Fundraising milestone for ‘ambitious’ adventure facility in Aberdeenshire woodland

The charity behind efforts to create a “world class” sports facility in an Aberdeenshire woodland is celebrating reaching a fundraising milestone.

Gravitate North East has now raised more than £51,000 to make their plan for Durris forest a reality.

Its ambitious proposals include 45km of mountain bike trails, a chairlift, a cafe and facilities for families to go tobogganing, ziplining, climbing, stargazing and more.

Companies such as Garron Point Community Ventures, eGuide Scotland, Websters Bakery and Cycle Highlands have all backed the venture, alongside a number of individual donors.

The money raised so far will be used to cover the cost of land studies and meeting planning requirements and efforts continue to raise the full £150,000 fundraising target.

As more people dig out their bikes and cycling gear during lockdown – or joining the flurry of individuals and families buying new cycles –  it is hoped even more people  than initially envisaged will enjoy the Durris facility when it opens to the public.

A recent Cycling Scotland study found the number of people cycling has increased by 77% during lockdown, while 14% of people in Scotland think they will continue to cycle more once lockdown ends.

Gravitate North East’s Martin Byers said:  “It’s amazing to see so many people rediscovering cycling at the moment.

“Hopefully lots of them will stick with it and we can create a facility that will benefit them in the future.

“Our project is unique and very ambitions. You’d have to look to countries like New Zealand to find anything that comes close.

“We hope that by working alongside Scottish Cycling and other key stakeholders we will be able to turn this vision into a reality.

“I anticipate that there will be a lot on investment in active travel in Scotland when we come out of this pandemic and more funding opportunities will come up linked to getting people outdoors and connecting with nature.”

Gravitate North East hope the venue can attract thousands of visitors every year and offer a significant boost to the local economy.

They anticipate the development will bring more than £2.5 million annually to the region’s economy as well as creating 80 jobs.

The land earmarked for the faculties is currently owned by Forestry and Land Scotland, and Gravitate North East plan to access the land via the Community Asset Transfer Scheme.

To donate to the fundraising effort, search for Gravitate 2020 Pre-Construction Fund at uk.virginmoneygiving.com.