# Friends of Forest Drive Park > Shaping the Future of our Green Space ## Posts - [Annual Quiz Night 2026](https://www.fofdp.co.uk/index.php/2026/01/18/annual-quiz-night-2026/): We are delighted to announce our annual Quiz Night to help raise funds towards further improvement of Forest Drive Park will be on Saturday 7th February 2026 at the Scout Hut. Doors open 6.30pm for 7pm start | Max 6 people per team. £5 per person entry (cash only) | Bring your own bottles & nibbles. There will be a raffle, nearest the bottle and bonus ball competitions on the night. Raffle donations welcome, please get in touch to arrange drop off. Items can also be taken along on the night and handed to our team. We are looking for […] - [It's Your Neighbourhood Award - Level 4 - Thriving](https://www.fofdp.co.uk/index.php/2025/12/09/its-your-neighbourhood-award-level-4-thriving/): We are proud winners of our very first accolade from Keep Scotland Beautiful – It’s Your Neighbourhood Award. Achieving Level 4 – Thriving status. This is a great and helps to enforce pride in our local community, a sense of achievement and acknowledgement that the work we do is worthwhile; and further helps keep our Friends group motivated to achieve more in the future. Thanks to the Keep Scotland Beautiful team, much appreciated. More information on Keep Scotland Beautiful can be found on their website. - [New Hedgerow Planting & Mini Wetland Additions](https://www.fofdp.co.uk/index.php/2025/12/01/new-hedgerow-planting-mini-wetland-additions/): Thanks to all Friends of Forest Drive Park who turned out this morning to help us plant 315 mixed trees to form a new hedgerow – 16 of us today and great to see a mix of young and old helpers. Thanks to The Woodland Trust for providing the tree packs. As well as a successful morning of planting, we also added some more wetland plugs and seeds around the edges of the mini wetland. Thanks to Volunteering Matters Action Earth Fund who helped with these – we applied for a Volunteering Matters Action Earth grant who are supported by […] - [Makaris Christmas Fayre - No44 Hotel and Bar Stonehaven - 22nd Nov](https://www.fofdp.co.uk/index.php/2025/11/18/makaris-christmas-fayre-no44-hotel-and-bar-stonehaven-22nd-nov/): We will be taking part in the Makaris Christmas Fayre is on this Saturday (22nd November) at Number 44 Hotel & Bar Stonehaven, Free entry from 10am to 3pm – All welcome. FOFDP will be there with a chocolate themed Tombola – raising money towards new projects in Forest Drive Park. Our resident crafter’s on our Committee Team have been busy making Christmas themed goodies while others have been collecting various items and donations which you will have the chance to win. We hope all Friends of Forest Drive Park can spare some time to visit our stall and look […] - [Thanks to Broombank Farms Ltd and Mike Ingram](https://www.fofdp.co.uk/index.php/2025/11/11/thanks-to-broombank-farms-ltd-and-mike-ingram/): Broombank Farms LTD is a family farming business managed by Graham Forbes and Nicola Fraser. The business was started by their father and grandfather in circa 1967.  The farm and business has grown organically throughout this time and they now farm in the region of 3000 acres. They are fully committed to sustainable, regenerative agriculture and nature friendly farming. Thanks to Broombank Farms Ltd of Laurencekirk, managed by Graham Forbes and Nicola Fraser for their kind donation of Daffodil Bulbs which we have recently planted around the Park – in the grass strip between Hamish Park and the Car Park, […] - [FOFDP Newsletter Update](https://www.fofdp.co.uk/index.php/2025/10/22/fofdp-newsletter-update/): Check out our recent Newsletter update – giving a brief history of our community group, our values, the importance of Parks for biodiversity, health and well-being, leisure and recreation. There is also a summary of the work we have achieved to date, fundraising events in our calendar and upcoming projects. Most importantly we have also included feedback we have received from members of the public along with details of the organisations who have helped us along the way by way of funding, support and information. Copies were recently posted through letterboxes on some of the surrounding streets near Forest Drive […] - [New Mini Wetland, Wildflower Beds](https://www.fofdp.co.uk/index.php/2025/09/29/new-mini-wetland-wildflower-beds/): Fantastic morning at Forest Drive Park on Saturday 27th September, thanks to all volunteers who came along to help, many hands certainly made light work Bill Mestons digger did a lot of the landscape work which was a huge help. Mini wetland scrape done, new wetland plugs and plants in, including :- Yellow flag iris Valerian Loostrife Ragged robin Cuckoo flower We will be purchasing more plugs and plants soon to add to this. The idea being water should run off the path and into the wetland area, meaning the path can be used throughout the year. We also added […] - [Park Maintenance Morning : Saturday 27th September @ 10am](https://www.fofdp.co.uk/index.php/2025/09/11/park-maintenance-evening-saturday-27th-september-10am/): We are holding a Park Maintenance morning on Saturday 27th September @ 10am – meeting in the Car Park at Forest Drive Park. All friend members welcome, plus anyone else who wishes to volunteer some time to help maintain the Park. We are always looking for help and you do not have to commit to joining. If you have your own tools please take them along ie (Spade, Shears, Loppers, Hand Trowel, Gloves, Kneeling Mat). We have a limited number of tools available for