Forres Community Woodlands Trust invests nearly £300 in parking at Muiry and Newforres woods

A volunteer group dedicated to the upkeep of local woodlands has used funding to upgrade their car parks.

Forres Community Woodlands Trust (FCWT) has invested £2850 - a £1500 Tesco Community Grant and £1350 from Finderne Development Trust - into improving the facilities at the Muiry and Newforres Woods facilities.

FCWT secretary, Gisela Macfarquhar, confirmed local business AJ Engineering also donated a new metal frame for bike trail sign posts in Sanquhar Wood, replacing the original which had rotted.

She said: “Visitors will have seen a marked improvement in the car parks. Both had developed considerable potholes which were difficult to negotiate, especially during wet or frost weather.

“Contractor JM Utility Solutions filled the potholes with a sub-base and levelled the surface.

“The car parks are in constant use. Bins are provided so there isn’t much litter in the woods.”

She added: “The bike trail in Sanquhar Wood was constructed in 2009 with several signposts at the starting points. AJ Engineering didn't charge for the replacements.”

FCWT volunteers continue to eradicate invasive species from the popular woodlands. Laurel and rhododendron are an issue along the bank of the Mosset Burn between the top end of Sanquhar pond and the flood alleviation scheme, as well as behind Woodside Drive.

“Both areas have been treated repeatedly,” said Gisela. “However, the areas are quite large and growth is very dense and requires repeated treatment.

“We have some savings from the Berry Burn Community Fund which we hope will cover most of what needs done. We also run volunteer work parties who dig out the younger plants to avoid having to spray them.”

The Forres Community Woodlands Trust (FCWT) is a company limited by guarantee and a registered Scottish charity and is managed by a Board of Trustees drawn from members of the local community.

The Trust was formed in 1999 to buy part of the Muiry Woods, an area of former common good land immediately to the east of Forres, and to conserve it for the benefit of the local community.

In 2002, FCWT bought Sanquhar Woodlands to remove any risk of them being used for housing development. The trust accomplishes sustainable forest management through silvicultural and environmental good practice.

FCWT’s board is made up of nine trustees and has a membership of over 100.

Gisela finished: “Our main objective is to provide valuable woodland space for people of all ages and to protect and enhance the biodiversity and environmental value of the woodlands.

“We have two small groups of steady volunteers who each meet once-a-month to carry out maintenance work. It would be nice to have a few more!”

For more information visit https://forrescommunitywoodlands.org/