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
Alison Elliott, Trust Manager
“Murton is one of those rare places, which caters for all ages in an area of outstanding natural beauty. It has been a privilege, as a Trustee, to witness it develop and flourish over the past two decades. The commitment, vision and ambition of Team Murton is really exceptional” - Melvyn Lynch, Trustee
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 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.
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.
To provide a unique environment in which children, young people and adults can learn and develop skills for life.
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 in a range of ways Our core educational programmes are for young people and make significant differences to the current situation and future opportunities of young people in Angus. We also run a large volunteering programme that allows attendance at weekends and during school holidays and a work experience programme that runs both during term time and over holidays All our programmes offer an innovative and essential service, providing work experience and certificated training that is relevant to the local rural community. We deliver adult volunteering programmes with a particular focus on mental health, personal development and employability skills
The large Tipi and adjacent outdoor classroom on our nature reserve is used to enthuse schools, recreational and uniformed groups of younger children to access nature and spend time learning and playing outdoors. Our entire site is also used for family fun and encouraging positive family experiences. This provides communication and interaction opportunities, as well as creating lasting memories. With these programmes, we have confirmed Murton’s place as a facility for everyone in our community and are delighted that all who attend can benefit from, and contribute to the Murton experience and the Murton family
108
young individuals attended our educational programmes
1920
volunteering hours completed by young people at weekends and school holidays
1656
volunteering hours completed by adults
Murton Trust - A Step Away from the Everyday
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. Since 2001, the nature reserve has become a destination of delights, teaming with a wildlife including otters. The 80 acre nature reserve flourishes with diverse habitats: lochs, wetlands, woods, wild flower meadows, and nesting sites for sand martins. 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. Although education and the environment are our two priorities, we also recognise the importance that Murton can play in improving the health and wellbeing of our community. 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. Videos are also available on our YouTube channel @murtontrust3416 The need for outside spaces remain important to our community Families and individuals connect with nature and find solace in the tranquillity of our natural spaces. Our nature reserve is the perfect place for visitors to reaffirm a love for nature or to take first steps in understanding the natural beauty around us.
73
birds species recorded at Murton
101
events delivered on the nature reserve
1943
children and 994 adults attended our nature reserve events
Murton Trust - A Step Away from the Everyday
Our wonderful site allows us to offer endless opportunities to our wider community and our visitor farm and tearoom in particular are key to this As a charity and social enterprise, we understand the importance of generating our own income We are fortunate to be able to to do this through events, our tearoom and visitor farm. The pandemic and the current cost of living crisis have resulted in significant reduction in the amount of money that we could have generated ourselves through trading. This is something that we are still trying to recover from We now, more than ever, will be reliant on grant giving organisations to support our charity through the year ahead. We need to ensure our site is maintained and enhanced to allow our local community to continue to visit and enjoy We appreciate the importance of leisure facilities to the community and visitors of Angus. We hope to be a valued attraction and addition to the region. We have clear connections to the tourism industry and strive to promote Angus as a vibrant tourist destination in Scotland We will continue to develop our Travel Trade offering, and ensure that visitors to our region remain in Angus and visit like minded attractions and businesses when here.
80
55
free Meet the Animals sessions delivered by staff and volunteers for our visitors
Hires of the Tipi
81
23 Birthday parties at Murton Animals adopted or sponsored
To effectively run a visitor farm and tearoom that offers a recreational and leisure facility, which generates income to support Murton Trust - A Step Away from the Everyday
309 Items made during Murton Maker sessions
maintain and
leadership,
its full potential We can only do this by successfully engaging with our community. Particularly when the community visit us, we promote the great outdoors, promote physical activity, encourage life long learning for all ages and enhance general health and wellbeing Our site also offers positive family communication and social interaction opportunities for all, as well as creating lasting memories in a welcoming, inclusive and supportive environment.
