came together to participate.

Over the four sessions we rebuilt a collapsed section of a dry stone wall, cleared drainage ditches, and reinstated water bars in an effort to keep water off the path to prevent further erosion. You can see photos of our volunteer days in the Community section of our Storymap. 

Drumbrae Storymap


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