2022
Impact Report Murton Trust for Education and the Environment SC031554
Table of Contents 01
Our Statement of Purpose
02
Our Values
03
The Highlights of 2022 helping us achieve our four aims
1. To provide educational opportunities that encourage learning and developing skills for life 2. To establish and maintain a thriving nature reserve that encourages access to the outdoors 3. To effectively run a visitor farm and tearoom that offers a recreational and leisure facility, which generates income to support our educational provision. 4. To maintain and develop strong connections with our community through our leadership, work and on our site
04
Measuring our Impact
05
History of Murton
06
Acknowledgements and Contact
1. We value people 2. We value our place 3. We make it happen
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Statement of Purpose Murton is a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation SC031554 with a dual educational and environmental purpose. We are situated on a former quarry near Forfar in Angus and manage a thriving nature reserve, visitor farm and tearoom set in 100 acres.
The vision
To provide a unique environment in which children, young people and adults can learn and develop skills for life.
The mission
To enrich people’s lives by using our site to its full potential. We offer our unique environment as an educational centre that offers a positive impact on all ages. We hope to be a thriving and sustainable charity valued in the community and recognised nationally.
Our aims The specific aims of Murton are: To provide educational opportunities that encourage learning and developing skills for life. To maintain and establish a thriving nature reserve that encourages access to the outdoors. To effectively run a visitor farm and tearoom on our site that offers a recreational and leisure facility and generates income to support our educational work. To maintain and develop strong connections with our community through our leadership, work and on our site.
"Joining the board has been one of the best things I have done. It's been great to see Murton evolve and develop over time. I can give something back to the organisation which on a wider scale helps many people; from gaining qualifications, working on their personal development right down to folks being able to come and enjoy a walk around the site or have a cuppy and cake in the tearoom! Being part of the Board of Trustees has also helped me gain experience within an organisation and improve my leadership skills." Grant Reid - Chair // MURTON TRUST
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Our Values
We are guided by the values of our organisation in all that we do. We value people – We are here for everyone. We inspire people through our leadership, knowledge, enthusiasm and actions. We are welcoming, understanding and value difference. We encourage, respect and nurture the contribution that everyone can make.
We make it happen – We move forward with purpose and ambition. We are curious, responsive and ready to learn from others. We collaborate and encourage partnerships. We keep things simple and move forward with purpose.
We value our place – We develop it with and for people. We are committed to creating and enriching an enduring natural asset. We value and recognise the contribution our place provides to the wellbeing of all. We act responsibly, safely and sustainably in our place.
"We strive to run our organisation in a way that is inclusive and engaging for staff, volunteers and our visitors. We have clear guiding principles that direct us as an organisation but our values ensure that we always consider the needs of our community and those that participate in our activities. It is wonderful to be part of an organisation that can adapt and change to meet those needs." Alison Elliott - Manager. // MURTON TRUST
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To provide educational opportunities that encourage learning and developing skills for life. 2022 saw a marked increase, from pre-pandemic levels, in participants across all our educational programmes. Our largest programme remains our weekday placements for young people aged 14 to 24 from schools and partner organisations. It is heart warming to see so many young people benefitting from being outside, gaining practical skills and
the
experience having a positive impact on their wellbeing. This year confirmed the need and benefit of our new work experience programme, running during school holidays and at weekends. The young people attended paid work experience and additional volunteering days to increase their employability skills and enhance their personal development. All of these young people benefitted from a free lunch during this programme. It remains encouraging that adult volunteers wish to contribute their time and energy to help develop Murton whilst supporting their own wellbeing.
111
group visits led by Murton staff. Schools, Community Groups and Support Organisations.
17
schools supported groups and individuals to attend our activities and programmes.
The educational offering at Murton is always tailored to the needs of the visiting schools, community groups, nurseries and support services. We offer one-off events and long term programmes. However, all organised opportunities on site focus on the importance of a basic education, while promoting life long learning. The educational work of the Trust allows all participants, particularly young people to thrive and succeed in an enjoyable and beautiful natural environment. Regardless of the reason for visiting, we promote the benefits of being active, learning new practical skills, respect for the countryside and improving mental and physical wellbeing, while striving for personal development.
2214 hours
volunteering completed by young people at weekends and school holidays. An additional 352 days were attended
during the Work Experience programme
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and over 900 days were attended on our education programme.