use by volunteers. We plan to :- – Establish a new mini wetland area and plant some of our new […] - [Community Herb Planter](https://www.fofdp.co.uk/index.php/2025/09/11/community-herb-planter/): When we planted up the new planters from Aberdeenshire Council earlier this year, one planter nearest the car park was planted with edibles, a selection of herbs, courgette and strawberries. These are free for Community use as long as you only select as much as you need to ensure there are some left for others. – Chives– Lemon balm– Coriander– Mint– Sage– Tarragon– Curry Plant– Alpine strawberries– Courgette - [Wildflower Bed Maintenance](https://www.fofdp.co.uk/index.php/2025/09/11/wildflower-bed-maintenance/): Thanks to Heather and Rhona from our Committee who have been working on removal of grass from the new Wildflower bed in the Park. It’s amazing how quickly the grass seems to encroach after initial removal. This will need done a few times likely until the Wildflower plugs are established and take hold. Yellow Rattle will be seeded all around the Wildflower bed, their roots seek out roots from other plants such as grasses which they attach themselves to and begin to absorb nutrients and water from them which suppresses their growth. These will need replanted annually but should help. - [Hamish Park Works Complete](https://www.fofdp.co.uk/index.php/2025/09/11/hamish-park-works-complete/): Great to see Hamish Park upgrade is now completed – The Dunnottar Castle Unit installation was the chosen design based on community feedback from Engage Aberdeenshire survey. Including multi sensory play elements, inclusive play area encouraging crawling, sliding, balancing, cognitive play, imagination all while being wheel chair accessible. The design also includes an accessible roundabout and swan springer. The ground around the new play equipment has been upgraded to a durable, all weather rubber which is much safer and easier for access. See photos which show all elements. A welcome addition to the existing Park equipment – swing area, spring […] - [A Generous Gift for Forest Drive Park : Paul's Dog Sitting](https://www.fofdp.co.uk/index.php/2025/08/27/a-generous-gift-for-forest-drive-park-pauls-dog-walking/): Local Stonehaven business Paul’s Dog Sitting has very generously donated £100.00 to Friends of Forest Drive Park. Paul Alves walks around the Park often and got in touch to thank the Friends for all of their hard work and hopes the money can be used as part of the upkeep or for buying something new for the Park. He commended the transformation of the Park over the past few years and the notable difference in how it looks compared to 3 years ago. Any donation large or small is very much appreciated by Friends of Forest Drive Park and will […] - [New Wildflower Bed Planted](https://www.fofdp.co.uk/index.php/2025/08/08/new-wildflower-bed/): The new Wildflower bed has finally been populated, huge thank you to our planters and to Dave and Margaret for receiving and storing the wildflower plugs. This would not have been possible without funding received from Nescan Hub and assistance from John & Kate Malster at Curam Fyvie who supplied the plugs, shared their planting expertise and helped advise on planting layout. Massive team effort. Cowslip Cuckoo Flower Lesser Knapweed Red Campion Tansy Teasel Devil’s-bit Scabious Meadow Buttercup Melancholy thistle Yellow Rattle Bettany was also planted in bulb / tree area near entrance to Mill o Forest school, along with […] - [Park Maintenance Evening : Tuesday 29th July @ 6pm](https://www.fofdp.co.uk/index.php/2025/07/21/park-maintenance-evening-tuesday-29th-july-6pm/): We are holding a Park Maintenance Evening on Tuesday 29th July @ 6pm – meeting in the Car Park at Forest Drive Park. All friend members welcome, plus anyone else who wishes to volunteer some time to help maintain the Park. We are always looking for help and you do not have to commit to joining. If you have your own tools please take them along ie (Spade, Shears, Loppers, Gloves, Kneeling Mat, Edging Tool, Bucket). We have a limited number available for use by volunteers. We plan to :-– Strim grass around the base of some of the established […] - [New Horse Chestnut Tree & Wildflower Bed](https://www.fofdp.co.uk/index.php/2025/06/16/new-horse-chestnut-tree-wildflower-bed/): New Horse Chestnut Tree planted on Wednesday, thanks to Gordon and Rhona, another great addition Thanks to Jim MacKenzie who donated this in memory of his wife Alison. We will be watering all the new trees 3 to 4 times per week over the next few months to try and give them the best chance Next on the to do list are wildflower purchases for the new wildflower bed which has been prepared by Landscape Services, thanks Aberdeenshire Council 🙂 - [Feein Market 2025 = Successful Day](https://www.fofdp.co.uk/index.php/2025/06/09/feein-market-2025-successful-day/): Thank you to everyone who visited our stall today at the Feein Market, our Water or Wine and Treasure Hunt both sold out by 3pm. Congratulations to Rhoda Howie, the winning square on the Treasure Hunt was number 50, hope you enjoy the E.Giulianotti voucher. Those of you who won wine, enjoy sure some of our team will be having a glass tonight Very successful day overall, thoroughly enjoyed and the weather was lovely until 4pm so very lucky. Big thanks to:- Fountainhall Wines for supplying the wine, Stonehaven Fetteresso Church for use of their tables. And finally, for those […] - [Feein Market Stall 2025 - FOFDP](https://www.fofdp.co.uk/index.php/2025/06/02/feein-market-stall-2025-fofdp/): 5 days