Do you want to transform local green spaces for the environment, wildlife and your local community? The gardening and environmental conservation activities of TCV’s Green Gym at Kinneil Estate in Bo’ness provides the added extra of improving your own health, fitness and wellbeing. Following the appointment of a new project officer, The Conservation Volunteers (TCV) for Scotland are resuming their Green Gym sessions at Kinneil Estate on Thursday mornings between 10am and 1pm. The sessions are open to all volunteers from the community. These sessions are weekly and up to three hours in length. Volunteers can join in any session, or multiple sessions, with a variety of tasks, including: planting trees, growing food, creating wildflower meadows, digging ponds, managing woodland, making pathways and so much more – all with the guidance of your local TCV team. Get fresh air and exercise, and meet new people – come along, and get involved. Attend as few or as many sessions as you feel able to manage. To join in as a volunteer, get in touch with project officer Krissy Stevenson, at krissy.stevenson@tcv.org.uk or on 07825 056572.

The Museum of Scottish Railways at the Bo’ness and Kinneil Railway explores the past, present and future of Scotland’s railways and is recognised as being of national significance through the Scottish Government Recognition Scheme. Please visit our new website for further information at: https://museumofscottishrailways.org.uk/. As we prepare for another busy season, the museum is currently looking for volunteers to assist with exhibitions, curating, maintaining and documenting the museum collection and welcoming visitors to Scotland’s largest railway museum. The role is suitable for anyone interested in heritage, museum studies, the railway, and more! If you are interested, then please reach out.

The Newtown Park Association are the non-profit owners and custodians of Newtown Park Stadium, on behalf of the people of Bo'ness. The NPA took over Newton Park in 2012, with the view of creating a community facility for the people of Bo'ness and the surrounding area. Since then, the NPA has ensured that Newtown Park is complete with a modern all weather playing surface that is open to the community seven days a week, with a footfall of 2000 children and adults and an average usage of 50 hours weekly. To keep this space open to the community, the maintenance, repairs and running of Newton Park is run by volunteers. Do you think you could help us maintain this popular space? We are looking for people to contribute a little of their time to help us undertake the tasks that are essential to keeping Newton Park open and functional, including: - Using our small tractor to maintain the synthetic pitch - Litter picking after matches - Painting - Weed killing - Open/closing of the grounds - General maintenance Anyone, young or old, can help out and the time commitment is flexible to suit you. If you are interested, please get in touch via the link, or email: bobsnedden@btinternet.com

https://volunteer.rspb.org.uk/opportunities/32999-biosecurity-team-leader-shetland-2022-05-26 An exciting opportunity to lead our Biosecurity Team, making a direct impact for nature. The Incursion Response Team are responsible for protecting our most important seabird islands by reacting to, and removing, reported invasion of species. You will be completing regular training ‘drills’ on Rapid Incursion Response Methods as well as Rodenticide training to maintain your skills. You will be deployed at short notice on islands where an incursion has occurred to survey the land, collect data and manage the incursion appropriately. You will be working alongside RSPB staff and leading volunteers as a team leader, as well as working with the island communities. By being part of this vital team you will be helping to save some of our most iconic seabirds including Storm petrels and Puffins in some of the most spectacular locations in the UK. You will gain valuable experience and high-level training in implementation of incursion response measures in the event of rats being detected on the islands. You will meet and work with other passionate volunteers and staff that are experts in the biosecurity field and have deep knowledge of sea birds.

Environmental project to increase year-round clearing of bruk in local verges and beaches.

The Shetland Conservation Volunteers is a RSPB run team of enthusiastic volunteers who deliver practical conservation work in Shetland for environmental and community benefit. An ongoing programme of activities will be proposed, with an aim of a day of action every month in spring and summer. Tasks could include infrastructure maintenance at RSPB reserves and providing help to local projects such as weeding, pruning and planting in community gardens. There is no minimum commitment, volunteers can take part in one or more projects. This is an opportunity to learn and share skills, join a friendly team and actively contribute to protecting Shetland's environment. This opportunity is seasonal and will be dependent on guidance around COVID-19 for 2020/2021

https://volunteer.rspb.org.uk/opportunities/32994-biosecurity-team-member-shetland-2022-05-26 An exciting opportunity to join our Biosecurity Team, making a direct impact for nature. The Incursion Response Team are responsible for protecting our most important seabird islands by reacting to, and removing, reported invasion of species. You will gain valuable experience and training in implementation of incursion response measures in the event of rats being detected on the islands. There is also the possibility of assisting with some routine surveillance checks on the islands as well. You will be working alongside other volunteers and RSPB staff as a team and working with the island communities. By being part of this vital team you will be helping to save some of our most iconic seabirds including Storm petrels and Puffins in some of the most spectacular locations in the UK. You will gain valuable experience and high-level training in implementation of incursion response measures in the event of rats being detected on the islands. You will meet and work with other passionate volunteers and staff that are experts in the biosecurity field and have deep knowledge of sea birds.

Muscular Dystrophy UK (MDUK) is the only charity in the UK that provides vital support to the more than 60 types of muscle-wasting conditions. With 110,000 children and adults affected by this life-limiting condition, it is essential to raise awareness with fundraising groups being a key representative in the community. Are you passionate Gardening or have horticultural knowledge? In this role of Community Gardens Ambassador, you'll play a key part in helping to find gardens to open in your local area. You will be a key ambassador for the charity and a link to the gardens. Relevant guidance and excellent support is provided to all volunteers. Includes volunteer induction, relevant training to give confidence in presenting on behalf of Muscular Dystrophy UK. All help makes a real difference and is greatly appreciated. For more information please contact Jodie Whitham, Regional Development Manager at email j.whitham@musculardystrophyuk.org or telephone 07771374839.

We are looking for volunteers to be involved in gardening at our garden at Seaview Children’s Unit. Seaview is a residential and respite centre for children and young people with severe needs. Volunteers will work with the gardener to maintain and develop the garden doing weeding, watering, planting, propagation and creative projects. The garden offers a therapeutic space for the children and young people, staff, parents and visitors to Seaview. Gardening experience is not required.

The Stornoway Trust is committed to the development and conservation of the Castle Grounds. The principle asset for achieving this is our tree and plant nursery located near Marybank within the Grounds. The work is rewarding but also labour intensive, we are looking for a committed volunteer to help us achieve our goals. The purpose of the role is to assist the Nursery Coordinator in a variety of tasks, working alongside other volunteers and the Garden Team. Tasks will involve potting up seedlings, propagation, organising plant stock, watering, weeding seedling beds, and seed collecting (to name just a few). Volunteer benefits - • Working with nature • Conserving the Castle Grounds • Learning lots of new skills • Working in the fresh air • Physical activity (get those steps up) • Friendly, knowledgeable team