Castlebank Horticultural Centre sits within the historic Castlebank Park, on the banks of the Clyde in Lanark. We are looking for an enthusiastic individual to facilitate our plant propagation activities to provide our gardens with healthy, pesticide free, organically grown plants and seedlings. Castlebank propagation volunteers are supported by a dedicated team of staff and volunteers. Together we propagate and grow a wide range of heirloom vegetables, herbs, rare edible plants, herbaceous perennials, alpines, succulents, trees and shrubs for education and the restoration of historic Castlebank Park. This volunteer position would be ideal for a person looking to gain valuable experience prior to entering a career in horticulture, or for an experienced gardener looking to use their skills to help out in the community. Specific tasks and duties: • Propagating by seed, cuttings, division and transplanting • Watering, fertilising, weeding and plant detailing • Labelling plants for sale • Helping to maintain infrastructure and propagation surrounds Additional Benefits * Learn how to grow a wide range of edible and ornamental plants from seed or cuttings * Meet and work with a social, friendly team with an opportunity to connect with both the Castlebank community and like-minded people * Working outdoors * Access to excess plant stock that we cannot sell to take home and plant in your garden * Attend horticultural and environmental workshops at Castlebank as part of ongoing training  * Gain horticultural/industry experience * Industry placement reference * When we have time we’re happy to give free gardening advice

Do you enjoy meeting new people and are interested in protecting Orkney’s wildlife? Becoming a Little Tern Volunteer could be the role for you! Our Orkney team are looking for volunteers to be a regular presence to talk to visitors at Barrier 4 beach in Burray in May and June to raise awareness of nesting little terns. Why we need you: 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. Orkney is one of seven Species on the Edge project areas, and the team are working to protect nine target species across the county: Great yellow bumblebee; curlew; lapwing; Arctic tern; little tern; plantain leaf beetle; common pipistrelle bat; oysterplant; and Scottish primrose. These species are all struggling and in decline and our islands are some of their last strongholds. The beach at Barrier 4 provides a vital feeding and nesting habitat for Orkney’s little terns and is the UK’s most northerly little tern colony. The colony has been successfully expanding over recent years helped by RSPB Scotland’s annual Little Tern Schools Project in collaboration with Burray Primary and Hope Primary schools. This year we want to increase protection of this little tern site to help us talk to beach users about these special birds and how to access the beach responsibly to minimise wildlife disturbance. Each spring, the Orkney RSPB team erect signage and marker posts around the colony to explain how the public can help the terns by staying out of their nesting area. Unfortunately, incidents of human, dog and predator disturbance (crows, gulls, skuas and birds of prey) do take place and we want to reduce this by providing more of a regular presence at the beach to monitor this and engage with visitors more. This is a fantastic opportunity to increase understanding and appreciation of the little terns, as well as other beach-nesting species such as ringed plover which also breed on the site and are vulnerable to disturbance.   What you will do: • Help the Orkney RSPB team to erect fencing and signage at Barrier 4 beach in April • Helping the RSPB Learning Officer with school beach cleans and educational visits which may include making and putting out tern decoys and chick shelters • Be on a volunteer watch rota in May and June as a regular presence at the beach • Welcome and talk to visitors about the little terns and other Orkney wildlife • Promote responsible access and visitor use and enjoyment of Orkney coastal environments • Keep notes of numbers of little terns and any human or predator disturbance seen • Check tern signage and fencing is intact, and safely remove beach litter where possible What will you gain from the experience? • Opportunities to meet new people and volunteer with others in a group • A chance to see and learn more about Orkney's important wildlife • Developing your skills in communication and community engagement • Experience of working within the conservation sector connecting people to nature in Orkney • Training and support and being part of the friendly Orkney team • Being part of the Species on the Edge programme making a difference for species, nature, and the environment.

Who can resist the chance to help restore a 'lost' 15th century walled garden here in Edinburgh? Or to get fit without paying gym costs? We are keen to recruit volunteers for a wide variety of gardening tasks. You don't have to have specific gardening skills – enthusiasm counts. A wide variety of activities are involved in the restoration project – digging, clearing, weeding, planting, general repair and maintenance of sheds, greeting, helping with planning, harvesting seasonal produce being some of them.

