Forres Friends of Woods and Fields awarded £23,000 Just Transition Participatory Budgeting Funding for community garden equipment
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THE PUBLIC voted to grant a local environmental charity a five figure sum for new facilities.
Forres Friends of Woods and Fields (FFWF) will use £23,000 from the Just Transition Participatory Budgeting Fund for a solar-powered potting shed, compost loo, and tool shed at their community garden between Sanquhar Pond and Chapleton Farm.
A FFWF spokesperson said: “It is a fantastic opportunity for the community garden to be developed. The money will be invested in a potting shed with solar panels and battery storage. Also, we will build a tool shed and a compost loo. These things will help form a social hub and will allow us to host more diverse groups, including school groups.”
He added: “The potting shed will be the focus of our volunteer days and will give us the opportunity to host other events. It will be a dry space for coffee and tea breaks, and, with the solar panels, we can make our own hot water and charge electrical equipment.”
The Scottish Government is aiming for a 75 per cent reduction in harmful emissions like carbon dioxide by 2030 and 100 per cent reduction by 2045. JTPB funds projects that match local needs and priorities. Moray’s Just Transition Participatory Budgeting Fund (JTPB) voting and marketplace events asked to select a favourite from applicants aiming to make a greener region.
The FFWF spokesperson said: “The community can vote and democratically decide where funds are allocated. They are empowered to help decide and be involved.”
FFWF held a well-attended summer festival at the community garden.
“It helped us get this JTPB funding,” said the spokesperson. “Since then, through the Moray Local Action Fund, we were able to hire a community gardener. He’s helping to make sure all is well for the upcoming season. He will also help build permanent paths, a composting system and keep the weeds at bay.
“Now winter is here, we are moving the volunteer sessions towards the woodland in which we will do some management including planting trees.”
Forres Friends of Woods and Fields are looking for volunteers brave enough to face the winter weather.
“Everyone of any ability can just show up at the community garden,” said the spokesperson. “There is no need to email beforehand.”
Volunteer days are on Wednesdays and every other Saturday from 10am-1pm.
See https://www.forresfriends.com/ for more information.
