TCV

Connecting people and green spaces

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Drystone Wall Restoration

An activity with Biodiversity Action Team

Activity date: Thursday 3rd July 2025

Start time: 10:00
Finish time: 14:00

Activity description

🌿 Volunteer with TCV: Drystone Wall Restoration at Harlaw Reservoir Who We Are We’re The Conservation Volunteers (TCV), and we connect people with green spaces to create healthier, happier communities. In Edinburgh, we run the Biodiversity Action Team (EBAT)—a local initiative where we take hands-on action to protect and enhance nature across the city. Whether it’s planting wildflowers, restoring habitats, or building homes for wildlife, we’re working together to make Edinburgh greener and more biodiverse. About the Project Join us at Harlaw Reservoir in the beautiful Pentland Hills for a rewarding day of drystone wall restoration. These traditional walls are more than just historic features—they’re vital habitats for mosses, lichens, insects, and small mammals. By repairing them, we’re helping to preserve cultural heritage while boosting biodiversity and ecological connectivity. This project supports the goals of the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy, which aims to halt biodiversity loss and build nature-rich, climate-resilient landscapes. It also contributes to the Edinburgh Nature Network, a city-wide effort to connect and enhance green spaces for people and wildlife. Why Get Involved? 🌱 Make a real impact on local biodiversity 🛠️ Learn traditional conservation skills 🌤️ Enjoy the outdoors and meet like-minded people 🙌 No experience needed—just bring your enthusiasm!

Meeting place

Edinburgh Office: Unit 09, West Gorgie Parks, EH14 1UT Pick up/Drop off. Onsite meeting: Harlaw Reservoir Carpark, What3word reference: ///effort.skinny.yarn

what3words meeting point: ///data.scarf.yard

Activity location

Harlaw, Harlaw Rd, Balerno EH14 7AS, EH14 7AS

Site description

Harlaw reservoir is an entry point to the Pentland hills, there are several walking routes connecting neighbouring reservoirs and the different rural towns and villages. There are small pockets of woodland around the reservoir and a series of drystone walls in a moderate state, though gaps are forming and repairs have been limited.

Contact

Josef William Williams

Telephone: 07483050773
Email: josef.williams@tcv.org.uk
Website: https://www.tcv.org.uk/scotland/

Please bring

  • packed lunch
  • suitable outdoor clothes
  • suitable outdoor footwear

Further info

For more information on transport links or the content of the days activity and suitability for individuals please get in contact. TCV aim to make all our activities accessible where practicable.

Site Facilities

  • Disabled Access
  • Parking
  • Picnic Area
  • Toilets
  • Nearest Toilets - Portaloo onsite

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