Our Nature Ninjas volunteers helped our Creating Natural Connections project to improve local greenspaces with their hard work and dedication. The group met weekly and took part in various conservation activities, which included:

  • Planting native trees to create more sustainable, biodiverse woodlands for the future
  • Removing invasive plants to help native species flourish
  • Creating wildflower meadows to expand Cumbernauld’s nectar network
  • Fence installation to better protect our greenspaces
  • Path maintenance and litter collection to ensure everyone in Cumbernauld can enjoy the nature on their doorstep

 

Nature Ninjas was part of our Unlocking Community Capacity work for the Creating Natural Connections Project.

 

Related category

 

A New Home for Our Little Yellow Friends

Everybody loves daffodils. Those yellow trumpets that herald the arrival of spring. I don’t think I could name a more cheerful plant. Their Latin name “Narcissus” is also the name

A New Beginning

Sadly I have come to the end of my time as a Creating Natural Connections Trainee with Cumbernauld Living Landscape, so I wanted to take some time to reflect on

A present for our wildlife!

Many spades (and people to use them!) make light work. c. Katie Brown/Cumbernauld Living Landscape Tis the season to plant trees! It feels like only yesterday

The sea starts here

According to a Scottish Government report last year, an estimated 300 million plastic straws, 276 million pieces of plastic cutlery, 50 million plastic plates and 66 million polystyrene food containers

Tackling the invaders

Cumbernauld Living Landscape Nature Ninjas clearing dogwood that was shading out the woodland floor. Now our native bluebells will be able to flower here again instead.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

We carry out practical conservation tasks at a variety of sites around Cumbernauld, including:

  • Cumbernauld Glen wildlife reserve
  • St. Maurice’s Pond
  • Luggiebank wildlife reserve
  • Forest Wood wildlife reserve
  • Local schools looking to rewild their grounds

 

 

You can join in any weekday or weekend session whenever the time and activity suits you. However, if you let us know in advance that you’re coming along we can better prepare for the right number of people.

We’ll provide any tools, equipment and protective clothing that’s required for the day’s job. We’ll also bring the tea, coffee and biscuits! Bring some lunch with you, and make sure you wear suitable clothes and footwear for the Scottish weather. Be prepared to get a bit muddy in the process, it’s all part of the fun!

Nature Ninjas volunteering is suitable for people aged 16+ only. However there are other ways for children and young people to get involved with the Living Landscape, either through our education programmes or events run throughout the year.

For safety reasons and to ensure that everyone feels safe and welcome to attend, dogs are not permitted at Cumbernauld Living Landscape events or volunteering sessions.

Pathway to employment


Whether you’re dreaming of a career in conservation or simply looking to gain some new skills and experience, volunteering with the Nature Ninjas is a great way to enhance your CV. We can offer free training and qualifications such as first aid and brushcutter licence, and can also help cover the cost of personal protective equipment (PPE).

Volunteers have the opportunity to progress to leading their own projects and groups, and paid traineeships are also available through the Cumbernauld Living Landscape partnership