New environmental project at Sanquhar awarded £11,000 by Berry Burn Community Fund

VOLUNTEERS working on a local beauty spot have been boosted by a sizeable funding award.

Green-fingered Nick Molnar, who is also involved in the Forres Community Orchard and Sanquhar Community Garden projects, is grateful for £11,100 from Berry Burn Community Fund to eradicate invasive laurel and rhododendron on land between that owned by Moray Council and Forres Community Woodlands Trust, creating a new area of attractive woodland for public access. Mr Molnar is part of new charity, Forres Friends of Woods and Fields, registered stewards of the land.

He said: "The volunteers who began work on these woods last autumn on the south side of Sanquhar pond are delighted as it was very soon apparent that they would need professional contractors to clear a huge amount on the eight acre site.

"The Berry Burn Community Fund has now made this possible."

The working group has hired local company EcoHighland Tree Services to start work in the autumn once the bird nesting season has ended.

Mr Molnar said: "Once this work is completed, large parts of the woodland - which until now have resembled an impenetrable jungle - will become accessible to the public and over the years native flora and fauna should be able to be established, partly through the planting of native trees and shrubs such as birch, hazel, hawthorn, elder, rowan and holly, and partly through natural regeneration.

"This which will help to create a new harmonious woodland environment for Forres."

The group is applying to the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator to become a charity before implementing a management plan for the woodland.

The proposal will include volunteer opportunities for all ages including outdoor learning as well as activities such as the John Muir awards.

Findhorn-based environmental charity Wild Things have been offered the possibility of running activities in the woodland for young people and the elderly. Outdoor and Woodland Learning (OWL) Scotland, supported by Scottish Forestry has also expressed an interest for their forest school.

Mr Molnar added: "The local schools are all within easy walking distance and they would be welcome to use the woods for the outdoor learning component of the Curriculum for Excellence as well as the Hi5 and Dynamic Youth Awards.

"Other outdoor teachers might offer tutorials for all ages to increase awareness and knowledge of the natural world and woodland crafts.

"The woods could also be used as a place for the new NHS Green Prescriptions scheme, offering activity in nature to enhance physical and mental wellbeing."

For more information email nicpip@googlemail.com or phone 01309 671112.