Lothian Projects

Lowland Footpaths
Where? Broxburn
When? 26th & 27th April 2003
What's it about? To run training for volunteers and community group members in theory and practical application of lowland footpath creation and maintenance techniques.
Where's it happening? Oatridge Agricultural College, Ecclesmachan, Broxburn
What will volunteers do? Be trained in the theory and practical application of lowland footpath creation and maintenance.
What to wear/bring: Waterproof clothing, notebook and pen.
What will be provided: Tea/coffee, lunch, instruction, tools, materials, handouts related to the training
Is there wheelchair access to the site? No
Any restrictions? Age over 16 years, no pets, phone for details about special needs provision
How many NEW volunteers required? 10+
Volunteer Contact: Kate Hookham (01786 479697)
Press/Media Contact: Kate Hookham (01786 479697 (day))
Organised by: BTCV Scotland
Email: k.hookham@btcv.org.uk
REF S4

Walled Garden - Corstophine Hill
Where? Edinburgh
When? 20th April 2003
What's it about? We have restored the overgrown Hillwood Walled Garden into a Woodland Walk for the community. The aim is to allow the less physically fit to be able to appreciate the garden as a microcosm of the vegetation found on the hill and at the same time offer educational opportunities.
Where's it happening? Corstorphine Hill, Clermiston Road, Edinburgh
What will volunteers do? Clearing winter debris, weeding, planting, clearing and digging new areas, path maintenance and drainage, building compost bins, clear area for shed, painting and staining benches, litter picks. Have a pleasant day on Corstorphine Hill.
What to wear/bring: Outdoor clothing, packed lunch.
What will be provided: Tools, light refreshments (juices, water, biscuits etc.)
Is there wheelchair access to the site? Yes
Any restrictions? All welcome.
How many NEW volunteers required? as many as possible
Volunteer Contact: Leslie Foggie (0131 312 6554)
Press/Media Contact: Leslie Foggie (0131 312 6554)
Organised by: Friends of Corstophine Hill
REF S82

Birsley Brae
Where? Tranent
When? 13th April 2003
What's it about? Building paths and planting trees in the community woodland of Birsley Brae working with young people from the local community.
Where's it happening? Birsley Brae, Tranent
What will volunteers do? Carry out pathwork in the woodland by removing overhanging vegetation, weeding the path and repairing path edging and steps. Also planting deciduous trees and providing aftercare for those already planted.
What to wear/bring: Warm, waterproof clothes, hat, gloves. Walking boots or wellingtons. Lunch.
What will be provided: Transport from Edinburgh, warm drinks and biscuits. A leader, first aid, risk assessment, protective clothing, tools, materials and equipment.
Is there wheelchair access to the site? No
Any restrictions? Age range 14-25. No pets.
How many NEW volunteers required? 10+
Volunteer Contact: Penny Radway (0131 558 9571)
Press/Media Contact: Penny Radway (0131 558 9571 (day), 0131 555 5488 (eve))
Organised by: The Green Team
Email: info@greenteam.abel.co.uk
REF S26

East Lothian Woodlands Weekend
Where? Tyninghame
When? 26th-27th April 2003
What's it about? To visit two different woodlands in East Lothian, learn about the different wildlife and carry out conservation work.
Where's it happening? Binning Wood and Pishwanton Wood, Tyninghame
What will volunteers do? Clear invasive rhododendron in Binning Wood and carry out a series of conservations tasks in Pishwanton, including pond clearance, fence building and tree planting.
What to wear/bring: Warm waterproof clothes, walking boots or wellies, lunch for Saturday.
What will be provided: Transport from Edinburgh, overnight accommodation, food, a leader, risk assessment, first aid, protective clothing, tools, materials and equipment.
Is there wheelchair access to the site? No
Any restrictions? Age range 14-25. No pets.
How many NEW volunteers required?
Press/Media Contact: Penny Radway (0131 558 9571 (day), 0131 555 5488 (eve))
Organised by: The Green Team
Email: info@greenteam.abel.co.uk
REF S25

