26 Feb OATS Path Maintenance Volunteer Dates For 2025 Announced
We are delighted to announce the dates for the first half of the OATS Path Maintenance Volunteer (PMV) Programme 2025, largely focused on the Cairngorms National Park.
We are keen for our registered volunteers to sign up as soon as possible to avoid disappointment and urge all mountain path users to give something back to the sustainability of Scotland’s upland landscape by giving path maintenance volunteering a go.
About OATS Path Maintenance Volunteer Days
OATS PMV 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 our mountains’ natural and cultural heritage. Our volunteers have the opportunity to get fully involved and 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.
We welcome 14 to 18-year-olds as volunteers. However, they must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
Eva Kupska, Outdoor Access Volunteer Coordinator for OATS, said: “OATS’ mountain footpath maintenance volunteer days play a vital role in repairing and preventing erosion on Scotland’s path network. Having seen first-hand on many occasions the damage that can be done by lack of maintenance, the old mantra of ‘prevention is better than cure’ is seldom truer than when it comes to mountain footpaths.
“Our days will 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. They are a great way to get out into the hills and give something back to our natural environment, 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 very supportive and friendly environment.”
PMV Programme Dates 2025
- Tuesday 01 April – Creag Choinnich, Braemar
- Monday 07 April – Carn Ban Mor, Glen Feshie
- Tuesday 08 April – Meall a’Bhuachaille, Aviemore
- Monday 14 & Tuesday 15th April: 2-day event at Glen Muick (Coire Chash, Dubh Loch)
- TBC Tuesday 22 April – The Snub, Glen Clova
- Tuesday 29 April – Glenlivet Maintenance Day
- Saturday 03 May – Glen Tanar Maintenance Day
- TBC Monday 05 May – Bynack More/Lairig an Laoigh
- Monday 12 & Tuesday 13 May: 2-day event at Stac Pollaidh
- Monday 19 May – Carn Liath, Blair Atholl
- Monday 26 May – Mayar, Glen Clova
- TBC Tuesday 27 May – Driesh, Glen Clova
- TBC Monday 02 June – Slugain, Braemar
- Saturday 07 June – Glen Tanar Maintenance Day
- Monday 09 June – Chalamain Gap, Aviemore
- Monday 16 & Tuesday 17 June: 2-day event at Glen Muick (Lochnagar paths)
- TBC Monday 23rd June – Coire Domhain/Raibert
- Tuesday 24 June – Glenlivet Maintenance Day
- Monday 30 June – Glen Callater to Lochnagar, Braemar
- Tuesday 01 July – Beinn a’Ghlo return/Airgod Bheinn, Blair Atholl
To Register as a Volunteer and Sign Up for Volunteer Days
To register as an OATS volunteer and to sign up for volunteer programme days on the PMV Programme, please go to our new online PMV Programme portal – https://volunteers.outdooraccesstrustforscotland.org.uk/ (please click on the URL and bookmark for future reference).
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, subject to availability.
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 immediately by e-mail.
If you are part of a community group, club, school, business or organisation planning an independent volunteering opportunity with an environmental focus, OATS can tailor your activity to suit your needs.
For further details on Path Maintenance Volunteering with OATS, go to /volunteer or e-mail Eva Kupska, our Outdoor Access Volunteer Coordinator – [email protected]. Eva leads the annual PMV Programme and the Adopt A Path Scheme for OATS.
A Huge Thank You To Our Volunteers
Thank you to all those volunteers who supported the charity in 2024 by grafting in all weathers on the hills as part of the OATS PMV Programme. Your contribution makes a huge difference to the longevity and sustainability of Scotland’s mountain path network.