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SCOTT SKINNERS, BANCHORY

PRESENTED BY ROB BRYCE - PRODUCER OF THE LANDWARD PROGRAMME

DAVID NELSON
Mill of Barnes Farm, Lawrencekirk – In a small oasis in an intensively farmed area, David has implemented a programme to improve the overall habitat and bio-diversity in an area of land around old farm buildings. Works undertaken include - Creation of pond among existing reed beds - Planting hedgerow of mixed native species - Planting of broadleaf hard woods in open areas – establishing a regime which will encourage indigenous vegetation to seed and provide nutrition for a wide range of species.

REBECCA CHAMBERS
Nominated by Benholm and Johnshaven Community Council in recognition of her efforts in promoting marine conservation and environmental awareness in their area. The local population have, through her energy and example been involved in beach clean ups to the north and south of Johnshaven. These events have contributed to improving coastal quality and, from analysis of the debris collected, increased understanding of the range of factors which are causing the problem.

ELLON CAN-D0
An outreach project run from Ellon Resource Centre (day service for adults with Learning Difficulty). Project workers collect, sort and bale household plastic bottles and used beverage cans ready for recycling. Since June 2003, 23 tonnes of plastic and 10 tonnes of beverage cans have been collected and sorted.

LINDEN CENTRE, HUNTLY
They have, with planning input and physical assistance from young people in the community, created a wildlife garden in an area previously occupied by a large bush which acted as a litter trap. The area has been designed to provide a range of colours, textures and sensory effects which change with the seasons. An innovative shelter designed to fit in with the nearby architecture of Gordon schools makes a convenient evening retreat for teenagers.

DRUMBLADE PRIMARY SCHOOL
On ground previously occupied by a ‘Horsa’ hut (many people educated in the immediate post war period will remember these inadequately heated and ventilated prefab classrooms) a garden area has been created. The main focal point is a willow sculpture designed and planted by pupils and staff (with some professional assistance) as an environmental project involving all pupils from nursery upwards. A range of screening plants have been planted round the garden perimeter, as these mature they will cover the metal fence and provide a range of nectar sources for insects and food for birds.

WHITEHILLS AND DISTRICT COMMUNITY COUNCIL
They have, in partnership with public agencies, upgraded the coastal walk between Whitehills and Banff Links. This, while improving the overall environment along the walk and adjacent to the harbour, has created a leisure and educational facility to help tourists, local people and young people discover, and appreciate, the wildlife, history and cultural heritage of the area.

FRASERBURGH CAN-DO
An outreach project of the Robertson Road Resource Centre (day service for adults with Learning Difficulty) the project has been in operation for about four years, primarily focused on recycling used beverage containers but also plastics, over that period the volume has grown to 60 tonnes per annum in 2003-2004.

THE KEENAN FAMILY – AUCHREDDIE, NEW DEER
Accepting green waste from Aberdeenshire, Moray and Aberdeen City plus quantities of redundant wood from offshore packaging as well as domestic furniture, sons Gregor and Grant have established a large facility to create compost from these materials on a commercial scale. In addition, father Mel has used land surrounding the site to create environmental improvement by the establishment of several ponds with areas of tree planting and wildflower planting.

SCOTTISH TRADITIONAL BOAT FESTIVAL - PORTSOY
A celebration of maritime skills and traditional small boat building in the UK and particularly the North East of Scotland. Based in and around both the old and new harbour areas of the town plus Loch Soy the festival brings together craft which have been constructed using traditional methods and materials. Demonstrations of traditional skills, crafts and cultural activities form an integral part of the festival as does preparation and consumption of locally produced foods (and some liquids)

ELLON CIVIC PRIDE
A community group determined to make Ellon a more attractive place to live in. The aims are achieved partly by establishing floral displays at many points around the town but also by initiatives to reduce littering with a monthly pick up day and to improve maintenance of hedges, waterways and parks within the burgh. Participation has been drawn from all age groups and sections of the town with support by local business and agencies.

MID DEESIDE LTD - ABOYNE
Bellwood/Ladywood Community Woodlands project – the woodlands at either end of the town have been used for public recreation for many years, with the co-operation of the woodland landowners and finance from the Scottish Land fund plus monies raised locally, the woodlands have been brought into community ownership. A woodlands co-ordinator will lead all abilities access projects and be the focal point in developing plans to improve habitat and diversity within the woodlands in line with the wishes of local residents. Nature days for primary age children and their families will also be conducted during holiday periods.

INVERURIE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT GROUP
The group has carried out a range of activities during the year. In addition to establishing and improving floral displays in and around the town, an annual litter clean up day and an annual garden competition have been established. Other projects include planting for Gordon Disability Action, developing a website and raising of public awareness by an Environmental day on 24 June, this brought together a range of community groups and generated a good response among local people.

THE FETTERNEAR TRUST
They have been working with the owners of Fetternear estate to improve the environment of the estate to benefit visitors and the natural inhabitants. Surveys of birds, flowers, trees, mosses, grasses and fungi have been organised. Notice boards providing information on the historical significance of ruin sin the grounds and welcoming visitors have been established. The Trust is also working with Aberdeenshire Council regarding inclusion of one of the walks in the Inverurie Paths strategy. Planting of new woodland areas and restoration of parkland with specimen trees and management of woodlands to encourage wildlife by leaving dead and fallen trees where no danger is presented to the public. Minimisation of fertiliser and pesticide usage is a key feature in the established land management practices.