Completed Projects

Rescuing Woodlands
Where? Broxburn
When? 20th January 2003
What's it about? To run training for volunteers and community group members in practical management ideas to bring older woodlands back from a state of decay and dereliction.
Where's it happening? Oatridge Agricultural College, Ecclesmachan, Broxburn
What will volunteers do? Learn skills in woodland management and regeneration. This will include covering the theory and practical application
What to wear/bring: Waterproof clothing, notebook and writing implements
What will be provided: Tea/coffee, lunch, instruction, tools, handouts about the course
Is there wheelchair access to the site? No
Any restrictions? Age over 16 years, no pets, phone for details about special needs provision
How many NEW volunteers required? as many as possible
Volunteer Contact: Kate Hookham (01786 479697)
Press/Media Contact: Kate Hookham (01786 479697 (day))
Organised by: BTCV Scotland
Email: k.hookham@btcv.org.uk
REF S5

Hedge Management and Hedgelaying
Where? Broxburn
When? 1st & 2nd February 2003
What's it about? To train volunteers and community group members in the theory and practice of hedgerow management, including hedgelaying as a traditional craft.
Where's it happening? Oatridge Agricultural College, Ecclesmachan, Broxburn
What will volunteers do? Be trained in the craft of hedgelaying and gain the theoretical and practical application skills of hedgerow management.
What to wear/bring: Waterproof clothing, notebook and writing implements
What will be provided: Tea/coffee, lunch, handouts related to the course. Tools, heatherings and stakes, instruction
Is there wheelchair access to the site? No
Any restrictions? Age over 16 years, no pets, phone for details about special needs provision
How many NEW volunteers required? 10+
Volunteer Contact: Kate Hookham (01786 479697)
Press/Media Contact: Kate Hookham (01786 479697 (day))
Organised by: BTCV Scotland
Email: k.hookham@btcv.org.uk
REF S3

Pond Management
Where? Broxburn
When? 15th & 16th March 2003
What's it about? To run training for volunteers and community group members in practical management of pond habitats - covering creation, aftercare, plant species and design topics
Where's it happening? Oatridge Agricultural College, Ecclesmachan, Broxburn
What will volunteers do? Be trained in the management and creation of pond habitats. This will include creation, choice of species, design and aftercare.
What to wear/bring: Waterproofs, notebook and pen.
What will be provided: Tea/coffee, lunch, instruction, handouts related to the training, tools
Is there wheelchair access to the site? No
Any restrictions? Age over 16 years, no pets, phone for details about special needs provision
How many NEW volunteers required? as many as possible
Volunteer Contact: Kate Hookham (01786 479697)
Press/Media Contact: Kate Hookham (01786 479697 (day))
Organised by: BTCV Scotland
Email: k.hookham@btcv.org.uk
REF S6

Upgrade Gardening - War Memorial Gardening
Where? Cockenzie
When? Wednesday 2nd April 2003
What's it about? To generally tidy a garden surrounding the War Memorial and replace plants.
Where's it happening? War Memorial Green, Cockenzie
What will volunteers do? General gardening, digging, weeding etc.
What to wear/bring: Gloves and refreshments.
What will be provided: Tools and plants.
Is there wheelchair access to the site? Yes
Any restrictions? No.
How many NEW volunteers required? 6-12
Volunteer Contact: Marlene Love (01875 811788)
Press/Media Contact: Marlene Love (01875 811788)
Organised by: Cockenzie & Port Seton Community Council
REF S72

Newbattle Abbey
Where? Dalkeith
When? February 18th 2003
What's it about? To work with students from Jewel and Esk Valley College to improve the grounds of Newbattle Abbey
Where's it happening? Newbattle Abbey College, Newbattle Road, Eskbank, Dalkeith
What will volunteers do?
What to wear/bring:
What will be provided:
Is there wheelchair access to the site? No
Any restrictions?
How many NEW volunteers required?
Press/Media Contact: Penny Radway (0131 555 5488)
Organised by: The Green Team
Email: info@greenteam.abel.co.uk
REF S34

Water of Leith Cleanup
Where? Edinburgh
When? Tuesday 23rd January 2003
What's it about? To clear litter and rubbish from a stretch of Edinburgh's river, the Water of Leith
Where's it happening? Water of Leith Conservation Trust, 24 Lanark Road, Edinburgh
What will volunteers do? Clear litter and dumped rubbish from the river and riverside pathway
What to wear/bring: Old clothes, boots or stout shoes
What will be provided: Gloves, tabards, tools, black bags, lunch, washing facilities
Is there wheelchair access to the site? Yes
Any restrictions? Any under 12 should be accompanied
How many NEW volunteers required? 10
Volunteer Contact: Graham Priestley (0131 455 7367)
Press/Media Contact: Helen Sadler (0131 455 7367 (day), 07801 945369 (eve))
Organised by: Water of Leith Conservation Trust
Email: admin@waterofleith.demon.co.uk
REF S2

