Volunteering in the Queen Elizabeth Forest Park

Ben Ledi

As part of the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park (LLTNP) Europarc Junior ranger programme, some pupils from McLaren High school joined Forest Enterprise Scotland staff at Cowal and Trossachs Forest District to carry out path maintenance; clearing out stone cross drains and cutting back encroaching vegetation from the sides of the Ben Ledi hill path. The day was organised by Rosie Winch, the Activity Project Officer for the Mountains & the People project. There were also representatives from the LLTTNP, Lomond Mountain rescue team and McLaren High school.

The day’s activities were linked to the Mountains & the People volunteering and education programme that will be operating over the next four years to provide training for young people in conjunction with schools and local communities to preserve and protect some of Scotland’s most outstanding natural landscapes.

If you enjoy getting out into the Mountains then why not give something back.

A range of volunteer work parties will be developed to support hill access. The first of these has already taken place with adult volunteers taking up where the pupils left off to complete the drain clearance at Ben Ledi. Activities will range from basic path and vegetation maintenance to more advanced technical path construction. Where necessary they will be assisted by a technical specialist and include building new features such as cross drains and stone pitching.

Loch Katrine

Volunteers from the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park and the Mountains & the People project joined Forest Enterprise Scotland staff to carry out improving way marking and essential trail repairs at Loch Katrine, braving downpours and midges but still having fun, satisfied with a job well done.  Further partnership volunteer days are planned over the coming months.

The Lodge Forest Visitor Centre, Aberfoyle

If you’re looking for new skills and experience, how about volunteering at your local forest Visitor Centre?

At the Lodge Forest Visitor Centre, Aberfoyle, we are looking to add to our growing team of volunteers to help support the visitor experience by talking to visitors, providing information on trails and wildlife, ensuring facilities are clean and litter free, helping out at events and assisting with monitoring the site and car park.

Get in touch and see what volunteer opportunities we have for you.

For an application pack please contact:

Nik Harris, Visitor Services Supervisor, Forestry Commission Scotland, Cowal & Trossachs Forest District, Aberfoyle, FK8 3UX.  Email: nik.harris@forestry.gsi.gov.uk