MacDuff Trust Project for Auchtermuchty Common
MacDuff Trust volunteers have started work on a project to restore and conserve the biodiversity of Auchtermuchty Common. The trust, which owns and manages the 12-hectare common for the people of the town, has secured 100 per cent funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund, Fife Environment Trust and the Esmee Fairbairn Foundation to carry out the three-five year conservation project.
A report from Scottish Natural Heritage in the summer found the grassland was in an unfavourable condition and grazing on a more regular basis was said to be the best option for improvement. Thanks to the £62,500 funding package, part of which was spent on a new Aebi CC66 pedestrian tool carrier with flail mower from The Double A Trading Co in Cupar, permanent grazing areas will be created. The 'Flying Flock' of sheep belonging to the Scottish Wildlife Trust will graze the common in rotation for most of the year and help to battle the encroaching scrub and willow herb.
Our picture shows some of the local volunteers working to help clear the common with new equipment bought with the funding.