Hedgerow 2003
Where? Edinburgh
When? Wednesday 29th 2003
What's it about? To plant and maintain a hedgerow in the school wildlife garden. Only native Scottish trees and shrubs will be planted.
Where's it happening? S6 Currie High School, Dolphin Ave, Currie, Edinburgh
What will volunteers do? Dig suitable holes and plant hedge.
What to wear/bring: Suitable outdoor clothing.
What will be provided: Everything.
Is there wheelchair access to the site? Yes
Any restrictions? No
How many NEW volunteers required?
Press/Media Contact: Roley Walton (0131 449 2165)
Organised by: Currie Community High School
Email: roleywalton@blueyonder.co.uk
REF S23

Woodland Pathway Maintenance
Where? Edinburgh
When? 29th January 2003
What's it about? To maintain our woodland path (Roley's Wood). The path has a woodchip[ surface which constantly needs restoring.
Where's it happening? Currie Community High School, Dolphin Ave, Currie, Edinburgh
What will volunteers do? They will be barrowing wood chips to the path and raking to create a suitable surface.
What to wear/bring: Sensible outdoor clothing and footwear.
What will be provided: All tools, wheelbarrows and lunch.
Is there wheelchair access to the site? Partial
Any restrictions? no
How many NEW volunteers required?
Press/Media Contact: Roley Walton (0131 449 2165 (day), 01506 413926 (eve))
Organised by: Currie Community High School
Email: roleywalton@blueyonder.co.uk
REF S22

Water of Leith Bird Box Installation
Where? Edinburgh
When? Saturday 15th February 2003
What's it about? To make and install bird boxes (including a kingfisher tunnel) on the Slateford-Gorgie section of the Water of Leith
Where's it happening? Water of Leith Conservation Trust, 24 Lanark Road, Edinburgh
What will volunteers do? Assemble and erect bird boxes, including one kingfisher tunnel nest and 10+ boxes for tits/robins/owls
What to wear/bring: Old clothes, hammers
What will be provided: Work gloves, tools, ladders, lunches
Is there wheelchair access to the site? Yes
Any restrictions? Any under 12 should be accompanied by a parent
How many NEW volunteers required?
Press/Media Contact: Helen Sadler, Trust Manager (0131 455 7367 (day), 07801 945369 (eve))
Organised by: Water of Leith Conservation Trust
Email: admin@waterofleith.demon.co.uk
REF S1

Helping Holyrood Park
Where? Edinburgh
When? 23rd February 2003
What's it about? To help thin the gorse from around the newly planted trees and carry out a survey of the swans which use the 4 lochs in the park, working with local volunteers.
Where's it happening? Holyrood Park, Edinburgh
What will volunteers do? Cut and remove gorse that has grown up and swamped the young trees in the park. Also carry out a swan survey at each of the lochs in the park to record leg bands and number of swans.
What to wear/bring: Warm and waterproof clothes, boots or wellingtons, lunch.
What will be provided: Transport to site, hot drink and biscuits, tools, risk assessment, protective clothing, leaders, first aid, materials and equipment.
Is there wheelchair access to the site? No
Any restrictions? Age range 14-25. No pets.
How many NEW volunteers required? 10+
Volunteer Contact: Penny Radway (0131 558 9571)
Press/Media Contact: Penny Radway (0131 558 9571 (day), 0131 555 5488 (eve))
Organised by: The Green Team
Email: info@greenteam.abel.co.uk
REF S30

Ravelston Woods Conservation Project
Where? Edinburgh
When? 1st March 2003
What's it about? Ravelston Woods was designated a Local Nature Reserve in 2002. This project aims to encourage local school children to get involved with conservation management of site.
Where's it happening? Ravelston Wood, Ravelston Dykes, Edinburgh
What will volunteers do?
What to wear/bring:
What will be provided:
Is there wheelchair access to the site? No
Any restrictions?
How many NEW volunteers required? 5
Volunteer Contact: ()
Organised by: Edinburgh Urban Forest Project
REF S46

Meadows Yard Path Building Project
Where? Edinburgh
When? Sunday 9th March 2003
What's it about? To rebuild the path that runs through Meadows Yard.
Where's it happening? Fillyside Road, Edinburgh
What will volunteers do?
What to wear/bring:
What will be provided:
Is there wheelchair access to the site? No
Any restrictions?
How many NEW volunteers required? 15
Volunteer Contact: ()
Organised by: Edinburgh Urban Forest Project
REF S47

