Already lots of things have been happening this year on the land surrounding the Park and thanks goes to the many people who have been putting in some time working for the Findhorn Hinterland community group on a number of different projects. Now is the time for an update.
Grant Funding
Since our last announcement about funding from the Forestry Commission it became clear that they were not going to fund everything that we had on our wish list. There contribution to the work in the woods will still be substantial with just over £10,000 in cash going into projects like training for chainsaw use and first aid, tractor upgrading including getting a tipping trailer and front bucket, tools and equipment for volunteers and money for developing a website for the group and the green burial information and site.
It has been hard work to get all the quotes in and a contract should finally be signed at the beginning of next week. Our collective work will then begin as the grant is only for about sixty percent of the cost of everything the rest being paid in kind through the voluntary works that will be put into the woods and land over the next year. They pay £50 a day for this which is why all the effort that goes into the projects will be carefully monitored this year and the time that you give even more appreciated! Essentially up to £6000 will be raised by people power in this way over the year. So do come and join us in our labour of love on the land as everyone’s hour here and there will add a great contribution to this dynamic project and enhance the area around where we live. Regular work parties take place between 10.00am and 12noon on the last Saturday of each month and the Green Gym always happens for an hour every Thursday starting at 3.00pm. Meet by the tractor shed in the woods at the east end of Pineridge.
Another Way You Can Help
One of the problems with the Forestry Commission grant is that we need to first pay for everything, then get a receipt and finally submit this to be paid by the Commission which can then take three months to get sixty percent of the money back. We will over time get all the money back as we put in bills for the work that will be done. The problem is that this all takes time and meanwhile the group’s cash flow will be in a critical or impossible state. That is why we wish to ask if there are any well wishers out there that would be willing to lend the group around £5000 to £6000 for a short (four to nine month) term to make it possible for us to benefit from this grant. There is no risk as the money is guaranteed by the public body. Ideally the loan would be interest free. Can you help?
Action on the Ground
The Green Burial area has finally been cleared of stumps and the tractor has been upgraded to make the delivery of wood easier. Monthly chainsaw cutting parties have been held and the woods are now finally getting the thinning that they have needed for some time and are in a healthier state. The Green Gym weekly events have meant that the wood that has been cut has been stacked and covered in piles between the trees in the woodland. This means that there will be a constant supply of seasoned wood for local users over the coming years and some income for the group to do its good work including tree planting in the next month. One other great thing that happened last weekend is that the first batch of four chainsaw trainees passed their basic chainsaw operator’s license. Here they are with their trainer Malcolm Moore. Well done Maren, Thomas G., Eian S. and Derek S.! Just six more people to do the course over the next month including me
Jonathan Caddy for the Findhorn Hinterland Committee. Tel 01309 691877
Update and Ways of Giving Support
Already lots of things have been happening this year on the land surrounding the Park and thanks goes to the many people who have been putting in some time working for the Findhorn Hinterland community group on a number of different projects. Now is the time for an update.
Grant Funding
Since our last announcement about funding from the Forestry Commission it became clear that they were not going to fund everything that we had on our wish list. There contribution to the work in the woods will still be substantial with just over £10,000 in cash going into projects like training for chainsaw use and first aid, tractor upgrading including getting a tipping trailer and front bucket, tools and equipment for volunteers and money for developing a website for the group and the green burial information and site.
It has been hard work to get all the quotes in and a contract should finally be signed at the beginning of next week. Our collective work will then begin as the grant is only for about sixty percent of the cost of everything the rest being paid in kind through the voluntary works that will be put into the woods and land over the next year. They pay £50 a day for this which is why all the effort that goes into the projects will be carefully monitored this year and the time that you give even more appreciated! Essentially up to £6000 will be raised by people power in this way over the year. So do come and join us in our labour of love on the land as everyone’s hour here and there will add a great contribution to this dynamic project and enhance the area around where we live. Regular work parties take place between 10.00am and 12noon on the last Saturday of each month and the Green Gym always happens for an hour every Thursday starting at 3.00pm. Meet by the tractor shed in the woods at the east end of Pineridge.
Another Way You Can Help
One of the problems with the Forestry Commission grant is that we need to first pay for everything, then get a receipt and finally submit this to be paid by the Commission which can then take three months to get sixty percent of the money back. We will over time get all the money back as we put in bills for the work that will be done. The problem is that this all takes time and meanwhile the group’s cash flow will be in a critical or impossible state. That is why we wish to ask if there are any well wishers out there that would be willing to lend the group around £5000 to £6000 for a short (four to nine month) term to make it possible for us to benefit from this grant. There is no risk as the money is guaranteed by the public body. Ideally the loan would be interest free. Can you help?
Action on the Ground
Jonathan Caddy for the Findhorn Hinterland Committee. Tel 01309 691877