Our nature reserve is open 7 days a week throughout the year Our site and activities remain affordable or free to ensure there is no financial barrier in place to visiting Murton. This had a positive impact on visitor numbers and we know is appreciated by the community.
As an established organisation situated centrally in Angus, we realise the importance of supporting other community organisations and groups in our region We do this by participating in Angus events, working collaboratively with others on shared projects We aim to connect, inspire and be positive about the potential Angus has to be a great place to live, work and visit.
We ensure we strive to increase community capacity and encourage a connected and supportive network of similar minded organisations.
7 y , the year our site is open to allow our visitors to enjoy our facilities
health walks delivered at Murton 27
790 free lunches were provided free healthy snacks were shared 1676
entry to our nature reserve for all
Adult entry to our visitor farm remains free to support families in need this year. in partner networks relevant to our work
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.
“The walk around the reserve was the perfect length for me. The nature reserve is beautiful and I will definitely be back again. Everyone was friendly and it was great to chat with the other visitors.”
Murton Trust - A Step Away from the Everyday
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.
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
Provision for the community through grant managem
Better support for the community using our facilitie
Increased community engagement
Increased community capacity
More physically active visitors
Increased time outdoors
Increased access to the natural environment
Reduced carbon footprint
Increased awareness of environmental impact
Improved quality of the natural habitat at Murton
Enhanced educational programmes
Safe and welcoming environment
A community enjoying Murton
Support for other local charities and small business
Delivery of new programmes for fuller community p
Murton T
Murton Trust were delighted to receive a £3000 grant after being selected as a nominated charity by two young people at Webster’s High School, Kirriemuir.
31st January 2024
At Webster’s High School, Willow Heinowski and Carla McKenzie selected Murton Trust as their chosen charity. The young people must identify a social issue in their local area, a charity that supports that issue. Then prepare and showcase a presentation to a judging panel, in their own creative way The students completed excellent research and created an amazing presentation that delighted the judges at Websters a few weeks ago.
Murton Trust Manager, Alison Elliott said “Murton are absolutely thrilled to be the recipient of £3000 following the hard work and commitment of Willow and Carla to this project. Our community is always the focus of the work we do at Murton. We welcome over 100 young people each year to attend our programmes and it is incredibly rewarding to have young people acknowledge our charity and support us by securing this significant grant.”
The Youth and Philanthropy Initiative (YPI) is managed and principally funded by The Wood Foundation, a charity established in 2007 by Sir Ian Wood and his immediate family This year, 280 schools across Scotland are taking part in the programme and close to 40,000 young people will direct £840,000 to small grassroots charities.
Alex Reid, Programme Manager at The Wood Foundation, said; “YPI gives young people a valuable opportunity to advocate for social issues and charities in their local area while developing skills and awareness to make a positive difference in their communities. Over the last five years, nearly 600 young people from Webster’s High School have been responsible for granting £15,000 to local causes in Angus, which has had an enormous impact locally. The students worked hard to deliver a creative and engaging presentation on the work of the Trust to secure the £3000 grant on their behalf. Our YPI work would not be possible without the support of our Principal Funding Partner in Dundee & Angus, The Northwood Trust, and our valued school and charity partners.”
Carla and Willow recently visited Murton and spent a day working with staff Willow explained why she wanted to support Murton. “We picked Murton Trust as our charity because it is a place to have fun, be ourselves and connect with nature Murton helps a lot with Mental Health and the Environment which we thought was really important.” Carla stated “When I visited Murton I realised how much it can help not only animals, but people too. That’s why I believe that Murton can make a difference ” During their volunteering day they are pictured presenting their cheque to the staff and animals on the farm.
“We picked Murton Trust as our charity because it is a place to have fun, be ourselves and connect with nature.”
“This year, we are delighted to congratulate the winning students from Webster’s High who were advocating for the Murton Trust, who enjoyed engaging with the charity through their visits and were very well supported by Murton staff and volunteers during the process.”