Path Priorities
Where? Edinburgh
When? Wednesday 19th March 2003
What's it about? There is a small community woodland in the school grounds with a path encircling it. Last year we cut back the vegetation to the original edge but this was a temporary solution. Working with other groups, we now intend to completely reconstruct the path.
Where's it happening? Community Woodland, Balerno, Edinburgh
What will volunteers do? Strip out the old path and cut back vegetation.
What to wear/bring: Old clothes appropriate to the weather, strong footwear/boots.
What will be provided: Spades, secateurs, tree loppers etc. Drinks and snacks.
Is there wheelchair access to the site? No
Any restrictions? No pets.
How many NEW volunteers required? 2-4
Volunteer Contact: Alison Nind (0131 449 2165 (day) 0131 451 5251 (eve))
Press/Media Contact: Alison Nind (0131 449 2165 (day) 0131 451 5251 (eve))
Organised by: Balerno High School
Email: alison.nind@currie.edin.sch.uk
REF S79

Sensory Garden
Where? Edinburgh
When? Saturday 22nd March 2003
What's it about? The pupils are creating a sensory garden in a courtyard enclosed within the school building. We plan to grow herbs and other aromatic plants which will be planted in segments in a hard landscaped spiral.
Where's it happening? Balerno High School, Balerno, Edinburgh
What will volunteers do?
What to wear/bring:
What will be provided:
Is there wheelchair access to the site? Yes
Any restrictions?
How many NEW volunteers required?
Organised by: Balerno High School
Email: alison.nind@currie.edin.sch.uk
REF S78

A Cleaner Braid Burn - It's In Your Hands
Where? Edinburgh
When? 22nd March 2003
What's it about? Braidburn Valley Park is a local community park serving a range of neighbourhoods in south Edinburgh. The park is bisected by the Braid Burn (river) which, unfortunately, has become unsightly and a danger to playing children and dogs, with litter. The aim of the Friends of Braidburn Valley Park community group (which has been established for nearly a year) is to ask volunteers to help clean up the burn and park. As well as increasing the amenity of the site, it is hoped that this will also raise awareness about the park, and encourage new people to use it, and to undertake further voluntary work with the Group.
Where's it happening? Braidburn Valley Park, Greenbank Crescent, Edinburgh
What will volunteers do? Help with the clean up of the burn and park.
What to wear/bring: Protective warm clothing, any refreshments.
What will be provided: Waders, heavy duty gloves, skip, yellow hats to identify the volunteer group.
Is there wheelchair access to the site? Partial
Any restrictions? As there may be glass and dangerous objects in the water, it is felt that this could be more dangerous for younger children. Therefore the event is more for adults or closely supervised children.
How many NEW volunteers required? 10
Volunteer Contact: Karen Young (0131 446 9795)
Press/Media Contact: Karen Young (0131 446 9795)
Organised by: Friends of Braidburn Valley Park
Email: rwf@young65.fsbusiness.co.uk
REF S90

Craigmillar Castle Park
Where? Edinburgh
When? 23rd March 2003
What's it about? To give some aftercare to the newly planted trees of the millennium by removing weeds, replanting guards and stakes, working with local young people.
Where's it happening? Craigmillar Castle Park, Craigmillar, Edinburgh
What will volunteers do? Check that each of the trees planted in the 'Plantathon' in 2000 is not being choked by weeds and has a guard and stake in place. Learn about the importance of aftercare for trees.
What to wear/bring: Warm and waterproof clothes, hat and gloves. Walking boots or wellies. Lunch.
What will be provided: Transport from the centre of Edinburgh, a leader, first aid, hot drink and biscuits, protective clothing, tools, materials and equipment.
Is there wheelchair access to the site? No
Any restrictions? Age range 14-25. No pets.
How many NEW volunteers required? 10+
Volunteer Contact: Penny Radway (0131 558 9571)
Press/Media Contact: Penny Radway (0131 558 9571 (day), 0131 555 5488 (eve))
Organised by: The Green Team
Email: info@greenteam.abel.co.uk
REF S28