To establish and maintain a thriving nature reserve that encourages access to the outdoors.
74
events delivered on our nature reserve.
17
nesting boxes monitored for BTO Nest Record Scheme. When volunteers and school students visit our site, they help our skilled and qualified staff to
maintain and enhance our nature reserve to the highest standard for all our visitors. The events and activities carried out on our site encourage an appreciation of the outdoors and ensures children, young people and adults will learn and develop skills for life.
Volunteers have been key to recording and sharing wildlife information, videos and reports to the general public. This has been delivered by walks, talks and displaying videos in our tearoom. Some videos are also available on our YouTube channel.
Footfall from visitors continues to grow as the benefits and need for outside space remain
important to our community. Families and individuals continue to reconnect with nature and have found solace in the tranquillity of our natural spaces. Our nature reserve was the perfect
place for visitors to reaffirm a love for nature or to take first steps in understanding the natural beauty around us.
727
children in 323 families attended our nature reserve events.
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To effectively run a visitor farm and tearoom that offers a recreational and leisure facility, which generates income to support our educational provision. We manage our thriving nature reserve, visitor farm and
tearoom set in 100 acres for the benefit of our community.
All the work we do ensures that we enrich people’s lives by experiencing the outdoors.
Murton understands the current cost of living crisis is
having a significant impact on our community and as a
result has retained reduced entrance fees to our visitor farm. However, the significant increase in general costs also impacts Murton's ability to operate. This requires us to
seek to secure additional funding to ensure the continued
development and enjoyment of the farm and tearoom for years to come.
We are pleased to report that we secured funding to
replace our popular tipi as the number of visits to the tipi continue to grow. in striving to use Murton’s land to its full
potential, we can offer our unique environment as an educational tool that has a positive impact on all ages.
72
hires of our Tipi site. Encouraging groups and families to enjoy quality time outdoors.
57
animals were happily adopted and sponsored this year, ensuring a lasting engagement with each of these families.
100%
82
Catch your reader's eye by highlighting
free Meet the Animals
one of your main points in thissessions space.delivered by
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staff and volunteers for our visitors.
To maintain and develop strong connections with our community through our leadership, work and on our site.
Murton wishes to enrich people’s lives by using our site to its full potential. We can only do this by engaging with our community.
Our nature reserve is open 7 days a week throughout the year.
As a Trust, in order to encourage visitors to our site, we made the decision to continue reduced entry fees to our Farm. This had a
positive impact on visitor numbers and was appreciated by the community.
We strive to increase community capacity and encourage a connected
and
organisations.
supportive
network
of
similar
minded
As an established organisation, situated centrally in Angus we
realise the importance of supporting community organisations
and groups in our region. We aim to connect, inspire and be
positive about the potential Angus has to be a great place to live, work and visit.
7
days a week, 50 weeks of the year our site is open to allow our visitors to enjoy our facilities.
Free
entry to our nature reserve for all. Adult entry to our visitor farm remains free to support families in need this year. .
1162
free lunches were provided to our community. Young volunteers and families most in need of
support were able to access both
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activities and food for free during school holidays.
Measuring our Impact against our Values
We measure the impact our work and activity have across our community by focusing on people, place and making it happen. Our site, projects, activities and educational programmes allow us to achieve a number of desired outcomes against each of our values.
01. We value people
Increased practical skills for life, work and learning
Increased social skills and connecting with others
Improved confidence Increased work ethic
Improved mental health and wellbeing Increased aspiration and self direction Provide for the community through grant management
Better supported community using our facilities
Increased community engagement Increased community capacity
02. We value our place More physically active
Increased time outdoors
Increased access to the natural environment
Reduce our carbon footprint
Increase awareness of environmental impact
Improve the quality of the natural habitat at Murton
03. We make it happen Increasing our educational programmes
Ensure a safe and welcoming
environment for our community to enjoy Support other local charities and small businesses
Deliver new programmes for all our community to participate in
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We value people
Outcomes Increased practical skills for life, work and learning Increased social skills and connecting with others Improved confidence Increased work ethic Improved mental health and wellbeing Increased aspiration and self direction Provide for the community through grant management Better supported community using our facilities Increased community engagement Increased community capacity
"I was unsure on what to expect but it has been a great experience and confidence builder. I enjoyed getting to help out with the meet the animals and talking to the public about the animals. I have furthered my knowledge about the fact that I want to work with animals after I leave school. I didn't love talking to the public when I was unsure on the subject I was talking about. I would be interested in volunteering at Murton again in the future." - Young Person completing Work Experience Programme.
