Mighty oaks grow from tiny acorns
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TREE planting toddlers have "twigged" on to the theory that mighty oaks grow from tiny acorns in the midst of an ancient Elgin woodland.
The newly resurrected Oakwood/Quarrelwood group has joined forces with Earthtime, a community interest company promoting forestry fun in Moray, to encourage more people to go down to the woods today.
Once a hive of activity with local dog walkers, outdoor enthusiasts, joggers and cyclists, the Elgin West End woodland, which stretches from Brumley Brae to the outskirts of the town, has suffered from a decline in interest.
Now the Oakwood/Quarrelwood committee, which will be reformed next week after a spell in abeyance, is keen to raise awareness of the history, beauty and wide range of wildlife which comes from the area.
Herds of deer, red squirrels, bats, buzzards, owls and colourful jays populate its forest trails at this time of year, said committee member Eric Marriott, who lives only a stone’s throw away from the woodland.
And he is thrilled to see Earthtime giving local youngsters the opportunity to take part in acorn and tree planting activities in the
forest, supported by Moray Council.
"They are picking acorns at the end of this month and there will be a planting programme just around the corner," he said. "We want the children to come back in two years time, plant their trees and write their name on them.
"An oak tree grows about a foot a year so they will be able to keep coming back and see the tree they planted. Once it is up and going we’ll be able to do it every year."
Laura Russell, who formed Earthtime along with fellow director Deborah Hockney less than a year ago, is leading toddler adventure sessions in the Elgin woodland once a month.
Activities for the next session later this month will include building bug houses and bird feeders to help wildlife when the Moray winter takes its icy grip in the forest.
She revealed: "Last Sunday we had 18 toddlers, our biggest number yet, helping to build dens and carry out a series of tasks which we set them. They are very enthusiastic.
"A lot of children nowadays are learning more about rainforests at school than they do about what grows in their back gardens.
"So we are working through an eco schools programme to help take more children out into their local woodland to explore, and teach them about biodiversity."
Their next toddler activity day is on Sunday, November 27 between 10.30 and 11.30am. The session begins at the car park behind the Eight Acres Hotel, and for more details visit www.earthtime.co.uk, call 07789 715380 or e-mail loveearthtime@yahoo.com.
Meanwhile, the Oakwood/ Quarrelwood group will be officially reformed at a meeting next Thursday at Elgin Community Centre at 7.30pm, with anyone interested in Moray’s woodlands invited to attend.
"We will be letting people know what we’re aiming to do, and if anyone wants to join the committee or become an associate member, they can do that," Mr Marriott said.
