Our Story

Forres Friends of Woods and Fields is a local grassroots environmental charity based in the community of Forres, Moray in Scotland, aiming to restore our woodlands, support local food sustainability and aid the mental and physical well-being of the community.

The charity looks after the Kennel Wood on the ridge to the south of Sanquhar Loch; the adjacent Kennel Field where the horse stable is; and the Chapleton Fields up towards the old farmhouse. For more detail, see the map. Our land borders other well-established environmental organisations in the community of Forres, namely the Sanquhar pond group which cares for the Sanquhar Loch which is in turn largely owned by Moray Council, and the Forres Community Woodland trust, who are restoring the adjoining woodlands. These areas together form a vital and intriguing wildlife and recreational asset to the local town. 

In 2020, this land was acquired from the Altyre Estate and its stewardship was taken on by the charity. Our vision for this area is to restore and regenerate the local woodlands and to create a nature-based educational resource and recreational area for and within the community of Forres.

The Community Garden at Upper Chapleton Field has started its first growing season in 2022 thanks to our volunteers and we are growing over 10 different types of fruits and vegetables and even more varieties. There is a polytunnel for indoor growing, and a Community Orchard. The Kennel field is a key spot to nurture and enhance botanical wildlife. There is a small section of fruit trees and a tree nursery established there; growing over 300 trees. We would like the fields to provide a place to learn, share and enjoy food growing together. 

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The charity is supported by the team of trustees with varying backgrounds and expertise and a large volunteer group, who aid with tree planting, cleaning and clearing, and growing, amongst other activities.