- Alex Reid, Wood Foundation
School Education Programme
Young People Volunteer Programme
Work Experience Programme
Free lunches and snacks during school holidays
Calendar of Public Events
Health Walks
Skills Workshops and Engagement Days
Outdoor Tots Group
Recreational School Visits
Long Term Personal Development School Visits
Third Sector Support Group Day Visit
Third Sector Support Group Programmes
Adult Volunteer Programme
Adult Employability Programme
Long Term Unemployed Placements
Skills Workshops and Engagement Days
Private Group Hire of Facilities
Using, promoting and selling local business produce
Participating in Angus business events
Board member of Angus Tourism Cooperative
Board member of the Angus Rural Partnership
Participation in 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
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
Murton Trust - A Step Away from
790 free lunches were provided to those in need in our community, including young people volunteering and families participating in our events
6 Secondary Schools, 15 Primary Schools, 8 Community Groups and 12 Support Agencies participated in group activities or sent participants to our educational programmes
108 young individuals attended our education programmes at Murton
62 young people attended our weekday education programme, 46 young people participated in work experience programme, 26 young people remain active volunteers
1920 hours of volunteering completed at weekends and school holidays
656 volunteering hours completed by adults
133 participants on Health Walks
183 events, workshops or engagement sessions delivered to our community
28 outdoor tots sessions delivered
138 group sessions led by Murton staff
32 private hires of facilities including Tipi, Cabin and Classroom
Increased network of contacts including charities, businesses and community groups
1943 children and 994 adults attended our nature reserve events
“I wanted to gain some social skills, too (sic) help out with animals since I like them and to keep myself busy :) I expected it to be busy and overwhelming and awkward but it's actually been great and quite fun.”
- Young Volunteer
“I wasn't 100% sure what to expect but i had a good general idea of feeding/helping the animals ,helping children and adult visitors I liked the hands on aspect and how it was really open environment it was really calming to be busy. Just that it was an absolute fab experience and i will be be trying to book back in for volunteering in the near future.”Young Volunteer
Our activities
Education Programme
Volunteer Programme
Work Experience Programme
Calendar of Public Events
Sustainable use of our own natural resources
Health Walks
Skills Workshops and Engagement Days
Outdoor Tots Group
Community use of our facilities, nature
reserve and farm
Monitoring our environmental impact
Use of facilities for Business Hire
Actively manage our nature reserve
Third Sector Group Activity
BTO Nest Record Scheme
BTO BirdTrack and NESBReC submissions
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
Habitat creation on nature reserve
More physically active - Increased time outdoors - Increased access to the natural environment - Reduce our carbon footprintIncrease awareness of environmental impact - Improve the quality of the natural habitat at Murton
Murton Trust - A Step Away from the Everyday
“I loved every minute of my time at murton and will hopefully be back to do more volunteering work with you all as you all made me feel good about myself and were really friendly and great to work with ” - Young Volunteer
62 young people attended weekday education programme over 30 weeks of the year
46 young people participated in work experience programme, 384 days attendance recorded
21 young people and 11 adults remain active volunteers
101 events delivered on our nature reserve
21 species of wildlife recorded on our wildlife cameras
39 practical workshops with 607 people in attendance making an item
28 outdoor tots sessions delivered
30 new trees planted & 40 new hedge plants planted
27 Health Walks delivered
19 new bird boxes and 7 squirrel feeders built and installed on site
12 Monthly bird counts through WeBs, local Bird Club and our own volunteers
Completion of BTO Nest Record Scheme for 26 boxes on site and Sand Martin wall
26 weekly butterfly counts with information submitted to UK BMS
3141kWh Wind Generation - 4043kWh
Solar Generation
Active food waste management
Well maintained accessible path network
Open 7 days all year round
“My eldest is autistic and can find being in busy/noisy environments overwhelming- which makes Christmas events a particular challenge! The event at the weekend was just perfect for him - a lovely laid-back environment where he had choice in what he wanted/felt able to do, and really lovely and attentive staff both in the cafe and in the workshop. I can’t tell you how nice that was for us all.” - Event Attendee
Murton Trust - A Step Away from the Everyday
“Angus Young Carers would like to thank Murton Farm for enabling us to have a wonderful fun filled family day. Everyone enjoyed this experience so much and it was lovely to see so many families having fun together. Our families teamed up and enjoyed some very impressive den building in the wood. Meet the animals, games, toasting marshmallows over the campfire, picnic lunch and having fun in the park.” - Group Visit
The previous two sections have detailed the activities and outcomes on our site that focus on people and place and what was achieved over the last year. 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 detail them here against our agreed outcomes in this area.
