Friends of Durris Forests

Pitcowdens

Over the spring the P4&5’s from Durris Primary School planted aconites in the same habitat as last year’s snowdrop planting.  These were sourced from Cambo Estate in Fife and funded by the lottery.  We have received a donation of hedgerow and tree species from Bob Davis, Forvie Tree Nursery – species included crab apple, wych elm and ash, which have been planted at Pitcowdens and Wights school woodland.

International Year of the Forest (IYF)

2011 is the international year of the forest and to celebrate this FDF has applied for IYF funding. If our application is successful we hope to make this a community event at Pitcowdens on 3^rd & 4^th of June and have various different activities such as forest school, story teller and craft workshops. 

We would also like to encourage everyone to bring a picnic along on the 4^th of June as we hope to coincide this event with the Big Lunch.  The Big Lunch is a very simple idea from the Eden Project. The aim is to get as many people as possible across the whole of the UK to have lunch with their neighbours in a simple act of community, friendship and fun.

Volunteer Day

We have taken delivery of our new finger posts and picnic benches for Pitcowdens and we are looking for volunteers to help install them on Saturday 28^th May at 10am.  If you would like to be involved please contact Julia Mackay 01330 811576 – m4cay@gofast.co.uk for further details.

New Committee Members

FDF are looking for recreational users of Durris forests or interested locals who would like to be part of our FDF committee and especially a representative from the horse riding community.  Please contact Julia Mackay for further details.

FDF Forest School Project

The P6&7’s from Drumoak Primary School took part in their first, all day Forest School session on Tuesday 26^th April supported by North East Nature, Deeside Forest Schools and volunteers.  This is part of a three year project funded by Forests 4 People, the Robinson Trust and local businesses.  FDF are still chasing the last £8,500 over 3 years, but they hope to hear good news within the next two months.

FDF’s Forest School project aims to increase children’s understanding and appreciation of the environmental, social, and economic potential of trees, woodlands and forests, through hands-on experiences as these provide the most effective form of learning.

Activities have minimal impact on the environment, and good practice aims to ‘leave-no-trace’, or have positive environmental benefits –

·        Simple investigation and exploration with minimal equipment, using natural materials as the learning resource.

·        Using the woodland for numeracy – counting, sorting, measuring, estimating etc.

·        Playing games, using the woodland for inspiration for art and writing projects

·        Using simple tools to whittle and do craft work

·        Simple rope work

·        Temporary shelters may be made with tarpaulins or woodland brash.

FDF would like to thank Mr Jimmy Cordiner & Mr George Wight for their kind support which has enabled Drumoak’s Forest School project to take place.

Clune Wood Story Trail

The Clune Wood Storytrail Project was a collaboration between FDF, Forestry Commission Scotland and Durris Primary School, which was funded by Awards for All nearly 10 years ago.  The trails have been a popular attraction to the area by the local and wider community.  However, heavy usage on certain areas of the trails by horse hooves has taken its toll and require repair.

In a few weeks time we will be erecting signs near the damaged areas and would very much appreciate the cooperation from horse riders to help these trails repair.

FDF used to have a spokesperson from the horse community on our committee and we would very much like see this position renewed – your voice is important to us, as one of the main recreational users of Durris Forests.  Our next meeting is on Monday 30^th May at 7.30pm in the Irvine Arms, Drumoak.

For further details please do not hesitate to contact me - Julia Mackay FDF secretary – 01330 811576 – m4cay@gofast.co.uk