Millennium Link Scottish Litter Challenge 2003
Where? Edinburgh
When? Saturday 22nd & Sunday 23rd March 2003
What's it about? The Challenge is run as a partnership between The Waterways Trust Scotland, Keep Scotland Beautiful and British Waterways. The aim of the Challenge is to clean up the towpaths of the entire length of the Forth & Clyde and Union canals, all the way from Tollcross in Edinburgh to the West Coast (68 miles!) with the help of 1000 plus volunteers.
Where's it happening? Edinburgh to the West Coast, Edinburgh
What will volunteers do? Clean up litter from the towpath of the canals. Volunteers will be instructed NOT to attempt to remove items of litter from the water itself.
What to wear/bring: Rainproof clothing and shoes, gloves and own refreshments although some refreshments may be provided. We are in negotiations with various parties to organise bottled water and snacks, etc.
What will be provided: Litter pick tools (tools to pick up litter without bending or touching it by hand), plastic rubbish bags, skips, free entry raffle prizes, safety instruction and equipment, on-site full-time canal staff.
Is there wheelchair access to the site? Partial
Any restrictions? 14 years plus un-accompanied are welcome. Under 14s should be accompanied with an adult/group/organisation, eg scouts, guides, etc.
How many NEW volunteers required? 1000
Volunteer Contact: Alan Forrester (07711 796310)
Press/Media Contact: Rita Crowe (0141 354 7559 (day), 07879 884811 (eve))
Organised by: The Waterways Trust Scotland
Email: litterchallenge@thewaterwaystrust.co.uk
REF S42

Info Posts
Where? Edinburgh
When? Monday 7th April 2003
What's it about? Construct small garden information posts - which would provide info re. Plants & wildlife throughout the seasons - constructed of timber/some type of protective casing - protection against the elements and vandalism.
Where's it happening? Therapy Garden, Thistle Foundation, Edinburgh
What will volunteers do? Assist with physical support - as I am a full time wheelchair user.
What to wear/bring: Outdoor clothing/footwear.
What will be provided:
Is there wheelchair access to the site? Yes
Any restrictions? No.
How many NEW volunteers required? 1-5
Volunteer Contact: Sandra Mackenzie (0131 6613366)
Press/Media Contact: Kenny Weir (07760 174767)
Organised by:
REF S92

Linlithgow Loch
Where? Linlithgow
When? 15th-16th March 2003
What's it about? To clear scrub from the woodlands around Linlithgow Loch to create better habitats for wildlife, working with local young people.
Where's it happening? Linlithgow Loch, Linlithgow
What will volunteers do? Cut and clear invasive scrub from the mixed woodland around Linlithgow Loch and discover the wildlife that lives here, especially birds overwintering on the water.
What to wear/bring: Warm and waterproof clothes, hats, gloves, walking boots or wellingtons, lunch for Saturday.
What will be provided: Transport from Edinburgh, accommodation overnight, food, tools, protective clothing, risk assessment, first aid, leader, materials and equipment.
Is there wheelchair access to the site? No
Any restrictions? Age range 14-25. No pets.
How many NEW volunteers required?
Press/Media Contact: Penny Radway (0131 558 9571 (day), 0131 555 5488 (eve))
Organised by: The Green Team
Email: info@greenteam.abel.co.uk
REF S29

Painting Railings on Seaside Walkway
Where? Port Seton
When? 3rd-6th April 2003
What's it about? To repaint the black railings on our coastal walkway.
Where's it happening? Harbour area, Port Seton
What will volunteers do? Rub down rust, undercoat and re-paint railings.
What to wear/bring: Refreshments and gloves.
What will be provided: Paint and brushes.
Is there wheelchair access to the site? Yes
Any restrictions? No.
How many NEW volunteers required? 3 or 4
Volunteer Contact: Marlene Love (01875 811788)
Press/Media Contact: Marlene Love (01875 811788)
Organised by: Cockenzie & Port Seton Community Council
REF S88

Wallyford Wee Houses Project Litter Pick
Where? Wallyford
When? Wednesday 12th March 2003
What's it about? Our project aims to promote children's awareness of their local environment, and engage them in stimulating and engaging activities which encourage cooperation.
Where's it happening? Wallyford
What will volunteers do? Litter picking.
What to wear/bring: Waterproofs/outdoor clothing.
What will be provided: Gloves, bags.
Is there wheelchair access to the site? Yes
Any restrictions? No pets allowed in community centre.
How many NEW volunteers required? 5
Volunteer Contact: ()
Press/Media Contact: pamela Martin (0131 653 2804)
Organised by: Wallyford Community Centre
REF S74

Projects led by young people aged 16-25