"Options In Life supports young adults who have a learning disability and additional support needs. Our groups have been visiting Murton Farm for several years now. The staff at Murton go out of their way to offer a vast range of activities, tailored to suit the needs of our young people. Our groups have lots of fun, getting up close to the farm animals, learning about conservation, wildlife and the environment, as well as cooking and baking on open fires, creating natural art, and learning new skills like woodwork and leather stamping. Our service users love their days at Murton, and we can't thank the staff enough for the effort they put into making each day a really enjoyable experience." - Options in Life
We value people
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Activities
"I thought my time volunteering would just be working with animals, but I also learnt how to help out the new volunteers" Long term young volunteer.
Education Programme Volunteer Programme Work Experience Programme Free lunches during school holidays Calendar of Public Events Skills Workshops and Engagement Days Outdoor Tots Group Recreational School Visits Long Term Personal Development School Visits Third Sector Support Group Visits Third Sector Support Group Long Term Programmes Community Jobs Scotland Placements Hosting Long Term Unemployed Placement Delivery of Community Recover Fund (CRF) in Angus Skills Workshops and Engagement Days Private Group Hire of Facilities Business Hire of Facilities Participating in Angus business events Using, promoting and selling local business produce. Committee member of Angus SEN Board member of Angus Tourism Cooperative Delivery of Tourism European Transnational Cooperation Project Encouraging the creation of, and selling of young volunteers' handmade goods. Providing a community asset with access to our site, 7 days a week, 50 weeks of the year. Support a small local charity, Forfar Open Garden, in matters of governance, administration and promoting partnership working.
We value people
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Evidence
1162 free lunches were provided to those in need in our community, including young people volunteering and families participating in our events. 6 Secondary Schools, 11 Primary Schools, 8 Community Groups and 6 Support Agencies participated in group activities or sent participants to our educational programmes. 169 different young people attended our programmes at Murton 94 young people attended our weekday education programme 75 young people participated in work experience programme 38 young people and 5 adults remain active volunteers 2214 hours of volunteering completed at weekends and school holidays 192 events, workshops or engagement sessions delivered to our community 35 outdoor tots sessions delivered 111 group visits led by Murton staff 103 private hires of facilities including Tipi, Cabin and Classroom 2 Community Jobs Scotland Placements on Farm and in Tearoom 1 Estate Apprentice Placement on Nature Reserve 1 Long Term Unemployed Placement in the office. Increased network of contacts including charities, businesses and community groups
"It is one of my kids favourite places to visit, they love to check in on the guinea pigs and ferrets and take full advantage when they are out for a cuddle. We’ve visited for a couple of organised events, their favourite being toasting marshmallows, building dens and stories in the tepee. It is incredible that some of these events are funded and on our last we had a free cup of soup which was so welcome. My kids are 5 and 7 and love the trampolines and swing ball but by far their favourite is the free play building, we have made so many dens and it never gets boring! Thank you for all the happy memories, thank you for making it affordable for us, we will keep supporting the farm." - Visitor
We value people
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We value our place Outcomes More physically active Increased time outdoors Increased access to the natural environment Reduce our carbon footprint Increase awareness of environmental impact Improve the quality of the natural habitat at Murton
Activities Education Programme Volunteer Programme Work Experience Programme Calendar of Public Events Skills Workshops and Engagement Days Outdoor Tots Group Community use of our nature reserve and farm Monitoring our environmental impact Actively manage our nature reserve Third Sector Group Activity BTO Nest Record Scheme Participant in Evasive Species Control Programme Education through publication of engagement materials Promoting Murton to tourists as part of an Angus wide campaign Maintenance of Nature Reserve
"I heard about Murton at school and wasn’t sure what to expect at the beginning but I really enjoyed working with the animals and spray painting. I would definitely like to work at Murton in the future." - Young Person on Education Programme
Just to say I thoroughly enjoyed today's very informative talk and walk. It's wonderful to have such a place on our doorstep. Keep up the good work. Guided walk attendee
We value our place
