Johnshaven Community - Allen Smith - 2005
Raising community awareness of the potential adverse effects of disposing large volumes of inadequately treated sewage effluent to sea in areas with
little tidal flow. Establishing links with other communities along the coastline in an endeavour to bring a co-ordinated approach to the statutory
bodies responsible for managing our waste and water systems. Johnshaven community want a treatment works but want something which will be less
environmentally damaging. Allen has been instrumental in galvanising the village to resist current proposals presented by Scottish Water and SEPA.
Bill Johnston, Helping Wildlife - 1994 (Green Gordon Award)
Bill has been doing his bit to help birds and other animals for years. He raises funds for conservation organisations, makes bird tables, bird and
bat boxes, and in between plays an active role in caring for a nature reserve.
Genevieve Jones - 2007
Design and construction of dwelling house with minimum footprint plus development of associated woodland to ensure long term ability to maintain
sustainable low carbon operation. Has also implemented a variety of measures to promote wildlife well-being in the area.
Keenan Family - Auchreddie, New Deer - 2004
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
Kemnay Academy - 1991 (Green Gordon Award)
An enterprising school project undertaken by the pupils to plant trees alongside the river Don.
HT Dr Hunter - Lead Teacher Martin Bayliss (RMP)
Has been operating a school garden for two and a half years; the produce is sold in staff room and on 'open days' (unable to use in canteen due to
contractual limitations). Have run a composting pilot for the past year accepting 30 kg/week of waste food, additional unit will double
throughput - end product will be used within school garden - the first batch of 'home grown' compost is now ready!. Pupils involved are
undertaking practical works in all aspects - learning about sources of food and environmental aspects plus a degree of fundraising activity.
Kemnay Primary School - 1992 (Green Gordon Award)
The school worked hard to create a fine wildlife garden in the grounds. The pupils were involved from the planning stage and the project also
involved the community at large.
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Kemnay Primary School - 2008
The school did a waste audit and realised they had a lot of organic waste. They worked with a local business in Kemnay and every Wednesday the
children collect all food waste from school kitchens etc and chop up and give to a wormery that is set up underneath a hairdressers in Kemnay. The
hairdresser composts their hair waste and needed more organic waste! Long term the school hopes to do this daily alongside their own composting
bins!
Young people's branch of the RSPB led for the past 14 years Dr Jim Piggins, the group, although the primary interest is in birds, also undertakes a
range of other activities in educating individuals in observing, studying and supporting wildlife. Prior to accepting the award on behalf of the
group, Dr Jim Piggins gave a verbal presentation emphasizing that the contribution of time and effort by a number of like-minded individuals, over a
number of years, has been a major factor in making it a success.
Knock Farm, Huntly - 2001
Roger Polson has carried out various environmental improvements on his farm at Knock, Huntly. He is involved in the Farming and Wildlife Advisory
Group and has entered into the Countryside Premium Scheme, a scheme to encourage landowners to carry out a wildlife audit and manage sensitive areas.
He has recently developed a wetland willow alder carr, by re-channelling a burn into a herringbone system to spread the water across the field to
create shallow water which was planted up with willows and alders. The burn is formed from a range of field drains, some of which carry effluent from
surrounding houses and the road. The carr will help clean up these waters as well as creating an excellent wildlife habitat for a range of priority
Biodiversity Action Plan species. From the wetland the burn returns to its course in the next fields, where a 5-6m water margin is fenced off to the
East side. The West side is also fenced off, preventing cattle from entering the burn. The watercourse links up with an existing watercourse managed
under the Countryside Premium Scheme, creating a linked network of protected watercourses across the farm
Lembus - 2006
A biodynamic market garden, growing certified biodynamic food and keeping free range, organic hens and ducks. The house was one of the first environmentally
friendly houses in Aberdeenshire with, for the time, high levels of insulation within a timber frame, facing south for lots of solar gain and with built in
rainwater collection and recycling . Lots of hedges have been planted and these support a large population of birds. Lembus also run a popular organic box
scheme supporting other growers from the area and beyond and is employing local people.
Linden Centre, Huntly - 2004
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.
Mr Dave Lunney, Whitehaugh Lodge, Burnhervie - 1992 (Green Gordon Award)
Mr Lunney showed what can be achieved with hard work and commitment by turning an agricultural field into a great wildlife area in just five years.
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