Transition Town Forres based growing club Green Shoots is ready for a new chapter

A sustainable food growing project that has helped hundreds of local children and adults ‘grow their own’ is seeking support to continue.

Previously funded by The National Lottery Community Fund, People's Postcode Lottery and Newbold Legacy Trust, ‘Green Shoots’ has been based at Transition Town Forres (TTF) on Bogton Road since May 2022.

Project coordinator, Barney Thompson, explained the funding has ended.

He said: “We hope to continue and are looking at options in terms of other local charities we might work with, or whether we constitute ourselves. Then we will apply for further funding for season 2025-26.”

TTF’s board resigned in January following a protracted dispute with Moray Council over the level of rent the charity was being charged for occupying the site including its Sustainable Living Centre, vacating in April.

“We are currently working under the umbrella of TTF,” said Barney, “though with the site closure we have stored our tools and materials at Auchernack House on High Street.”

Green Shoots has visited most Forres-area schools and nurseries over the last three years, teaching pupils how to upcycle windowsill planters, plant fruit, vegetables and flowers, make bird feeders, compost and much more.

Facilitators also ran workshops at arts and crafts shop, Naturally Useful in Rafford, and a project supporting neurodiverse children.

“We gave them the opportunity to experience the outdoors and learn,” said Barney. “They developed a food garden, took part in seasonal growing activities, learned about local biodiversity and how to make healthy food choices while tackling climate change.

“The children love being outside trying new things and learning and we get lots of positive feedback.”

For more information email ttfgreenshoots@gmail.com or call Barney on 07545 805082.