to go until the Stonehaven Feein Market. We will be there this year to promote our Community Group and to raise funds towards future Park Projects. Put your detective skills to the test and find out if you can tell the difference between Water or Wine, £1 per go for a chance to win a bottle of red or white wine. We will also have a Forest Drive Park Treasure Hunt, £1 per go for a chance to win a Giulianotti’s Vintage Sweets and Ice Cream Voucher. Our progress map will be on display, along with some photographs […] - [Community Picnic and BBQ](https://www.fofdp.co.uk/index.php/2025/05/26/community-picnic-and-bbq/): Fantastic day at Forest Drive Park, community picnic and BBQ a great success Tug o War teams were impressive to see, very technical and dedicated sport, these men and women have a tremendous amount of strength and determination. Some of us had a go along with the children at the park and once was enough Kinneff Tug of War Club Big thanks to all who attended and purchased burgers, juice and crisps from our BBQ. We made a grand total of £435 so very grateful We could not have done this without the support from local business, Co-op, McIntosh Donald […] - [Picnic in the Park & BBQ (25th May)](https://www.fofdp.co.uk/index.php/2025/05/16/picnic-in-the-park-bbq-25th-may/): We are holding a Community Picnic in the Park on 25th May, from 12 noon to 4pm in Forest Drive Park. Bring your own chairs, food and drink, as well as enjoying burgers from the BBQ – cash donation welcome. Great chance to meet Committee Members and ask any questions you may have, discuss joining the Friends team or just enjoy your local green space. We have an area beside the three new picnic tables adjacent to Mill O Forest School and Forest View centre which will be marked out. The Scottish Tug O War teams will be there also […] - [FOFDP AGM 30th May 2025 : The Scout Hut](https://www.fofdp.co.uk/index.php/2025/05/13/fofdp-agm-14th-may-2025-the-court-house/): Friends of Forest Drive Park AGM 2025 will be held on Friday 30th May at the Scout Hut at 7pm. All friends and members of the public welcome, friend members should have received an email with details and copy of the agenda. Printed copies will be available on the night. We have had another busy year and achieved quite a lot considering where we were 2 years ago. Recently, we planted new community fruit trees in partnership with Greenspace Aberdeenshire, 30 copse trees provided by The Woodland Trust and a mighty Oak tree. We held our first fundraising quiz night […] - [Goal Posts 'Refurb' Courtesy of George Morris](https://www.fofdp.co.uk/index.php/2025/05/02/goal-posts-refurb-courtesy-of-george-morris/): Thanks you to George Morris, a local resident who enjoys the park daily with his dog George noticed the football goals were looking a little worse for wear and decided to give them a new coat of paint. Excellent job and very much appreciated Thanks from Friends of Forest Drive Park - [Tug O War Training - Mondays & Thursdays](https://www.fofdp.co.uk/index.php/2025/04/29/tug-o-war-training-mondays-thursdays/): Great to see some tug o war members getting the practice in before the competition on 25th May at Forest Drive Park, first pull will be 1pm spectators welcome. Friends of Forest Drive Park will be hosting a picnic in the park also with all friends invited but more on this to come soon. Keep track on fb or our website – www.fofdp.co.uk Kinneff Tug of War Club train on Mondays and Thursdays, 7.30pm in the park. If you want to come along to try it out please do, everyone welcome. Ps. Nice to see the new planters in bloom, […] - [Successful Park Clean Up and Tree Maintenance Session](https://www.fofdp.co.uk/index.php/2025/04/29/successful-park-clean-up-and-tree-maintenance-session/): Huge thanks to all who turned up to help Friends of Forest Drive Park today, we managed to clear a lot of dog mess, some bagged, some loose, some dead grass and some dockens, litter and old tree protectors from around the planted areas. A team of spade workers removed a lot of grass from around the bases of our new trees, allowing them to breathe again. Some strimming work was carried out to clear dead grass and weeds were removed from Hamish Park play area. Overall, very productive morning thanks to the committee team for providing coffee and biscuits […] - [These wee Boys and Girls are coming to Play in the Park](https://www.fofdp.co.uk/index.php/2025/03/28/these-wee-boys-and-girls-are-coming-to-play-in-the-park/): Every day in the Easter holidays one of them will be hiding nearby. Take a walk around the park – if you find one, it’s yours to keep! 🙂 Once found, please take a photo and send to fofdp23@gmail.com or post on our Facebook page – facebook.com/fofdp Thanks, Friends of Forest Park Drive (Not suitable for Children under 36 months) - [Greenspace Aberdeenshire : Mini Orchard](https://www.fofdp.co.uk/index.php/2025/03/19/greenspace-aberdeenshire-mini-orchard/): Greenspace Aberdeenshire was offering mini-orchard packs to community groups across Aberdeenshire and Friends of Forest Drive Park (FOFDP) were lucky enough to receive a pack – containing 8 fruit trees supplied by Scottish Heritage Fruit Trees. This is part of a drive to increase free to pick fruits in public spaces, improve visual amenity with pretty blossoms and berries, build planting and maintenance skills for people of all ages, and to support our insects and wildlife, particularly our pollinator friends. The project was funded by the Scottish Government’s Nature Restoration Fund and helps contribute towards Aberdeenshire