Friends of Beecraigs and Witchcraig
Are you interested in volunteering in Beecraigs Country Park and in Witchcraig? The Ranger Service have a list of practical outdoor tasks planned for the 'Friends' group sessions, to help to make Beecraigs and Witchcraig even better places to visit.
The Friends of Beecraigs & Witchcraig
The 'Friends' group aims to enable and encourage the local community to take an interest in Beecraigs and Witchcraig, and focuses on the upkeep, enjoyment and protection of the Park and Witchcraig woodland. In partnership with the Ranger Service, the group carry out monthly practical outdoor tasks such as vegetation control, tree care, pond work and the maintenance of waymarked and mountain bike routes.
Witchcraig Woodland
Witchcraig Woodland is located just south of Beecraigs Country Park, and is managed by Parks & Woodland following its kind donation by the previous land owner. The 8-hectare site is home to hilly woodlands and the Witchcraig Woodland & Korean War Memorial.
A new low-level path was constructed in 2022 to link the southern boundary of Beecraigs to Witchcraig, which is now enjoyed by many visitors. The Ranger Service and Friends group carry out practical tasks in Witchcraig to help with the management of the site, as part of the monthly Friends volunteer sessions.
Current opportunities
The Friends of Beecraigs and Witchcraig sessions run on the third Saturday of each month, from 10am-12pm. The tasks and locations vary each month, but will always be based in either Beecraigs or Witchcraig woodland. Tasks so far have included cutting back vegetation from path edges, removing old fence line, removing invasive plant species from Balvormie pond and path work. No experience is necessary to get involved, just enthusiasm and keen interest in the outdoors.
You may prefer to come to the Park and carry out tasks on your own or with a friend - if this is something you would be interested in then arrangements can also be made with the Ranger Service to do so.
If you would like to contribute to your local Country Park by volunteering, please contact the Ranger Service at Beecraigs Visitor Centre, or email the Ranger Service (opens new window).
West Lothian Volunteer Ranger Service
The Volunteer Ranger Service offers additional volunteering opportunities across West Lothian, with sessions running on one Thursday and one alternating Saturday/Sunday per month, from 10am-12pm. Sessions take place at locations across West Lothian, including within Beecraigs, Polkemmet and Almondell & Calderwood Country Parks, and wider greenspaces. Planned practical outdoor tasks include vegetation control, meadow management, tree management and pond work. No experience is necessary to get involved, and you do not need to attend every session.
Booking on to Volunteer Sessions
Booking for volunteer sessions (including the Friends group sessions) is done through the Ranger Service Eventbrite page. Please visit the Ranger Service page for more information on how to do this.
