Marc Hindley

Elderflower – A Walk on the Wild Side

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Today we start a mini video series which highlights one of the area’s favourite attractions, its natural habitat.

As a largely rural and agricultural area, we are surrounded by woodlands and meadows which are not only essential for the the sustainability of the natural world, they’re also very nice places to be.

Our series, called A Walk on the Wild Side looks at one specific woodland and meadow in Forres, between Chapelton and Sanquhar where a local charity have ‘grasped the nettle’ and are undertaking work to ‘restore the woodlands, support local food sustainability and aid the mental and physical well-being of the community’.

We’ve teamed up with the Forres Friends of Woods and Fields to bring a series of videos looking more closely at individual plants that are found in the fields and woods of Chapelton and Sanquhar.

We hope it inspires to you to go outside and learn more about the natural world that can be found in nearby fields.

Making elderflower cordial

In episode one, trustees Lin Batten and Mick Drury exclaim the wonders of the elder, often considered a weed by many, and Lin shows how to make elderflower cordial from the abundant flowers that grow on this tree.

But there’s more to the elder. Watch the video to find out.

If you want to be notified when each episode goes live, be sure to subscribe to our channel and hit the notification bell. And enjoy.

We are looking for local groups, organisations and businesses to film different topics. Please get in touch if you would like to collaborate with us.

Logie Steading

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Logie Steading is a mini shopping centre in a rural setting, where you’ll find a number of craft businesses, retailers and things to do, and a conveniently located cafe. Originally built as a model farm in the 1920s, Logie also offers salmon fishing, hosts outdoor theatre and pop-up events throughout the year. Businesses based at … Read more

Findhorn Ice House and Heritage Centre

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The ice house is an intriguing little building built in the mid-19th century as a natural freezer to support the local coastal salmon netting industry. The internal chambers were used to store ice which meant fish could be chilled while being transported to London markets. The icehouse is now a museum to the salmon fishing … Read more

Brodie Pond

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This is a pleasant walk around the pond at Brodie Castle. The water feature lies at the end of a long avenue of trees leading west from the castle. It provides a peaceful and relaxing walk, with wildlife and particularly birds to be seen all year round. It’s a great place for families to visit … Read more

Playful Garden

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The Playful Garden, within the grounds of Brodie Castle, is a destination in itself. A huge sensory outdoor area with a different twist on some old favourites. A giant bunny, a tunnel, mirrored maze, spinning tops, all set in a garden setting with open space and many other little treats to keep the little ones … Read more

Sanquhar Loch and Woodlands

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There are relaxing walks around Sanquhar Loch, a stretch of fresh water, which originated as an ornamental pond for the now demolished Sanquhar House. The stream which feeds the loch is the selected source of water for Benromach Distillery.

Moray Coast Trail

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The Moray Coast Trail is a stunning 50-mile walk along one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world… and it starts in Forres! With breathtaking views over the Moray Firth, rugged cliffs, hidden coves and the most deserted wide sandy beaches, it wends its way from Forres to Cullen and is well signposted. You … Read more

Randolph’s Leap

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Randolph’s Leap is a walk along the River Findhorn, named after a specific point where the gorge narrows. It is said that at this point Thomas Randolph , who later became the Earl of Moray was chasing a member of the Comyn family who leaped the narrows to escape. It was originally called Comyn’s Leap, … Read more