Carrifran Wildwood
Volunteers at Carrifran
Until the purchase of Carrifran on Millennium Day the project had been run almost entirely by volunteers, who did all the planning and fundraising, though with accountancy support from the Borders Forest Trust office. Since that time the professional Project Officer has played a key role. However, volunteers are still involved in all aspects of the project, including planning, fundraising, publicity, seed collection, planting, checking of fences and other site work.
Volunteers have planted some 50,000 trees at Carrifran, about one tenth of the total, and volunteer work on site amounts to about 400 person-days per year. It is done behind computers and in meetings, on monthly planting days and increasingly by a small group of regular volunteers who work with the Project Officer on Tuesdays throughout the year. New recruits to this latter group are warmly welcomed.
We have now reduced the number of weekend volunteer days and are focusing the effort mainly on weekends when an organised group is coming and when we can also welcome and provide support for individuals and families.
Volunteer Calendar
Autumn 2010
Sunday 21st November
Spring 2011
Sunday 20th March
Sunday 17th April
Please note:
Some tools will be provided, but bring your favourite spade if convenient. Some of the planting is on steep rocky slopes and may involve a substantial walk and burn crossings, but there are always other things to do closer to the road.
Remember to come in appropriate wet weather/fleeced clothing and bring a pair of heavy waterproof gardening gloves to protect your hands. A pair of jeans and a t-shirt are definitely not sufficient for your comfort or safety!
We also strongly advise walking boots as parts of the site are very slippery. Finally, remember to bring your lunch and a drink.
Meet at 10 am at the Carrifran car park (grid reference NT 159115) on the A708 Moffat to Selkirk road. For more information email the volunteer co-ordinator George Moffat on george@bordersforesttrust.org
Tuesday volunteering occurs almost every week, meeting at 10 am at the car park. Contact the Project Officer George Moffat on 01835 830750 or george@bordersforesttrust.org
