Friends of Durris Forests

Newsletter

Pitcowdens

FDF was awarded a grant in June 2009 from Awards for All which has helped fund projects such as fungi research, snow drop planting and Forest School training.  Andrew Saunders, living willow specialist from Insch has recently completed our final Awards for All project which is a living willow, wildlife hide, located at Pitcowdens.

We would like to say a big thank you to all FDF volunteers who helped prepare the ground for planting.     

Durris Forest Trail Guide

FDF and FCS are working in partnership to create a Durris Forest Trail Guide.  We hope to have it ready for distribution by spring 2011.

Forests 4 People Challenge Fund

FDF have submitted a project proposal to Forests 4 People Challenge Fund.  The aim of the project is to deliver a Forest Schools programme to 9 primary schools in the local area over the next 3 years, including Drumoak, Crathes, Durris and Lairhillock. The proposal also aims to support further training in Forest Schools for 2 FDF members.

Durris Primary School’s Eco-garden

FDF has worked in partnership with FCS and McIntosh Plant Hire to help create a new Eco-garden for Durris Primary School. In October 2008 the school received a grant from Scottish Natural Heritage through their Grampian School Grounds Grant Scheme. This provided the initial funding required for redeveloping the grounds in to an exciting space in which the children can play and learn.

The projects main objectives are to improve the biodiversity found in the school grounds, develop a variety of wildlife habitats and raise environmental awareness as well as enhance recreational resources. The garden is now in the final stages of completion following the construction of three raised beds for planting an array of vegetables, wildflowers and native woodland species. With the creation of a wildlife corridor, butterfly garden, log pile, outdoor learning area and the installation of compost bins, nesting and bug boxes and bird feeding stations the garden will be a significant resource to many areas of the school curriculum.

We would like to thank MPH and FCS for all the labour, materials and equipment they have provided, without which the scale of what has been achieved, would not have been possible. We hope the children will enjoy seeing their garden grow!

Scotland’s Finest Woods Award

Crossroads Nursery woodland has won second place in Scotland’s Finest Woods Award. The award is to encourage and reward schools that increase young people’s understanding and appreciation of the environmental, social and economic potential of trees woodlands and forests and of the link between trees and everyday wood-based products.

Crossroads woodland is owned by FCS and in 2005 FDF worked in partnership with FCS to help create a safe area for the nursery and playgroup children to play.  We are delighted that the woodland continues to be used as a learning resource for young children and would like to congratulate Liz Moyes and her staff for a job well done.

Please become a Friend of Durris Forest

Unfortunately FDF’s membership numbers have reduced considerably over the past two years and as a charity we rely on membership fees and funding to continue to ensure that the forests are managed for the benefit of the local community and visitors in an appropriate manner with regard to the environment, education, recreation and conservation.   We are fortunate to have dedicated committee members who feel passionately about their local environment.

I hope you will agree that becoming a member of FDF is well worth while in knowing that your charitable contribution will be making a difference to our local environment for future generations.

Yes, I would like to become a Friend of Durris Forests

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       1 year Membership £5                                  5 Year Membership £20

          Life Membership £50                           Corporate Annual Membership £50

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Please send your subscription, payable to            Julia Mackay,

Friends of Durris Forests with this slip to:            FDF Membership Secretary,

                                                                       Myrtle Steading,

                                                                       Durris, Aberdeenshire,

                                                                       AB31 6DY