The aim of this project is to bring people together of all ages to grow and share the harvest from our community garden. Crops harvested from the garden will be used to create simple healthy meals or snacks, and feed the community. Tasks involved are basic gardening tasks (no prior knowledge needed), planting seeds, potting up, weeding, watering and harvesting of the crops. For the more experienced gardeners propagation and pruning techniques will be taught, and effort will be made to upskill as you need.

Volunteer Gardeners are needed to prepare the garden areas at Midlothian Community Hospital for the delivery of a rejuvenation project led by the NHS Lothian Charity. You would also support the development and ongoing maintenance of the garden areas for the benefit of patients, staff, and visitors. Tasks would include: weeding, trimming, pruning, and clearing out of dead plants; preparing soil for Spring plantings; maintaining garden equipment and storage areas; and taking part in group gardening activities as arranged. When the gardens are in good order, there will also be the opportunity to offer patients the opportunity to sit in or take walks in the gardens. Volunteer Gardeners will be managed by a Voluntary Services Manager, but also take directions from a Garden Designer and the Arts & Greenspace Manager from the NHS Lothian Charity.

Youth Panel Volunteer Do you care about your local wildlife and want to inspire others to take action? We’re looking for young people aged 16-25 from across the Species on the Edge project areas to join our Leading Edge Youth Panel. With your creativity and innovative voice, you’ll work alongside the wider Species on the Edge team to drive forward our engagement work across the programme. Why we want your help? Species on the Edge is a partnership of NatureScot and seven conservation charities dedicated to improving the future of 37 of the rarest and most threatened species on Scotland’s coasts and islands. We know we can’t do this alone, and people are the heart of this programme. We want to include everyone in the fight to save nature and we need the knowledge, experiences, and innovation that the youth voice can bring. How can you help us? You’ll meet the other panel members through virtual online meetings, with a chance to join a spring residential. You’ll be supported in the development of your own local projects to help more young people to connect to nature. The skills we need: • An interest in Scotland wildlife. • Good listening and communication skills. • Commitment to support the needs of diverse communities and a commitment to equality of opportunity. • Willingness to learn new skills. • Commitment to join at least 4 virtual meetings a year and a spring residential, dates to be planned with the panel members. • Commitment to planning your own connection to nature project, with budget and staff support from the Species on the Edge team. What will you gain from this experience? This role offers a fantastic opportunity to develop your volunteering in the conservation sector. This role offers you: • Chance to meet new people and learn from people’s expertise within the conservation sector. • Opportunity to develop your own project to support other young people to connect with nature. • Opportunities for training to support your personal development. The programme will cover all travel, accommodation and reasonable expenses associated with the Leading Edge Youth Panel. The programme seeks to remove barriers to participation, and you are encouraged to inform us of any additional requirements when you apply.

An exciting opportunity to join the Under the Trees team, working in the great and beautiful outdoors whilst gaining valuable experience working with young children and young adults. You will potentially be working in all weathers and in all seasons - we can provide waterproofs! Under the Trees runs fun and educational sessions for school children in the Falkirk and Stirling areas, as well as a programme of public events for all ages, backgrounds and abilities. Events run all year round. As a Volunteer Education Assistant, there will be opportunities for you to do a range of the following: - Assist with Educational Sessions for school groups, including term-time forest schools. - Assist with sessions for the general public, including a monthly nature club for ages 0-13. - Assist with holiday play sessions and family events. - Plan and lead in activities. - Maintain resources effectively. - Keep session areas safe and tidy. - Desk-based activities in planning, creating materials and administration.