Council’s Pollinator Action Plan […] - [No Mow Meadows : Survey](https://www.fofdp.co.uk/index.php/2025/03/14/no-mow-meadows-survey/): Aberdeenshire Council is expanding the Plantlife initiative, No Mow May, beyond just May, adapting it to the climatic conditions of northeast Scotland, where less is in bloom during May than further south. This initiative helps boost biodiversity by letting grass grow longer, wildflowers can bloom, providing essential food and habitats for insects, birds, and small mammals. Additionally, this approach contributes to climate action by storing carbon in undisturbed soils and improving resilience against extreme weather events. Principles of No Mow Meadows Aberdeenshire Council are looking for feedback on areas across Aberdeenshire proposed for No Mow Meadows in 2025. The No Mow Meadow […] - [Kincardine & Mearns Play Park Upgrades : Questionnaire via Engage Aberdeenshire](https://www.fofdp.co.uk/index.php/2025/03/03/kincardine-mearns-play-park-upgrades-questionnaire-via-engage-aberdeenshire/): Aberdeenshire Council is seeking input from the local community to select new play equipment for three play parks within Kincardine & Mearns. As some of the popular pieces are nearing the end of their serviceable life, the council aim to replace them with items that cater to a similar age range and offer equal or greater play value. The funds for this project, £145,000, will come solely from the Scottish Government Play Park Renewal Fund. The play parks/items in Stonehaven are – Stonehaven, Hamish Park – Ramped Multi-play Unit, Pedal Roundabout & 4-way Springer The Stonehaven, Queen Elizabeth Park – […] - [Big Thanks to all Quiz Night Attendees](https://www.fofdp.co.uk/index.php/2025/02/16/big-thanks-to-all-quiz-night-attendees/): Big thanks to everyone who managed to come and support us last night, great turn out and fantastic evening, thoroughly enjoyed by all. Hopefully we can organise another quiz night later in the year although definately need to improve on general knowledge Thanks again to our committee sub team for organising, quiz master (Nigel Oatey) for his time, Station Hotel – Stonehaven for donating Top Prize, other local businesses and friends who donated prizes and the 1st Stonehaven Scout group for hire of the hall. We raised £714 after hall costs so excellent amount towards core running costs and future […] - [Quiz Night : 1st February 2025 - Scout Hut, Stonehaven](https://www.fofdp.co.uk/index.php/2025/01/03/quiz-night-1st-february-2025-scout-hut-stonehaven/): We are holding a Quiz Night to help raise funds towards the improvement of Forest Drive Park on Saturday 1st February 2025 @ The Scout Hut. Doors open 6.45pm for 7pm start. Max 6 people per team. £5 per person entry (cash only). We will be holding a raffle, nearest the bottle and bonus ball competitions on the night. Bring your own bottles and nibbles. If interested in coming along to support a local community friends group, please let us know via FB messenger, by email or let one of our committee members know so we can keep track of […] - [Thanks Again to Hillhead of Auquhirie Wind Farm Community Fund](https://www.fofdp.co.uk/index.php/2024/12/29/thanks-again-to-hillhead-of-auquhirie-wind-farm-community-fun/): We wanted convey our thanks again to Hillhead of Auquhirie Wind Farm Community Fund which is administered by Kincardine Development Partnership. We were fortunate enough to receive funding for new picnic tables which were kindly installed earlier this month by Aberdeenshire Council Landscape Services. We purchased 2 new Brassington Picnic Tables from TDP Limited based in Derby, who manufacture and distribute garden furniture which is made from 100% recycled plastic waste, all of which comes from the United Kingdom. It’s environmentally friendly and incredibly durable. The picnic tables are a great addition to the park and will be maintenance free, […] - [HUGE Thank You again for ABZ Propeller Fund / Aberdeen Airport](https://www.fofdp.co.uk/index.php/2024/12/29/huge-thank-you-again-for-abz-propeller-fund-aberdeen-airport/): Huge THANK YOU again for ABZ Propeller Fund / Aberdeen Airport team for the funding received earlier this year. We have now completed our purchases of Tools and Equipment – buying items as required and as we have worked on different projects throughout 2024. This has allowed us to complete several tasks quicker than anticipated, including tree planting of which we have done a lot this year 🙂 And also general maintenance which has been made much easier with our own tools and equipment. Such a great local fund allowing small organisations to grow and develop while benefiting not just […] - [New Litter / Dog Waste Bin](https://www.fofdp.co.uk/index.php/2024/11/17/new-litter-dog-waste-bin/): Thanks to Aberdeenshire Council Waste Team for supply of brand new litter / dog waste bin at the Forest View side of Forest Drive Park. They have also added new stickers to existing black waste bins – at entrance from Mill O Forest School and the recycle area at entrance to Car Park. Hopefully this will help encourage some people to use the bins for dog waste rather than just leaving collected bags or even worse, loose dog waste amongst the bulbs, long grass and bushes. As you can imagine, strimming, cutting and planting of new trees is not great […] - [New Notice Board Installed - Thank You Mens Shed Team](https://www.fofdp.co.uk/index.php/2024/11/05/new-notice-board-installed-thank-you-mens-shed-team/): Our new public noticeboard has been installed – Thanks to Gordon Hutcheon on our Committee for