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CASTLE HOTEL, HUNTLY

PRESENTED BY KEN RUNDLE OF THE LANDWARD PROGRAMME

ABERCHIRDER AND DISTRICT COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION
Cleanhill Wood has been owned by, and operated on behalf of, the community since 1930. Since that time, particularly over the last three decades, the maintenance has been co-ordinated and undertaken by a range of agreements between the community and local government. Since 2000 the association has been involved (in partnership with Aberdeenshire Council and Scottish Wildlife Trust), in developing and implementing a long term management plan, this includes gradual replacement of non-native species by native broadleaf and Scots Pine. Coppicing will be carried out to open up the woodlands and beech, sycamore and rhododendron seedlings will be cleared to encourage suitable growth. In addition, a range of woodland and rural walks around the woodland and village are being developed with establishment of wildflower meadows where appropriate.

Mr & Mrs ALLWOOD
Located near Ythanwells the Allwoods have, over recent years, carried out a range of environmental improvements by planting of native broadleaf trees and establishing a pond to benefit wildlife. During this year, by their own efforts plus some voluntary assistance provided via the Ythan Project, an area of topsoil has been excavated to remove the dominant Glyceria vegetation. From this an undulating shallow basin has been created which will provide areas of standing water throughout the year plus sections which will fill during wet periods but otherwise remain moist. This has been replanted with some 1500 wetland plants and the effort put in to enable establishment and survival of the plants during this summer deserves a particular mention. The area will be left to establish its own levels and will form a large habitat for wetland species, both plants and animals, forming an important link between an adjacent area of tree planting and wider actions throughout the Ythan catchment.

BALLATER (RD) LTD
‘History with Boots On’ -The project is a significant element within a range of ‘Green Tourism’ initiatives throughout Aberdeenshire, it aims to establish a range of attractive walks suitable for use by moderately fit individuals. The walks will, as far as possible, use existing and traditional routes used by residents and travellers in carrying out their daily activities. The routes are designed to pass close to, and provide views of, historically important places and features and suitable, well designed but unobtrusive, interpretation is being put in place. In all, five walks are currently planned, all will enable visitors and residents to access hitherto ‘hidden’ areas around Ballater, and increase overall understanding of both the natural and historical environment.

BANFFSHIRE PARTNERSHIP LIMITED
A local rural partnership of community groups and individuals formed to promote good environmental practices and encourage community participation in developing services and facilities within the area. In addition to promoting environmental awareness by means of newsletters, seminars and providing a focal information point. A ‘green office’ policy has been put in place, a range of procedures including use of recycled paper for all stationery, of low energy lighting and heating, using bulk purchasing power in providing small volumes of stationery to small projects in the area on a no profit basis.

THE BOXROOM, BANCHORY
A project accepting donations of household goods and electrical equipment to provide a service for those in need in south Aberdeenshire. Electrical goods are checked out by qualified electrician, if found faulty, usable elements are stripped for re-use or recycling. The project is self sustaining, this is achieved by operation of a ‘thrift shop’ where the general public can purchase furniture, bric a brac, books etc. Clients are referred by GPs, social workers, Health Visitors, housing officers, other voluntary organisations and concerned individuals. Without the project most, if not all, of the goods offered for re-use would go to landfill, in addition to reducing this, a valuable resource, contributing to the well being of needy individuals and families has been created.

DARROCH WOODS – FORESTRY COMMISSION
An ambitious ‘hundred year’ project which will be appreciated in full by our descendants, this aims to create a native broadleaf forest covering some 500 hectares around Clashindarroch Forest. Included in the project are plans to plant a range of native ground flora which will, as far as possible, re-create many of the elements present in the original ‘wild woods’ in the area. Community participation is being encouraged by organising school visits and community tree planting days etc. A visitor centre, based on conversion of existing, no longer used, farm buildings is also proposed. Partners in the project are BP, RSPB, and the Woodland Trust.

FRIENDS OF DURRIS FOREST
This group have been instrumental in engaging the community in a range of forest conservation and developments, in particular Clune Wood Story Trail. The trail was developed in partnership with Durris School, whose children created stories based on local history and legend. Supported by funding from Awards for All, and in partnership with the Forestry Comission., three trails have been created in Clune Wood, with 'signposts', set at intervals along waymarked paths, and containing elements of the children's stories and accompanying pictures. The story trails bring families into the forest environment, to enjoy the creativity of the children and the forest environment. A number of specific events were held in the process of development of the story trails, involving hundreds of local folk. FoDF has also been active in mobilising a conservation group, mainly working on removal of self-seeded sitka which crowds out planted broadleaves, and in developing paths for horses, cycles and walkers, including the Elsick Mounth path enabling pedestrian, cycle or mounted access from Deeside to Stonehaven once again.

MARYKIRK PRIMARY SCHOOL
A small rural school with limited and uninteresting grounds, the pupils, staff and community have all been involved in a range of measures to achieve general environmental improvement in school grounds and around village. The works include planting 300 bulbs, and installation of tubs, planters and winter hanging baskets, planned works include planting of shrubs and trees to further improve the grounds and encourage wildlife. 2 murals have also been created, celebrating the history and interests of the area, in association with the community.

Dr & Mrs STEPHEN
Over a number of years, the Stephens have put a great deal of time and effort into ‘creative conservation’ on their croft, always working with the good of wildlife and the natural environment in mind, establishing a wildlife oasis in Buchan. They have made two large ponds, developed wetland areas, planted a range broadleaf trees and created a winter feeding area for migratory and resident birds by planting a range of seed bearing and winter green plants (also appreciated by other local wildlife). Over the years a remarkable increase in numbers and variety of bird species has be achieved and a sanctuary for other wildlife established.

TARLAND DEVELOPMENT GROUP
This group has initiated, and developed, a number of environmentally beneficial schemes, these include:

1. Planting an avenue of beech and hawthorn at the main entrance to the village from Aboyne.
2. Creation of a path network, which is maintained by local volunteers in partnership with UDAT.
3. Organised LANDFULL, an artistic installation set up in a local shop which was closing down. The installation was created from materials recovered from an abandoned house ‘midden’ in the Tarland area and graphically demonstrated the slow pace of decay in a landfill situation. This was allied to video of the major landfill site near Banchory plus other examples of more recent, durable waste streams, particularly plastics. Seminars organised as part of the event assisted in raising awareness of the problems presented by waste generation and disposal.
4. Planning permission obtained to develop a 1500m3 wetland area where a variety of flora and fauna can be safely observed, this will also contribute to local flood control.
5. Established a village group to examine composting schemes which could be implemented to benefit Tarland and the surrounding area.

In addition to the efforts made by individuals, groups and communities, all the projects have been made possible, or assisted by, a variety of funding bodies, should details of these be required, we can provide details of the appropriate contact.