No matter how good our services are, we can't properly support our users/community well if we don't have skilled people in the team. If this sounds like you?... we would love you to consider volunteering with us for a few hours per week. Tullochan Training Academy gives young people the opportunity to learn from more experienced people to develop their own gardening and landscaping skills and put them to some good use. Tullochan Training Academy need volunteers who are keen to undertake a level of garden maintenance including weeding, mulching, edging,raking, digging over ground, staking and tying in plants, pruning plants, dead heading, preparation of flower beds, tidying and path maintenance in addition to Seasonal maintenance, composting, bed renovation and development of grounds, clearing overgrown areas, training will be provided. The gardening project is designed to support local charities and businesses in keeping their greenspace/grounds clean and tidy so that we can create better public or private spaces for the benefit of the local community. We will provide volunteers with an induction, including health and safety procedures. Specific horticultural skills will be developed whilst on the job. So, whether you are looking to use your time well, update your skills or have the chance to do something a bit new, we would love to hear from you. In return, we can offer you a warm welcome and all of the support and help you could need. We are seeing a rise in demand for our services, everyday. Having your help will allow us to be there for the people who need us. Any time you can give will make a real difference.

Volunteers Needed! Are you interested in gardening? Do you find joy in cooking? Are you someone who thrives on meeting new people and building connections? If any of these resonate with you, then you might be the ideal candidate we're searching for! Take a look at our range of volunteer positions to discover the perfect match for you! EVENT MANAGEMENT VOLUNTEERS Are you interested in helping to run seasonal events in our gardens like Seed Shares, Herbal Workshops and Harvest Gatherings? From putting up posters to being there to be a helping hand on the day, there is always plenty to do. LEAD VOLUNTEERS Are you ready to take on a more challenging and responsible volunteer role? It you're seeking greater responsibility and a chance to make a difference, then we have the perfect opportunity for you. We are currently looking for lead volunteers who can supervise gardening sessions outside our regular schedule, take charge of watering plants, and represent our organisation at various events throughout the year. This role offers you the chance to expand your skillset and gain valuable work experience. As a lead volunteer, you will have the opportunity to develop leadership and coordination skills while making a lasting impact on our community. In return for your dedication, we offer additional training opportunities to enhance your abilities and broaden your knowledge. This is your chance to grow both personally and professionally. GARDEN VOLUNTEERS If you enjoy spending time outdoors, meeting new people with similar interests, and have a passion for sustainable growing, then we have the perfect volunteering opportunity for you! Join us at one of our Community Food Gardens, where we cultivate food using sustainable practices inspired by permaculture and food forests. We have gardens in Kelso, Duns, Eyemouth, Hawick, Foulden, and Ayton! We are seeking dedicated individuals like you to help us establish and maintain this garden, transforming it into a vibrant community space. Not only will you contribute to a greener future, but you'll also have the chance to take home some treats as a token of our appreciation. COOKING VOLUNTEERS Are you a culinary enthusiast, whether you're a one-pot wonder or a gourmet chef? We have an exciting volunteer opportunity for individuals with a passion for cooking! At our organisation, we host two types of social food events that you can be a part of: ● Social Lunches and Community Food Events: As a volunteer, you would assist our staff in preparing delicious meals and ensuring everyone has a great time during our social lunches and other community food events. Your presence and culinary skills will help create a welcoming and enjoyable atmosphere. ● Cooking Skills Classes: We also conduct cooking skills classes where participants can learn to cook using the food we grow in our community gardens. Your role would involve supporting and supervising participants as they explore new recipes and techniques. Rest assured, there will always be a trained staff member available to assist you. This volunteer opportunity not only allows you to share your love for cooking but also contributes to building a stronger and more connected community. Whether you have a knack for simple dishes or you're a master of gourmet cuisine, your skills and enthusiasm will be highly valued.