installation, donating the Aluminium Posts and fixings and Stonehaven Mens Shed for designing and building the noticeboard. What a great job! Perspex front for added safety, solid wooden construction and secure lock. All nicely painted by the Mens Shed team. If you would like to place a notice inside to advertise a sporting event in the park, training session, public exercise, group meeting etc, please contact us with details and we can arrange to put up a notice. - [Thank You to Aberdeenshire Council Landscape Services](https://www.fofdp.co.uk/index.php/2024/11/05/thank-you-to-aberdeenshire-council-landscape-services/): As you may have seen, there has been lots of activity in Forest Drive Park over the last 3-4 weeks with Aberdeenshire Council Landscape Services carrying out groundwork for new benches and picnic tables. Big thanks for the Landscape Services team who have dug out the grass, concreted and fixed in place 6 new benches, 2 new picnic tables and another 2 new picnic tables arriving soon once the bases are completed. The Park is beginning to look and feel more like a proper Community Park with areas to sit and enjoy the surroundings, take a rest while walking and […] - [New Planters Arrived](https://www.fofdp.co.uk/index.php/2024/10/26/new-planters-arrived/): We have 2 new planters in the park located on pathway near Hamish Park – with another 2 due in coming months courtesy of Aberdeenshire Council Landscape Services. These will be filled with new plants and flowers to help brighten up the area, Heather and Rhona have been busy preparing these already. If anyone has any spare soil / compost / plants they wish to donate, please get in touch and we can get them added in. As mentioned we will have another 2 coming, one to be positioned near Forest View entrance and Noticeboard, and the other near Mill […] - [Pathways in the Park](https://www.fofdp.co.uk/index.php/2024/10/26/pathways-in-the-park/): Some Committee members met at the park today (Saturday 26th) to evaluate the paths after heavy rain, we had also been out in the heavy rain a few weeks prior to see exactly where the water collects. We have now identified less than half a dozen areas with only one area needing specific drainage investigation, the remainder of the path can be fixed with scraping back and re-topping with aggregate and whin. The first hot spot is the area near the entrance to the park off Forest Drive Road which seems to hold the water to the extent it is […] - [Hamish Park Fence : Temporarily Fixed](https://www.fofdp.co.uk/index.php/2024/10/09/hamish-park-fence-temporarily-fixed/): In early October we were informed by a concerned resident that many fence slats at Hamish Park had been damaged and pulled off with the potential for harm for Children from nails. The fence has been neglected in past few years with some damage to the outer skin of fencing, some rotten posts making some parts unstable. After evaluating a team of Committee Members (Thanks Dave, Billy, Norman) managed to repair most of the fence which had been pulled apart, some loose slats were also re-nailed in place and the structure has been made safe again. In the future some […] - [Thank you to Kincardine & Mearns Area Committee](https://www.fofdp.co.uk/index.php/2024/09/20/thank-you-to-kincardine-mearns-area-committee/): Friends of Forest Drive Park would like to thank Kincardine and Mearns Area Committee after our successful bid for providing match funding towards our new website, server hosting and domain name. The Area Committee provide a valuable helping hand to local groups and projects within the Kincardine and Mearns area. A HUGE Thank you, without the funding we would not have been able to proceed with launching our new website – www.fofdp.co.uk We hope this helps keep everyone up to speed with our progress to date, plans for the future and upcoming events. All feedback and comments most welcome. For […] - [6 Closest Defibrillators to Forest Drive Park](https://www.fofdp.co.uk/index.php/2024/09/18/6-closest-defibrillators-to-forest-drive-park/): The Scottish Ambulance Service works in conjunction with The Circuit, a national database of all defibrillators and helps direct any 999 emergency callers to the nearest defibrillator location in case of emergency. Below is a snapshot of the closest locations to Forest Drive Park (at the time of posting) and details of availability and if located publicly or if restricted. All within 2 mins drive. The Station Hotel (0.6 miles) – 24/7 PublicScotrail Railway Station (0.6 miles) – Varied RestrictedKirktown Garden Centre (0.6 miles) – 24/7 PublicStonehaven Fire Station (0.7 miles) – 24/7 PublicGroundwater Spurryhillock Industrial Estate (0.7 miles) – […] - [Big Thanks to The Conservation Volunteers (TCV)](https://www.fofdp.co.uk/index.php/2024/09/16/big-thanks-to-the-chestnut-fund-tcv/): Friends of Forest Drive Park would like to give thanks to The Conservation Volunteers Chestnut Fund (TCV) for receipt of a start up grant to cover the costs of Public Liability Insurance for the group for 12 months, plus any other administrative costs we may have in the future. The Chestnut Fund grant scheme provides great support to new community groups and initiatives, allowing those groups with little to no capital to apply for Insurance so they can start working on smaller projects safely in the knowledge they are covered. More information about The Conservation Volunteers and the work they […] - [Thanks to the Woodland Trust](https://www.fofdp.co.uk/index.php/2024/09/15/thanks-to-the-woodland-trust/): Friends of Forest Drive Park are