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

Over the summer months we have a number of 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 local archaeologist Dr Murray Cook for this four day dig to learn more about the cultivation terraces near Logie homestead. Please note this event is being organised by Murray Cook. Please email Community Ranger (Community.Ranger@ed.ac.uk) if you are interested in taking part. You can learn more about this site in our video about the previous community dig.

Logie Homestead Archaeology Dig


Join us to monitor and maintain the newly planted apple trees, as part of Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh’s Rare Plant project. We will be clearing bracken, weeding around the trees, and checking the tubes and stakes.   

When: Saturday 21 June 2025, 9:30am-12:30pm 

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

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 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 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 working 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.
  • Volunteers need to be able to get to the meeting place for 9.30am.
  • 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.
  • 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 for our first annual meadow survey at Drumbrae on Saturday 26 July from 9.30am-3.30pm. We will be working near the Sheriffmuir Battlefield and will be carrying out two surveys:  

  • recording plant species and their abundance using quadrats.
  • measuring the height of vegetation along transects. 

 This event is suitable for people with some botany / plant identification skills. There will be an ecologist to help so you don't need to be an expert!  

Please note if the weather forecast is poor, then it may be moved to the following day Sunday 27 July.  

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

Important Information  

  • This event is suitable for people with some plant identification skills.
  • You must be 16 years old or over to volunteer.
  • Volunteers should bring drinking water and a packed lunch. You are welcome to bring any plant ID books or resources with you.
  • 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 moderate.
  • We will be walking along the road and a track to get to the survey area. The area where we will be surveying 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.
  • Volunteers need to be able to get to the meeting place, Cocksburn Woods for 9.30am. 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 

Join us to improve the well-loved path to Dumyat from Sheriffmuir Road. 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. 

When: Friday 8 and Saturday 9 August 2025, 10am-3pm

Online volunteer registration will be open from the start of July.


You can sign up to the mailing list to be kept updated by emailing Community.Ranger@ed.ac.uk. You can see photos of our past volunteer events in the Community section of our StoryMap and find more information in our news page.

StoryMap

Volunteering News

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

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