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"The class and I would like to thank you and the team at Murton for having such a great facility and for giving us a very informative tour on Tuesday this week. It was much appreciated and gives us lots of talking points and information to build on. I really appreciated your time and for noticing when a couple of students were anxious, it’s a major issue just now with students and often seen as awkward or bad behaviour but making small acknowledgments and trying to find solutions is very helpful." - College Lecturer Evidence 94 young people attended weekday education programme with over 900 days attendance 75 young people participated in work experience programme, 352 days attendance recorded. 38 young people and 5 adults remain active volunteers 74 events delivered on our nature reserve 31 practical workshops with 334 people in attendance 35 outdoor tots sessions delivered 40 new trees planted & 35 new hedge plants planted. 15 new bird boxes and 6 squirrel feeders built and installed on site. Monthly bird counts through WeBs, local Bird Club and our own volunteers Completion of BTO Nest Record Scheme for boxes on site. 2067 kWh Wind Generation - 3465 kWh Solar Generation Active food waste mangement Well maintained accessible path network "We visited from Aberdeen for the first time in Open 7 days all year round. August, a very warm day and we all had great fun. Everyone was so welcoming and friendly in the tearoom, and we were surprised by just how much there was to do across the various fields. Our favourites were the trampolines, stand-in sand pits and giant Jenga. We will definitely be back next summer." - Visitor
"I applied to achieve my silver Duke of Edinburgh Award as I enjoy being outdoors and hoped I would get to work with animals. I did get to work with animals and thoroughly enjoyed the interactions." - Young Volunteer
We value our place
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Full moon walk around Murton nature reserve is a magical experience - Article as featured in The Courier The stars twinkle in the night sky and the moon casts its reflection on to the surface of the loch. The only sound is the distant hooting of an owl, and the scuffle of something – perhaps a mouse, or a vole – in the undergrowth. I’m in the heart of Murton nature reserve, a few miles from Forfar, and I’m enjoying a special full moon walk. It’s a guided event, and I’m joined by a dozen or so others, mostly families with kids. It’s a cold and frosty evening, and, as I stand, drinking in the peace and beauty of the place, I’m glad I’ve wrapped up warmly. The reserve’s stunning lochs and wetlands are home to a variety of birds and wildfowl, including many protected species such as little ringed plover. There are three hides from where you can watch both resident and visiting birds (probably best during daylight!) and it’s a good idea to bring binoculars. Visiting at night, however, is an altogether different experience. A magical, ethereal, otherworldly kind of experience. The monthly full moon walks, led by staff and volunteers, are great fun for people of all ages and you’re rewarded with a steaming mug of hot chocolate and toasted marshmallows at the end. The walk starts off with a gathering round the fire, checking everyone has a torch, and then choosing whether you want to do the long or short loop. I opt for the long one, which is probably a mile or so, and is led by Murton manager Alison Elliott. Even in the dark, it’s a veritable wildlife oasis – birds of all shapes and sizes flit and flap and we pick out some mute swans swimming in a loch. The reserve is kept immaculately, with pruned hedgerows, a wildflower meadow, woodland and swathes of mown grass. There are viewpoints where you can stand and enjoy the views – yes, even in the dark if the moon is bright – that stretch over Murton’s extensive wetlands. Alison tells us around 130 varieties of bird have been recorded here, including the pair of little ringed plover that nest on gravel. When we reach one big loch, she encourages us to turn off our torches. It’s so bright we barely need them anyway. Standing at the edge, the moon shining on the glassy water and the stars on full beam, there’s an amazing sense of joy and wonder. “It’s not always like this!” laughs Alison. “Some of our full moon walks have been windy and wet – and clouds have obscured the moon. But you’re in luck tonight!” We pass little tracks made by otters – apparently a few families hang out here – and there’s evidence of red squirrels in the form of chewed pine cones. Excerpt from The Courier Article by Gail Ritchie. Full article available online. All photographs on this page from Steve MacDougall
We value our place
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We make it happen The previous two sections have detailed the activities and outcomes on our site that focus on people and place and what was achieved in 2022. We pride ourselves in being able to 'make it happen' by learning from others, being responsive, collaborating and then moving forward with purpose. At the end of every year we review our future plans and current challenges to ensure the continued development and progress of the Trust. We are curious, responsive and ready to learn from others. Following a significant increase in young people attending work experience programmes in 2022, we will adapt our delivery model to meet this demand and repeat the programme in 2023 Without increased funding for educational work it will be a challenge to deliver on all our programmes. We will be responsive to developments as required. We must meet the impact of climate change at Murton, notably from storm and flood damage. Manage repairs, increased costs, staff time and investigate prevention measures Be ready to bid for funding with a clear funding strategy for the Trust.