pleased to announce we have been successful in our application for a Tree Pack from the Woodland Trust, 30 Copse saplings for the park. We should receive them in the next few months and all going will have them planted around the last week in November. The Woodland trust are the UK’s largest woodland conservation charity, more information about what they do can be found here – https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk - [Thank you to Hillhead of Auquhirie Wind Farm Community Fund](https://www.fofdp.co.uk/index.php/2024/09/14/thank-you-to-hillhead-of-auquhirie-wind-farm-community-fund/): Friends of Forest Drive Park would like to thank Kincardine Development Partnership (KDP) and Hillhead of Auquhirie Wind Farm Community Fund for funding received in July 2024. We were successful with our application for funding towards additional benches and a picnic table for Forest Drive Park. Thank you to Aberdeenshire Council Landscape Services who have kindly offered to assist in preparation and installation. Kincardine Development Partnership have been very supportive through-out the application and the services they provide are key to the success of community organisations within the Kincardine and Mearns area. For more information on their services, resources available […] - [Big Thanks to ABZ Propeller Fund](https://www.fofdp.co.uk/index.php/2024/09/12/big-thanks-to-abz-propeller-fund/): Friends of Forest Drive Park would like to share a belated thank you to ABZ Propeller Fund and Aberdeen Airport. We were successful with funding back in June 2024, for essential equipment and tools to allow us to maintain and develop Forest Drive Park. The funding will allow us to be more independent, carrying out maintenance and project work at any time, allowing for more efficient use of volunteer time. We are working on sourcing somewhere suitable to store some of our tools and equipment. If anyone is willing to share some secure space with us, please contact fofdp23@gmail.com ABZ […] - [FOFDP Plastic Free Pledge](https://www.fofdp.co.uk/index.php/2024/09/06/fofdp-plastic-free-pledge/): Friends of Forest Drive Park are fully behind the Plastic Free Pledge and are happy to try and do our bit to help change attitudes and opinions regarding single use plastics in our everyday lives. From beaches and green spaces right back to the brands and businesses that create it. It’s not about removing all plastic from our lives. It’s about kicking our addiction to throwaway plastic, and changing the system that produces it. With one in every ten barrels of oil now used to create new plastic, if we ever want to rid our oceans and landfill sites of […] - [New Anti-Dog Fouling Signs](https://www.fofdp.co.uk/index.php/2024/08/31/new-anti-dog-fouling-signs/): As we have been working in and around the park while planting we came across a lot of dog mess (bagged and un-bagged) but just left amongst the grass. As we work to cut back and allow the trees to breathe around the base, clear areas for new bulbs, new planting of grasses and wild flowers, we will be putting up new Anti Dog Fouling signs which were kindly donated by a local resident – Big Thanks to them 🙂 The new signs are made from weatherproof recycled plastic so should last a lot longer than previously used, we hope […] - [Community Picnic in the Park](https://www.fofdp.co.uk/index.php/2024/08/23/community-picnic-in-the-park/): Great turn out for some of the Friends of Forest Drive Park at their first Community Picnic in the Park 👍 The weather was dry albeit a little gusty but everyone seemed to enjoy it. Some good feedback from a variety of park users while we were there so well worthwhile. All the kids had great fun playing together and some of the adults too. Big thanks to Sheila at In-Bloom Imitations for donation of shortbread, it went down a treat 😁 - [Pre-Community Picnic Litter Pick](https://www.fofdp.co.uk/index.php/2024/08/23/pre-community-picnic-litter-pick/): Pre picnic litter and dog mess pick up completed The park is looking really good just now, with a lot of the new trees beginning to take hold which is encouraging. Some committee members and friends carried out a sweep of the park to make sure no dog mess, litter or other debris in the park. In total 2 bag fulls retrieved from flower beds, amongst the trees and around Hamishs Park. Rubbish consisted of; Plastic drinks bottlesFilled dog mess bagsPlastic sweetie wrappersPlastic crisp bags - [Great Weather for Planting New Trees](https://www.fofdp.co.uk/index.php/2024/07/22/great-weather-for-planting-new-trees/): Great weather on Saturday for planting an additional 24 trees in the park, an assortment of green birch, rowan and crab apple. Most on the ‘mound’ and some others near the entrance to Mill o Forest Primary School. Big thanks to Linda at Stonehaven Horizon Group who guided us through best planting techniques. 