Work experience placements during school holidays were well attended despite paid placements not being available this year We will search for funding to make this happen again. 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.
Now that our adult programmes are formalised we will continue to develop and vary opportunities for a truly inclusive offering 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. We will use our public position to highlight the impact this is having across wider Angus. Be ready to bid for funding with a clear funding strategy for the Trust. We listen to our community's needs and act swiftly and responsibly to deliver activities as requested.
“On behalf of our families and the Family Nurture Support Team, I just want to thank everyone at Murton for ensuring our families had a fantastic day last Thursday. Not just the amazing resources and the incredible lunches, but for making us feel so welcomed. Everyone went out of their way to ensure we had everything we needed.” - Group Visit
Support other local charities and sm businesses
We work closely with schools, local authorit and partner organisations to ensure our programmes are fit for purpose and clearly defined.
Offer our facilities for third parties to delive traditional and rural skills that connect peop to place
Taking a lead in Angus Rural Partnership focusing on community led local developm and supporting the sustainability of small businesses and charitable organisations Continuing leadership role in Angus Tourism Cooperative and the tourism industry in An
Ensure a safe and welcoming environment for our community to enjoy
A farm upgrade is required to ensure our fa is engaging and fit for purpose, this include new play equipment and animal pens. Ensure all resident’s in Angus and surround area are aware of our facilities and the importance of the environment for physica and mental wellbeing. Share our knowledge of maintaining the nat environment and its benefits. With Murton striving for long term sustainability, we must secure long term funding There remains a significant need fo core funding and also securing new project help with the development of Murton Trust
30th June 2024
Murton is flying high, thanks to their wonderful local community!
Over the last 12 months Murton have been overwhelmed by the support and help given to them by their existing volunteers and a significant number of local businesses and individuals, offering their personal time, expertise, products and donations. This project has all come together with the unwavering dedication of one particular volunteer, Kevin Dear and his wife, Brenda. Kevin’s gift of the gab, local contacts and determination ensured this project kept progressing and Murton now has a number of businesses and individuals they wish to thank for their contribution to the project. Today marked the official opening of the zip wire with all the individuals and businesses that have shown their support invited to enjoy a cuppy, cake and of course a slide down the completed zip wire!
To get the project started in 2023, Well-Safe Solutions kindly introduced Kevin to Aberdeen Fabrication (A-Fab), Aberdeen who very generously produced detailed fabrication drawings and fabricated both zip wire frames. Bodrum Turkish Barbers, Forfar gave a donation towards the purchase of a zip wire kit. This was purchased y that also provided a donation to the Trust. Transport Laurencekirk transported the frame from Aberdeen to t steps. Ritchie Agricultural Implements Ltd, Forfar be shotblasted at their Forfar factory and for it to be isers Ltd. Following this step, local Forfar business High tions (HVMS) stepped in to transport the steel to erected. Terrible weather and flooding then plagued May this year, meaning the project had to be put on
“This project has come together with the unwavering dedication of one particular volunteer, Kevin Dear and his wife, Brenda. Kevin’s local contacts and determination ensured this project kept progressing and Murton thanks them both for their time and enthusiasm.” Alison Elliott - Trust Manager
Digital Transformation
As our summer hit at the end of May, Murton was determined the zip wire be in place for the summer holidays. The farm ground had begun to dry out and Kevin’s planning was able to bring everything together once again during June.
