Farmers Market Community Stall
There is now a regular community stall at the Farmers Market (third Saturday of each month) which aims to provide local information on a wide variety of community initiatives, as well as information on topics such as local development and transport. The stall is inviting shoppers to come and browse, as well as being available to local groups and individuals wishing to promote their activities or fund-raise. For more information or to book a space at the stall email Paul.Herrington@hotmail.com.
Red Squirrel Feeding Area
Scolty Woodland Park Association is about to undertake a new project. We are planning to create a red squirrel feeding area near to the main forest track not far from the car park. It is intended we will have a path to the area with a viewing hide and information for the public. We also intend to have feeders fixed to the trees so the public can watch the red squirrels.
Anyone who would like to find out more about this or would like to help within Scolty Woodland Park please contact Elsa Brown Chair SWPA 01224 735210 or email elsa.tkbrown@virgin.net.
NOTICE -Scolty Trails Enhancement Project (STEP)
Banchory & District Initiative (BDI) and Banchory Paths Association (BPA) have awarded a contract to Upland Access Ltd for the repair of the paths leading to the summit of Scolty Hill. This work will protect the long term use of these paths which have become badly damaged in places due to the increasing number of visitors.
Work commenced in February 2009 with the placement by helicopter of rock and aggregate alongside some of the paths. The material is contained in bags and will be placed off the path line. Repair work will start in April 2009 and will consist of drainage works, path repair by resurfacing with aggregate or with stone pitching, constraining path widths and repair of damaged areas.
Work will be performed intermittently over the next two years in line with the phasing of funding that STEP has received for the work but will be completed by end-2010. We will do our best to minimise disruption to walking paths on the hill but will need to close paths that are being worked on from time to time to enable the work to be completed.
The contractor will erect notices concerning the work at various locations on the site and walkers are asked to observe the notices and any directions from the contractor and practice good sense and have due regard for the personal safety of themselves and others when walking near any of the works.
Should visitors observe anything amiss or seek further information during the period of the path repair work then they are asked to telephone either of the following and leave a message if they are out:
Tony Brown 01330 822 510
Peter Dawes 01330 823 142
Funding for the project has come from the Rural Aberdeenshire LEADER Programme, Scottish Natural Heritage, Community Landfill Fund, Aberdeenshire Council, Forestry Commission Scotland, BDI and BPA.
Interested in Garden Sharing?
What if your garden is not big enough for all the things you would like to do or what if it has got too big for you and you don’t have the time or energy to grow your own? The garden sharing scheme, under the auspices of the Banchory and District Initiative, has come up with the idea of helping these two groups come together, matching needs, skills and gardens and hopefully pairing people up who have similar expectations of what they want and live reasonably close to one another. If you would like to know more about such schemes, key ‘garden sharing’ into google. If you want to register an interest contact Maggie Thurlow on maddie.corrichie1@twang.co.uk. .
Interested in what's happening in Strachan? A new monthly newsletter is being published - to find out more visit the Birse and Feughside Parish website www.birseandfeughside.org.uk and click on the Strachan button.
Walking to Health - Banchory
A series of short 20-30 minute walks is planned for the Banchory area, for people who have been advised to take gentle exercise for the benefit of their health. If you are interested, please contact:
Mark Hagger, Project Leader
Tel: 01330 823418
Email: collonach@yahoo.co.uk
Nordic Walking for Health and Fitness
Nordic Walking is a great way to get fit and healthy in the outdoors. It burns 20% more calories than normal walking, increases cardiovascular fitness and strengthens muscles. And its fun! If you are interested in joining the Nordic Walking Group in Banchory email Angela.McMillan@aberdeenshire.gov.uk or phone 07884 276979.
Interested in Ferrets? If you would like to join a ferret Club please contact lynnburnett22@hotmail.com or phone Denise Shirreffs on 07917190186