🤞 they survive into next year. Watering rota in place to help give them a better chance. Oh and thanks to our wee helper who did an amazing job 🙂 - [Kinneff Tug O War Club Training Competition](https://www.fofdp.co.uk/index.php/2024/05/05/horizon-team-park-survey/): Kinneff Tug of War Club are hosting a training competition on Sunday 26 May at Forest Drive Park, Stonehaven (AB39 2FF) 12 noon. They will have experienced pullers, coaches & judges there to give advice, pointers and answer any questions to help you and your team. So whether you are a young farmers team looking for a final competition before your area qualifier on 1 June, a new team looking to get some live pulling experience, an experienced team, or just an individual looking for a pull with a team everyone is very welcome. If new to tug if war […] - [FOFDP AGM 15th May 2024](https://www.fofdp.co.uk/index.php/2024/05/05/next-community-meeting/): Friends of Forest Drive Park warmly invite you to attend our very first AGM which is being held at the old Court House at 7pm on Wednesday 15th May. Please be assured that the existing committee is happy to continue (unless voted off by you) so your attendance will have no strings attached! - [Big Thanks to our Friends](https://www.fofdp.co.uk/index.php/2023/11/27/tug-o-war-training/) - [Community Bulb Planting](https://www.fofdp.co.uk/index.php/2023/09/29/community-picnic/): Friends of Forest Drive Park together with the Stonehaven Horizon Group will be planting new bulbs in the Park and are looking for volunteers to help. Date / Time : Saturday 25th November from 10am to 11.30am and 13.30pm to 15.00pm (Please arrive 15 mins prior to start time for small briefing by Horizon Group). Both the Horizon Group and members of the Friends of Forest Drive Park will be on hand to advise and guide on planting of the Bulbs. – Please wear appropriate clothing / footwear / gloves. – Gloves essential as some bulbs can cause adverse reactions. […] ## Pages - [Mini Wetland Scrape](https://www.fofdp.co.uk/index.php/mini-wetland-scrape/): After much discussion and planning we decided to try and make a new Mini Wetland scrape just off the pathway on one of the flower beds nearest the entrance from Mill O Forest School into the Park. This location was picked because it is always water-logged after rain on the path and grass so the plan was to collect as much excess water as possible and draw it away. The design of the wetland scrape in theory should collect all of the water from the path and surrounding grass, helping the plants and shrubs to flourish while allowing for better […] - [Forest Drive Park Feature Plan](https://www.fofdp.co.uk/index.php/forest-drive-park-feature-plan/): After our initial meeting and Community Survey we wanted to map progress to help keep track of changes in the Park, to show proposed projects and have a visual record of everything we have achieved. - [Newsletter](https://www.fofdp.co.uk/index.php/newsletter/): View our latest Newsletter, keep up to date with whats been going on, upcoming projects and share with those who are not online. It can also be downloaded and saved to your phone or computer for offline browsing. - [Event Calendar](https://www.fofdp.co.uk/index.php/event-calendar/): Keep up to date with all planned Park maintenance, fundraising events, planting days and Park AGM dates. Please find below instructions on how to configure some of the most popular calendar programmes to automatically display dates from the public address of the calendar feed – Feed Address – https://www.fofdp.co.uk/FOFDP.ics Outlook – Scroll down to the ‘Subscribe to a calendar’ section, & use the feed address above.Gmail / Android – Follow these instructions, using the feed address above.I Phone – Click this link and follow the instructions on your phone. - [No Mow Meadows](https://www.fofdp.co.uk/index.php/no-mow-meadows/): Aberdeenshire Council is expanding the Plantlife initiative, No Mow May, beyond just May, adapting it to the climatic conditions of North East Scotland, where less is in bloom during May than further south. This initiative helps boost biodiversity by letting grass grow longer, wildflowers can bloom, providing essential food and habitats for insects, birds, and small mammals. Additionally, this approach contributes to climate action by storing carbon in undisturbed soils and improving resilience against extreme weather events. Principles of No Mow Meadows Check out the map showing all of the No Mow meadows in North East Scotland, No Mow Meadow Map […] - [Mini Orchard Fruit Trees : Greenspace Aberdeenshire](https://www.fofdp.co.uk/index.php/mini-orchard-fruit-trees-greenspace-aberdeenshire/): Greenspace Aberdeenshire provided us with 8 fruit trees supplied by Scottish Heritage Fruit Trees. This is part of a drive to increase free to pick fruits in public spaces, improve visual amenity with pretty blossoms and berries, build planting and maintenance skills for people of all ages, and to support our insects and wildlife, particularly our pollinator friends. The project was funded by the Scottish Government’s Nature Restoration Fund and helps contribute towards Aberdeenshire Council’s Pollinator Action Plan 2022-2027 and food growing provision. The fruit tree pack was received back in November but the trees were heeled in over Winter until early signs […] - [Gallery](https://www.fofdp.co.uk/index.php/gallery/): We aim to share photos from activities, sporting events and day to day use of the park. If anyone has any really old photos please email them over, we are looking to add a brief history of Forest Drive Park. - [Our Member Associations & Friends](https://www.fofdp.co.uk/index.php/our-associations/): We are members of several groups, community led organisations and associations related to Friends Groups, Local Parks and Green space within the UK and Scotland. These have been very helpful in terms of research, news, networking opportunities and resources. We have worked closely with some local clubs, groups, media outlets and of course Aberdeenshire Council, whom none of this would have been possible without their support, promotion and help along the way. Stonehaven Horizon Group have also played integral role in helping to train us on how to plant and look after bulbs, flowers