Macari Hill Civil Engineering Ltd, Glenrothes enabled this final push to get started, providing heras fencing feet and clamps to ensure safety on the farm as building work began. Scanstone Potato Systems provided high-vis vests and hard hats for the work period. Young volunteers from Angus Young Carers broke ground, cutting the turf for the eight frame holes. This was then followed by the staff and machinery of BGH Contracts Ltd, Forfar digging the 8 large holes required for the frame on site. Merchandisers from CCEP provided manpower during a company volunteering day, far then provided the concrete umes Murton required as their fell to the young volunteers of mportant testing of the zip wire! ou – Kevin and Brenda Dear, Phil Craig Hill, Les Davidson, Heather nd Kevin the Concrete King
Farm Family Visitor
“Zip wire was amazing, I can’t remember the last time I laughed like this ”
Digital Transformation
Murton Trust - A Step Away from the Everyday
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.
In the late 1960s, our two founding trustees, Caroline and Michael Hill, who 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.
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.
“My parents, Michael and Caroline Hill, the founding trustees of Murton, had a vision to restore this land to the highest environmental standard after quarrying and to use it as a place of learning, where the community could reconnect with their land. In the intervening years, the team at Murton has worked tirelessly to fulfil that vision, but like many small charities, financial pressures are ever present, and we rely on charitable donations to continue this vital work.”
- Emma Caderni, Hill Family
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.
After the completion of extraction, the Trust and Aggregate Industries worked in partnership to ensure the land was given the best opportunity to develop.
It is now thanks to the dedication of staff, trustees and volunteers that Murton continues to evolve into a reserve where nature not merely survives, but thrives.
We acknowledge many individuals, businesses, organisations and grant givers for their generous support
some of which are listed below
Finlay Burrows
Sharron Clubb
Yasmin Aydin
Thomas Clelland
Matthew Clelland
Maggie Little
Caragh Young
Eilidh Hill
Charlotte Litherland-Moir
Mason Christie
Erin Day
Eli Mckinnon
Ellis Little
Nina Summers
The Malkowski Family
Rowan Drocourt
Jaxon Mciver
Rivers Tarr
Hudson Lawrence
Carly Spiers
Caroline Lang
Oran Reid
Christopher MacGregor
David MacGregor
Lewis Holmes
Iris Whaley
Hattie Cutajar
Susan Cleghorn
Rowan Anderson
Debbie Marsh
Matthew Marsh
Aileen Elliott
Rita Ollerenshaw
Arlene & Remo Medinelli
Rory McConnachie
Julie Zava
Harrison Woodland
Grumpy Haines
Mary Craib
Margaret Ure
John Ure
Susan Ure
Mia Nottingham
Emma Cruickshank
Olivia Cruickshank
Laura Bell
Ayden Vance
Rory Mcleod
Finley Mann
Morven Mann
Alexander Taylor
Colliston Nursery
George Melville
Theo Deering
Nathan Coyle
Logan Coyle
Lexie McAllan
Laura Barnes
Andrew Melville
Ewen Melville
Darcie Keillor
Tom Keillor
Kevin Dear
Brenda Dear
Angus Young Carers
Amber McPate
Lorraine Jappy
Websters High School
Ruben Fenwick
Ida Bolland
Laura Patullo
Grace Storey
Lynn Youngson
Jonathan Ewing
Ayda Mann
Jason Mann
Scott Sturrock
Steven Harper
Joe Stewart
Paula Hope
Samuel Dear
Lilja Kuvaja
Tommy Munro
Cory Munro
Liam Munro
Frankie Johnston
Orla MacLeod
Holly Refault
Grace McAvan
Barry Greig
Cooper Farrell-Ankers
Lesley Walker
Tony Walker
Mr Prince
Mrs Prince