Murton is a very special place for us. It was the first place we visited when we moved to Angus. Our son was 18 months old and just loved the park. Then we watched the seasons change on the nature trail and loved going on a mushroom hunt. Then our youngest came along. He’s grown up at Murton. The chickens are his favourite, he’s always in stitches watching them. We’ve seen frogs, lizards, deers running through the lake and been chased off the nature trail by swans. Every trip’s different we love how well it’s looked after and will be coming for years to come. - Visitor
We make it happen
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We collaborate and encourage partnerships. We work closely with schools, local authorities and partner organisations to ensure our programmes are fit for purpose and clearly defined. Offer our facilities for third parties to deliver traditional and rural skills that connect people to place. Take a lead in the new Angus Rural Partnership focusing on community led local development and supporting the sustainability of small businesses and charitable organisations. I wasn’t sure what to expect at the start but thought I might be working in the café or with the animals. I did get to work with animals and thought it was really good fun. I really enjoyed all the different aspects of the work too and would like to continue doing this type of work as I get to discover what I enjoy. I would be interested in working or volunteering here again in the summer or possibly out of school time. - Young Volunteer We keep things simple and move forward with purpose We listen to our community's needs and act swiftly and responsibly to deliver activities or improve facilities as requested. A farm upgrade is required to ensure our farm in engaging and fit for purpose, this includes new play equipment and animal pens. Offer our resource and expertise to local businesses and third sector organisations for the benefit of our community. Ensure all resident in Angus and surrounding area are aware of our facilities and the importance of the environment for physical and mental wellbeing. Share our knowledge of maintaining the natural environment and its benefits. With Murton striving for long term sustainability, we must secure long term funding. There remains a significant need for core funding and new projects as they arise to help with the development of Murton Trust.
We make it happen
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History of Murton In June 2022 we held a thanksgiving celebration for the founders of our Trust, Caroline and Michael Hill. The celebration was hosted by their four children following their father's death earlier in the year. We have created a memorial cairn, dedicated to both Michael and Caroline, to mark their contribution to Murton Trust. Murton Trust was established in 2001 at the conclusion of 12 years of sand and gravel quarrying. The Trust takes its name from the original Murton Farm which dates back to the 18th century. There is evidence that some of the earliest inhabitants of the area date back to the Bronze Age and three Bronze Age cists, some 4000 years old, were found at Murton. Two in 1953 and a third in 1984. When the nearby Restenneth Moss and loch were drained in the 18th century the land was developed into farmland and Murton Farm was established to produce corn and flax for local mills. It later produced grain and potatoes and beef cattle were also reared. In the late 1960s, our two founding trustees, that lived in an adjoining property, bought the farm. The land continued to be farmed by the resident tenant farmers until Aggregate Industries approached the owners about the possibility of quarrying at Murton. It was agreed at the end of the sand and gravel extraction that the whole area would be restored to the highest environmental standard. Over a period of 12 years different areas of our nature reserve were quarried and restored. The Home Loch, one of the most established areas on the reserve was first to be landscaped and planted with trees. The visitor farm was the last to be completed.
Contact
After the completion of extraction the Trust and Aggregate Industries worked in partnership to ensure the land was given the best opportunity to evolve into a reserve where nature not merely survives, but thrives. // MURTON TRUST A STEP AWAY FROM THE EVERYDAY
Acknowledgements We would like to acknowledge the significant number of partners, funders both big and small and individuals that ensure Murton can continue on our journey.
Although there are too many to mention individually here, we thank them all for their support. We thank our local community and visitors to Murton. A special mention must also be given to our staff, volunteers and trustees that give their knowledge, skill, expertise and passion so freely.
Contact Murton Trust for Education and the Environment SC031554 Murton Steading Arbroath Road Forfar DD8 2RZ
www.murtontrust.org.uk murtontrust@murtontrust.org.uk 01307 819491 Alison Elliott - Trust Manager alison@murtontrust.org.uk
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Contact Murton Trust for Education and the Environment SC031554 Murton Steading Arbroath Road Forfar DD8 2RZ
www.murtontrust.org.uk murtontrust@murtontrust.org.uk 01307 819491 Alison Elliott - Trust Manager alison@murtontrust.org.uk
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