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Supporting Forres to Cut Carbon

The Transition Town Forres project aimed to reduce the carbon footprint of Forres by raising awareness, capacity building and implementing several strategies for low carbon life.

Their hope was that the project would improve residents’ attitudes towards lower consumption, more local spending and healthier living.

And they have had some great successes!
Low carbon living
in Forres
Achievements
  • Over 90 community events held and a diary of events produced.
  • Their ‘Carbon Clinic’ has measured the carbon footprint of 113 individuals and achieved 113 pledges to reduce carbon.
  • Monthly, occasionally twice monthly, farmers markets are held which are well attended (e.g. 500 at one winter market).
  • Produced a ‘Local Food Guide’ for the general public – 800 Guides already distributed.
  • Transformed a previously disused tract of land into a community garden - plots are fully subscribed; the site is well developed; well managed; and has lots of activity including resident chickens, eight worm boxes, and active composting.
  • Successful in acquiring an 11 year lease for a Pavilion building, which they hope to convert into a low carbon community base – community consultation was carried out.
  • Through their ‘Skill-Share’ group, they have delivered a number of successful re-skilling sessions, including worm shelter and woodwork workshops.
  • Produced TTF branded re-useable bags, in their attempt to become ‘Plastic Bag Free Forres’.
  • Worked with the local library to provide a section on Transition Town related materials.
  • A hydro feasibility study has been commissioned. This study has identified a favourable site in Forres for a 29K Archimedes type hydro power scheme.
Future Plans
The group have been so successful that they are not stopping there. Further plans include: continuation of the community garden; an eight week awareness raising programme is to be carried out with a local Primary School – will also involve getting 45 pledges from pupils and their parents; to develop a ‘Listen to Elders’ programme, and incorporate re-skilling sessions at the farmer’s markets; develop an Energy Descent Action Plan (EDAP) ; set up a ‘Bike Buddy’ scheme; carry out a feasibility study for renewable energy generation in Forres, focusing mainly on hydro energy generation; and convert the existing 'agricultural shed' or pavilion at the Community Garden into a Community Environmental Education Centre and café/shop.

We wish them all the best with their admirable work!