Working Group Member (West Lothian)

Our Working Groups help us look after our wonderful woodlands across the UK.

Carrying out a variety of practical tasks under the guidance of the Woodland Trust Site Manager, the Working Groups keep our sites and their habitats in the best condition. They keep our pathways accessible, our fencing, seats and signs in tip-top condition and help us manage the woodland in the best way for biodiversity, for trees and for people in line with our management plans.

Being part of our Woodland Working Group is a great way to learn skills and meet new people, and to keep fit in the great outdoors.

For this group we are looking for volunteers age 16 and over. Under 18th need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian who also need to be registered group members.

Our woods in West Lothian are mostly within Livingston. The woods in Livingston itself are; Eliburn Woods, Railway Wood, East Wood,Ladywell, Knightsridge, Cousland, Kirkton, Bellsquarry, Wilderness, Murieston, Deans, Dedridge and Northwood. Outside Livingston there is Blaeberry Wood, Foulshiels and Hermand Beech Wood.

The woods in and around the built-up areas of Livingston have great potential but are currently suffering from issues such as fly tipping and litter. The Working Group (WG) will work together to help clear this, reporting fly tipping as appropriate, as well as carrying out practical conservation tasks. These tasks could include removal of non-native species such as Rhododendron ponticum, repairing footpaths, minor fencing works, seed collection and tree planting. The activities will be dependent on what the sites require as well as the weather conditions and time of year.

The group meets on a variety of days and times during the week and approximately once per month.