Cammo LNR – Woodland Edge Habitat Management

An activity with Biodiversity Action Team

Activity date: Wednesday 29th October 2025

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

Activity description

Join TCV at Cammo Local Nature Reserve to restore and maintain valuable woodland edge habitat. Historically, this area supported species-rich grassland, but scrub species such as raspberries, rosebay willowherb, and bindweed are now outcompeting native plants and reducing biodiversity. We’ll: Cut back invasive scrub using scythes and brushcutters Manage Rhododendron and prepare cleared areas for native tree planting Create dead hedges and habitat structures from cut material to provide shelter for wildlife Why This Matters Maintaining Woodland Edge Habitat Woodland edges are biodiversity hotspots, offering a transition zone between open grassland and dense woodland. This mosaic supports pollinators, birds, small mammals, and a wide range of plants. Without management, aggressive scrub species dominate, shading out wildflowers and reducing structural diversity. Active intervention helps preserve these rich ecological niches. Why Remove Rhododendron? Rhododendron is an invasive non-native species that forms dense thickets, blocks light, and acidifies soil, making it unsuitable for many native plants. It also harbors pathogens like Phytophthora, which threaten other species. Removing Rhododendron is essential to restore natural regeneration and allow native trees and shrubs to thrive.

Meeting place

Location Cammo Local Nature Reserve, Edinburgh Note that the best way to find our locations is through what3words, countryside car parks and within nature reserves don't have post codes!

what3words meeting point: ///angle.sheets.grows

Activity location

Cammo Estate, Cammo Visitor Centre, 46 - 53 Cammo Road, EH4 8AP

Site description

The Cammo Estate is an 85 acre public park run by the City of Edinburgh council. It's a quiet spot with meadows, dykes, and mature, open woodland, situated in the Barnton area on the North West edge of Edinburgh. Forming part of the city green belt, it is bounded by the River Almond, Turnhouse Golf Course and residential suburbs. br> br>You may have passed this former aristocratic pleasure ground when arriving or leaving Edinburgh by car along the A902. From the road, you can see what looks like a folly, a small tower, surrounded by greenery. This is the old water tower, part of the original estate. In the eighteenth century, the estate had large avenues of plantings and elaborate garden features that were popular at the time including a rectangular waterbody known as "the canal". br> br>In the twentieth century, the estate fell into disrepair and a much smaller remaining parcel of land and ruins was bequeathed to the National Trust for Scotland in 1975, who feued it to the Council in 1979. br> br>Tasks may include dead hedging, invasive removal or wildflower sowing.

Contact

Josef 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

Daily Schedule New Volunteer: 10:30 am – 12:00 pm Get hands-on, learn about what we do, and meet the group before joining full sessions. Regular Volunteering Session: 10:00 am – 2:00 pm (unless otherwise stated) What We Provide All tools, gloves, and safety equipment Guidance and training from experienced leaders What to Bring Sturdy footwear and weather-appropriate clothing Packed lunch and water

Site Facilities

• Cafe
• Parking
• Picnic Area
• Toilets
• Disabled Toilets
• Nearest Toilets - Cammo Visitor Centre

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