Torry Matters

Future of Doonies Rare Breeds Farm

The Future of Doonies Farm - Scotland's largest collection of rare breeds and also an important green space, educational centre, tourist attraction and environmentally friendly use of coastal lands – hangs in the balance. On 25 June the full Aberdeen Council will vote on whether or not to allow the newly-formed group, Friends of Doonies, to implement its business plan and take over the running of the farm. Crucial to the farm’s continued existence is the identification of potential sponsors and donors – and in this regard we seek your help.

The Friends of Doonies emerged after thousand of people signed petitions (both hard copy and online) to support the farm’s continuance. The annual running costs last year including wages were £168,000. For this relatively small amount of money, a number of important animals are well cared for and their genes are both preserved and utilised in the important agricultural sector. The Council's own literature boasts how important the farm is, the Rare Breeds Trust sees the farm as vital, as it hosts several breeds which are in danger of dying out entirely. The lands are also crucial to the local ecosystem – which has already lost a great deal of greenbelt land to development. Many coastal birds such as the protected eider duck and wild plants depend on the existence of Doonies green spaces to provide them with food and living space.

The Friends are developing a business plan for the newly-established charity which will, we hope, run the farm. – but we must survive a vote by the Aberdeen City Council on 25 June. One of the conditions is that sponsors and donors be identified. We are not asking for any funds at this present or any iron-clad commitment. However, if you are interested at all in helping us with this project, we would very much like to hear from you now. Donations of funds are welcome, as are donations of supplies and equipment. We have also been approached by people who want to hold fund raising events for Doonies, and we are very happy to help you if you are interested in doing so. We are keen to hear from individuals as well as businesses.

ecological / agricultural organisations can help by supplying guidance. The Friends of Doonies need to urgently learn as much as possible about available grants, subsidies, supporting agencies, etc. Further arguments to scientifically and/or legally support the need for this area to remain greenbelt would also be most welcome.

Attached to this letter is further information about the farm and our plans to enhance the educational, agricultural and tourist potential. We also attach a form and would be grateful if you would kindly complete it and return it by post to: Jeanette Grant, FROX, 28 Thistle Street, Aberdeen AB10 1XD; or by sending a reply by email to .

frox@hotmail.co.uk

We are more than happy to supply further information; please contact us as above. Thank you for helping us with this important project.

yours sincerely

John Sleigh, Chairman
and all of the Friends of Doonies Farm

Farm Sponsor Form

Written By: torry.admin
Date Posted: 6/12/2008
Number of Views: 161

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