Conservation Holiday Activities

No previous experience of volunteering or conservation work is necessary to participate in our Conservation Holidays, but you do need to have a reasonable level of fitness. Each task begins with an explanation and demonstration by the leaders, who will also cover the safety aspects you will need to bear in mind. We provide volunteers with all tools and safety equipment, such as hard hats and goggles, where necessary. All the work bears directly upon some aspect of forest restoration.

Planting trees

We plant trees in areas where the forest is unlikely to be able to regenerate itself because of the remoteness of the nearest seed sources. Planting usually takes place in exclosures, that is, within fences that prevent overgrazing by sheep and deer.

Please note that not all Conservation Holidays will include tree planting.

Conservation Holiday group. Photo by Craig Dickson.

Felling non-native trees

Many sites that are now designated for Caledonian Forest restoration were formerly plantations of spruce and lodge pole pine, which spread seed and grow more quickly than Scots pine. Left to their own devices, the plantation trees out-compete the native trees and it is this regeneration that we tackle, using bow saws and loppers. We only remove smaller trees and usually avoid working in plantations. Nearly all Conservation Holidays involve some non-native tree removal. Occasionally, we remove rhododendron where this invasive non-native shrub is endangering the native vegetation.

Removing fences

Where fences are no longer needed we remove them because they are an unnatural element in the landscape and pose a serious threat to birds such as the black grouse and capercaillie, which sometimes fly into them. Fence removal is a very popular and satisfying team activity as it is easy to see how much has been achieved in such a short space of time.

Tree nursery work

Activities at our tree nursery at Dundreggan include helping to propagate trees, making compost, weeding beds and more.

Wetland restoration

We have been using recycled plastic sheeting at various sites to dam the drainage ditches which were ploughed in for commercial plantations. This work encourages bog to re-establish, which helps create new habitiat and restores lost biodiversity.

Collecting seeds and berries

We collect pine cones for their seeds in spring, while most other seeds and berries are collected in autumn. This is a leisurely activity that will take volunteers into beautiful mature forest.

Stock fencing and tree guards

Some sites we work at have resident, although controlled, deer populations. Here we put up small stock fences both to protect the planted trees and to safeguard the naturally occurring seedlings.

Surveying & monitoring

An important element of our work is monitoring various aspects of the forest habitat. This can include wildlife and vegetation surveys as well as following up on previous years’ planting projects.

Tree fertilising

As some of the land we plant on has been depleted of nutrients we supplement the planted trees with natural rock phosphate to encourage good root growth and aid the establishment of the young trees.

Speciality Weeks

As part of our commitment to volunteers we have introduced a new range of Conservation Holidays. These new and unique weeks will provide volunteers with more time to explore the forest and discuss the educational aspects of the week as well as having the opportunity to carry out practical conservation work.

Well-being Week - 15th September, Dundreggan

The Wellbeing Conservation Holiday would suit people who want to learn how to find a better balance in themselves whilst restoring the Caledonian Forest, or those interested in making a conscious connection between wellbeing and forest conservation.

It focuses on activities that will help you find a balance between your body, emotions, mind and spirit, and links you with the wellbeing of the planet. Some might call it ‘finding a sense of equilibrium whilst working and being in Nature’. Others might call it ‘holistic eco-therapy’ – nurturing your inner and outer Nature with healthy food, company and light to moderate exercise in the stunning scenery of the Scottish Highlands.

Forest Discovery Weeks - 12th May and 22nd September, Dundreggan

This week is ideal for anyone who wants to learn more about Scottish wildlife, forest ecology and ecological restoration in the Scottish Highlands, while making a practical contribution.

Half the week will be spent in and around the Caledonian Forest, discovering its plants, birds, animals and landscape. The other half will be practical work such as planting native trees, removing invasive species and biological surveying.

You will learn to identify some of the trees and other plants, recognise birds and their songs, discover the main ecological processes and see the connections between forest habitats and landscape.

You will be part of the Caledonian Forest restoration project and learn some of the practical skills involved.

We don’t aim to be able to answer every question but we will all contribute to our understanding by exploring and observing the forest itself. There will be plenty of time to appreciate the beauty of our surroundings.

We will be based in Dundreggan Lodge on the 10,000-acre Dundreggan Estate, which is owned and managed by Trees for Life. Here the forest restoration is well underway and ancient birch and pine woods, montane habitats, moors and burns invite exploration.

Previous experience or expertise is welcome but not necessary; just bring your sense of wonder.

Last updated: Friday, 20-Apr-2012 13:24:53 CEST