Your assistance will be required both during the day with a strong presence on hand when the festival is live to assist with information and assistance to ensure correct disposal of waste from bars, caterers, etc. Please note that though this team is rotated during the festival, all volunteers will be required at the end of Saturday night for a final clear up. If you are available. Some help would also be useful earlier in the week to ensure that disposal areas are properly labelled and in the correct place. Or if you can help during the clear up the following week you will earn our eternal gratitude!

Interested in inspiring young people in the STEM subjects? Join a national network of 32,000 STEM Ambassadors in the UK and 5,000 in Scotland! STEM Ambassadors volunteer to inspire the next generation and help young people to develop the skills, confidence and mindset to build successful futures in STEM. You can volunteer as a STEM Ambassador to give career talks, run STEM clubs, provide advice on STEM subjects, run STEM workshops, help young people with STEM competitions - anything really which will ignite their imagination. STEM Ambassadors can find their own opportunities to volunteer or can search the STEM Ambassador digital platform for both face to face and online requests placed by teachers and community groups. The platform will connect you with the teacher/community group making the request and you can message to arrange the activity. All of your volunteering can be recorded on the platform to build a detailed summary of what you have been involved with. All STEM Ambassadors undergo a PVG Disclosure check and undertake online induction training before being authorised to work with young people. The programme is funded through the UK Government, with SSERC being the local Scottish delivery partner. SSERC will provide you with regular updates, training sessions and networking opportunities to keep your knowledge up to date and relevant for working in schools and community groups.

DIYer. Are a keen DIYer who wants to keep your hand in and pass on your knowledge and skills to young people? then why not join our Volunteer team? We only need a few hours a week to help with the odd jobs and repairs that need done each week following a busy week. It can be small things like putting blinds and noticeboards indoors to repairing decking or fencing outdoors. This opportunity may suit someone who is retired or semi-retired. We will provide induction and health and safety training, volunteer expenses and the opportunity to meet other people as well as make a difference to the work of our charity and support the vulnerable children and other charities who use Wiston Lodge.

The Transform Gardening Project is a supported volunteering opportunity for young people aged 15 to 24 who would like to volunteer in a gardening or landscaping capacity. If you would like to volunteer in the community garden you will need to complete an application form, which involves agreeing to our terms and conditions. Once we receive this you will be invited to come along to the garden, meet the coordinator and take part in induction training. The garden is open on Thursdays from 1.00 p.m. - 3.00 p.m. we expect a minimum commitment of one hour, anything more is up to you! There will always be a garden coordinator on hand to offer support and guidance. Training We want all of our volunteers to feel safe and supported while they garden with us. Before volunteering you will join the garden coordinator for a garden tour and safety talk that covers what we expect from volunteers, our guidelines as well as safe gardening practises. Once you have been through induction training, we will get you started in the garden. Here is some of the work you may find yourself doing Planning - You will be helping us plan gardening sessions and learning about what is planted throughout the seasons. Sharing - It’s not just all about gardening, we will share in lots of other outdoor activities, like the big garden bird watch with the RSPB and the big butterfly count. Tending - This includes, planting, pruning, watering, weeding, mowing, composting, feeding, harvesting. Trying - You will be able to taste and try lots of what we grow and learn lots of new skills. Making - We like to encourage lots of wildlife to the garden so you might find yourself making a bug hotel or birdbox. Mending - There’s a lot more than plants in the garden to look after, we need to maintain, fix and paint fences, planters and raised beds. Learning - Not only will you learn lots of new gardening skills, previous volunteers have found they have increased their confidence, their communication and team working skills, they have also learned how to plan and problem solve. This has helped young people apply for jobs, given them something interesting to write about on their CV and talk about in interviews. Interested? Please get in touch with carey@volunteermidlothian.org.uk for further information and an application form.

Learn about how monitoring Riverfly can tell you about the health of your local river. Riverfly on the Esk is a citizen science group that have been monitoring the health of the Lothian Esk for over 3.5 years. Made up of trained citizen scientists from the local community we survey and monitor the Riverfly that inhabit the waters from the source to the sea. Presence or absence of these invertebrates can tell us a lot about the health of the river. By joining our local citizen science trained volunteers for a survey we will show you how to take a sample, identify the sensitive groups. You will learn about the river ecosystem and how important it is to look after it.