Forres polytunnel plan receives £7724 cash grant

AN environmental community project has received a cash grant of nearly £8000.

Community group Forres Friends of Woods and Fields (FFWF) have been awarded £7724 for a polytunnel to help them grow vegetables in fields they have converted at Chapleton

The cash, awarded by the Berry Burn wind farm Community Fund will pay for having the polytunnel professionally built and kitted out.

FFWF founder and chairman, said: "It will give a huge boost to our local and sustainable food growing project.

"The crops will be shared in several ways, including amongst the dedicated members of the community growing group. Any surpluses food will be offered to food banks, community cafes as well as farm gate sales or a possible future stall in Forres."

The polytunnel will provide space for growing. At 18ft wide, up to 65ft long and nearly 9ft tall, the greenhouse should provide a major boost to community food supplies throughout the year.

Mr Molnar said: "The polytunnel will allow year round activity and production. In late winter it will provide a sheltered place for seed sowing and propagation, in spring it will be possible to grow early crops such as beans and lettuce. In summer there will be space for large crops of tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, squashes and herbs, and in winter there will be a wide range of greens such as oriental greens and hardy lettuce.

"Generally it will let us continue to garden whatever the weather outside may be! We hope to have the polytunnel erected some time this autumn."

Visit https://www.forresfriends.com/ email forresfriends.com or phone 01309671112 for more information.