and trees. Stonehaven Men’s Shed has […] - [Our Funding Partners](https://www.fofdp.co.uk/index.php/our-partners/): As a not for profit community friends group, most of our funding comes from specific grants which are ring fenced to each project we plan, with funding available from private and public bodies, including charities, local councils and corporate entities. Capitol funding is a little more difficult to find and is why it is important we remain current within the community and do what we can to get involved in as many other local community group led projects. Local fundraising will play a big part in providing long term stability. If you wish to get involved with local fundraising or […] - [The Park](https://www.fofdp.co.uk/index.php/the-park/): Forest Drive Park is situated between Mill O Forest primary school and the Forest Park housing estate. The estate was built around 1970 by then popular house builder Wimpy and part of the planning included the addition of open green space with children’s play facilities. Originally the park had swings, a round-a-bout, monkey bars, steel climbing frame, long jump pit, balance beams, tarmac court, marked out football pitches, several picnic tables and benches. Many generations have played and enjoyed Forest Drive Park over the years and also witnessed its slow demise over the past 25 years. In 2022 there was […] - [Key Documents](https://www.fofdp.co.uk/index.php/meetings/): Links to download Meeting Agendas, Minutes, Policies and Reports. Agendas Minutes Policies - [Constitution](https://www.fofdp.co.uk/index.php/constitution/): Name The name of the group is Friends of Forest Drive Park …… hereinafter called ‘the group’. Aims of the group Powers To further these aims, the group may exercise the following powers   Note: any part of this document can be deleted, amended or added to, or additional parts added to it at the next agm.  Details of the proposed changes should be circulated with the notice of the agm. Membership Membership of the group shall be open to all persons in sympathy with the group’s aims and willing to abide by the group’s constitution. Each member will have […] - [Archives](https://www.fofdp.co.uk/index.php/archives/) - [Join](https://www.fofdp.co.uk/index.php/join-us/): Sign up to our Newsletter Sign up to our newsletter to be kept up to date with the latest news, events & activities. Friend of Forest Drive Park Become a Friend of Forest Drive Park and help look after and conserve your local green space. Committee Member Take support to the next level & Help improve, promote and shape the future of Forest Drive Park. Anyone can join Friends of Forest Drive Park. You can sign up for our newsletter and be kept up to date with the latest news, events and activities. Or you can become a Friend of […] - [Our Community](https://www.fofdp.co.uk/index.php/our-community/): Set in the sheltered shores of a sweeping bay of the North Sea and protected on the landward side by encompassing heights Stonehaven, the former county town and capital of Kincardineshire, has long been recognised as one of Scotland’s foremost seaside holiday resorts and has many amenities, recreational facilities, attractions and green spaces. With facilities like the famous Heated Open Air Swimming Pool, the Indoor Pool, Gym and Halls, Tennis and Recreation grounds, Lawn Bowl, Indoor Bowls, Stonehaven Golf Course, Indoor Play areas, The Harbour with Boat Tours, Paddle Boarding and Sauna and of course the ever popular Stonehaven Land […] - [About](https://www.fofdp.co.uk/index.php/about/): Friends of Forest Drive Park was established in 2023, after an unsuccessful Community Asset Transfer (CAT) and a unified movement to save our green space by the local community in Stonehaven. The Group was formed to try and improve, maintain, develop and protect our local park so it can be available to future generations for many more years. We want to encourage everyone, young and old, to use, value and look after the park and help provide a recognised group to facilitate this while working in partnership with the whole community, the local council and other organisations both local and […] - [Privacy Policy](https://www.fofdp.co.uk/index.php/privacy-policy/): This privacy policy sets out how Friends of Forest Drive Park (“FOFDP”) uses and protects any information that you give us when you use this website. We are committed to protecting and respecting your privacy. This policy (together with our Terms and Conditions and any other documents referred to on it) sets out the basis on which any personal data we collect from you, or that you provide to us, will be processed by us. For the purpose of UK-GDPR, we are a ‘processor’. Please read the following carefully to understand our views and practices regarding your personal data and […] - [Contact](https://www.fofdp.co.uk/index.php/contact/): You can contact us via email or using our contact form below and we will come back to you as soon as possible. We welcome any feedback or enquiries. Sign up to our Newsletter Sign up to our newsletter to be kept up to date with the latest news, events, activities and volunteering opportunities. Our current Newsletter can be viewed here. Friend of Forest Drive Park Become a Friend of Forest Drive Park and help look after and conserve your local green space. We are always looking for extra pairs of hands. Committee Member Take support to the next level […] - [News & Events](https://www.fofdp.co.uk/index.php/news-events/) - [Home](https://www.fofdp.co.uk/) [comment]: # (Generated by Hostinger Tools Plugin)