23 Jul New Path Maintenance Volunteer days announced & new user friendly OATS Volunteer Portal launched

We have some great news, actually two pieces of great news! Our August, September and October 2024 Path Maintenance Volunteer (PMV) programme dates have been scheduled – See the list of dates and upland path locations below.

We encourage our registered volunteers to sign up as soon as possible to avoid disappointment, and we urge all mountain path users keen to give something back to the trails they enjoy to try path maintenance volunteering.

We are also delighted to announce the launch of our new online PMV programme portal making it easier for you to register as an OATS Volunteer and select and book yourself onto the scheduled days that work for you. We can also coordinate the volunteer days more effectively and efficiently with this portal.

Please head to the new OATS Path Maintenance Volunteer Portal

(and bookmark for future reference)

https://volunteers.outdooraccesstrustforscotland.org.uk/ 

From the home page, you can first register as an OATS volunteer and view all available volunteer dates and upland path locations. Once registered, and you have set up a login and password, you can sign up for the events you want to join.

The additional benefits of the new online booking system:

• If the day you want to join is fully booked, you can add yourself to the reserve list and you will be notified in good time if a space becomes available.
• If you can’t attend a day you have booked and know in good time, you can remove yourself from the list. The volunteer who is first on the reserve list for that day will automatically fill the space. That person will be notified by e-mail.

We apologise to those already registered as OATS’ PMVs on our old manual paper system. You will need to register again online. However, by registering online you will be able to book your dates much more easily and we will be able to communicate with you much more efficiently making your whole volunteering experience a lot more enjoyable.

Path Maintenance Volunteer Dates 2024

August 2024:
Monday 05 – Mayar (Glen Clova)
Tuesday 06 – Driesh (Glen Clova)
Monday 12 – Lairig Ghru (Northern Cairngorms)
Wednesday 14 – Glen Callater to Lochnagar (Braemar)
Monday 26 – Bynack More/Lairig an Laoigh (Northern Cairngorms)

September 2024:
Monday 02 – Meall a’Bhuachaille (Northern Cairngorms)
Wednesday 04 – Morrone (Braemar)
Monday 09 – Carn Ban More (Northern Cairngorms)

October 2024:
Friday 20 – Mount Keen (Glen Tanar)

A few more 2024 dates will be added soon.

Volunteer maintenance days
OATS volunteer maintenance days include path maintenance, erosion control, and other practical conservation work. Volunteers work alongside experienced people, learning techniques that enhance their practical conservation skills and increase their knowledge of the natural and cultural heritage of Scotland’s mountains.

OATS volunteer days allow outdoor enthusiasts to play their part in protecting and enhancing upland habitats in a fun and welcoming environment. All you need is good general fitness and experience in the outdoors. Tools are provided and no prior path work experience is required.

14 to 18-year-olds are welcome to join the groups, as long as they are accompanied by a responsible adult.

If you are part of a group, a club, a school, a business, or an organisation looking for a volunteering opportunity with an environmental focus, we can tailor your activity to suit your needs.  For further details on our scheduled upland path volunteer maintenance days, please contact Eva Kupska, Outdoor Access Volunteer Coordinator for OATS, who leads our annual path maintenance volunteer programme and Adopt a Path scheme – [email protected].

Eva Kupska said: “OATS’ upland footpath volunteer maintenance days play a vital role in repairing and preventing erosion on Scotland’s extensive upland path network. Having seen firsthand the damage that can be done from a lack of regular maintenance, the old mantra of ‘prevention is better than cure’ is seldom truer than when it comes to mountain footpaths.

“Our days largely focus on undertaking a ‘drainage run’ in one of Scotland’s many beautiful mountain environments. This will involve walking a path with a spade or mattock, clearing drainage features and making vital repairs along the way.

“Our path maintenance days are a great way to get out into the hills, while also giving something back to our natural environment and helping to ensure sustainable access to the outdoors for generations to come. Our volunteer days are also fantastic for meeting new like-minded people from all walks of life in a supportive, friendly and fun environment.”

 

Thank you
Thank you to all those volunteers who have supported the charity by grafting in all weathers as part of our Volunteer Path Maintenance Programme. Your contribution makes a huge difference to the longevity and sustainability of our mountain path network throughout Scotland.