Friends of Durris Forests

Wildlife Crime

Forest Education Initiative (FEI) and FDF have joined in partnership with the Grampian Police Wildlife Crime unit to promote awareness of wildlife crime in our environment.

Examples of crimes that they investigate include poaching of deer, fish and game, offences against badgers, hare coursing and offences against birds including: poisoning, trapping, shooting disturbance, nest destruction and egg collecting.

If you think a crime has been committed phone Grampian Police Service Centre on 0845 600 5700 and ask to speak to a Wildlife Crime Officer.  They have the expertise to provide advice if you are unsure of what you are reporting.

REPORTING A SUSPECTED WILDLIFE CRIME INCIDENT

DO:

• Report any suspicious activity
• Take a note of the date, time and weather conditions
• If possible, identify a map reference or ideally a GPS reading of both the incident scene and location from where you witnessed the incident.
• Write down any vehicle registration numbers, make, model, and colour that may be involved.
• Note a description of person/s involved i.e. gender, clothing, height, age etc
• If possible, video or photograph the scene, or make a rough sketch
• Identify other witnesses and obtain name and contact details.
• Cover up any suspected poisoned baits or victims to prevent any animal / person coming into contact with same
• Contact the Police as soon as possible and ask to speak to a Wildlife Crime Officer.
• Grampian Police Service Centre
  0845 600 5 700

DO NOT:

• Do not disturb the scene by moving items or walking about unnecessarily
• Do not approach any suspects
• Do not touch dead animals or birds, especially if you suspect that poison may have been used

Forest School Project Proposal

FDF reported in the last newsletter that we have successfully been awarded half the funding for our Forest School Project from Forest 4 People Challenge Fund, and we were eagerly awaiting news from the second funding body.  Well, good news... The Robertson Trust has awarded us £21,000 towards the project, so we are now chasing the last £10,500 (watch this space).

FDF’s AGM

FDF held their 10^th AGM in the Kirkton Hall on Tuesday 16^th November and our guest speakers were the P6 & 7’s of Durris Primary School.  The P6 & 7’s over the past 6 weeks have been working towards the Discovery level of the John Muir Award, and one of the challenges they had to meet was sharing their experiences with the local community.  They delivered an outstanding presentation which informed FDF members and guests of the activities they have been involved with to gain their Award.  Julia Truscott, Community and Recreation Ranger (FCS) and Dr John Coyne (FDF) presented them with their certificates and wooden medals.

We would like to say a big thank you to all FDF members. It is projects like the John Muir Award that are only made possible because of your membership and continued support.

Off Road Vehicles in Durris Forests.

Reports of off road vehicles in Durris Forests have become a regular occurrence over the past few years and we are sure many of these incidents have gone un-reported.  The Forestry Commission has always encouraged us to report incidents to the police, so they can increase their awareness of anti-social behaviour in our forests. 

Grampian police are now taking these incidents more seriously and are working in partnership with FCS to combat this problem.  An advertising campaign at forest entrances is one of the ways they hope to raise public awareness.  Please call Grampian Police Station on 0845 600 5700 to report any incidents.

FDF Membership

If you would like to become a member of FDF please contact Julia Mackay on 01330 811576 or m4cay@gofast.co.uk .