Volunteers join The Big Help Out on behalf of Royal Findhorn Yacht Club, Findhorn Bowling Club and Findhorn Dunes Trust
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VOLUNTEERS turned out in force to help in Findhorn at the end of the coronation weekend.
Tidying up and getting rid of invasive plant species was the aim on Monday, May 8 when around 50 people answered the calls from Royal Findhorn Yacht Club, Findhorn Bowling Club (FBC) and Findhorn Dunes Trust (FDT) to assist ‘The Big Help Out’.
The Big Help Out is a voluntary initiative aimed at providing opportunities for people to experience volunteering and make a difference in their communities - see https://thebighelpout.org.uk/ for more information.
Around 20 volunteers met in the yacht club’s garden at 10am to carry out a bayside beach clean. Litter pickers and rubbish bags were provided - volunteers cleared from the marina to Elderslie House.
FBC members were also pleasantly surprised by the number of people who turned out to help out with ‘The Big Tidy Up’ - a campaign promoted by Keep Britain Tidy - in preparation for the club’s summer season starting on Sunday, May 14.
Around 25-30 volunteers helped with sanding, painting, strimming, weeding and planting. Volunteers were rewarded with tea, coffee and scones in return for their hard work. FBC welcomes new members and offers free come-and-try sessions. For more information, contact Claire on 077839 24032 or email contact.findhorndogwalking@gmail.com.
Finally, Findhorn Dunes Trust convenor, Timothy Finnegan, led two walks to remove non-native, invasive Lodge Pole Pine seedlings and saplings which are damaging the natural beauty spot’s heath.
Around 18 participants took part in each walk which lasted around 90 minutes. They walked towards Findhorn’s wind turbines and learned to identify the different species of pine. The groups also learned about the dune’s lichens and had a short demonstration on removing seedlings and saplings.
Timothy said: “Attendees were interested in the lichens, pines and the land ownership arrangements, which are complex. The walks were a good way to mark the 22nd anniversary of the setting up of FDT on May 14, 2001, following the sale of the Wilkie Estate in 1997 and the subsequent donation of land by Duneland Ltd.”
The FDT is running an evening walk as part of the Moray Walking and Outdoor Festival on Tuesday June 20 from 8-10pm. Tickets for ‘A Summer Solstice Sunset Stroll’ are from moraywalkoutdoorfest.co.uk for £10.
