St Machar’s Cathedral has recently found itself in a position to give practical expression to what has been said about promoting environmental conservation close to home. As a result of a generous bequest, it has become the owner of some acres of land on the northern fringe of Aberdeen. Although close to new housing estates, this area forms part of a green wedge opening out into rural Aberdeenshire. Our patch includes grassy fields, currently cattle-grazed, patches of gorse, heather and marshy hollows, occupying a north-facing slope with attractive views of the farmland beyond. To the south it adjoins Scotstown Moor, which in the past was renowned for its interesting plant, animal and bird life, including a number of rare and unusual species. Although over the past century it has lost some of this richness, it is still of considerable interest and part is scheduled as a Site of Specific Interest. It is now in the ownership of Aberdeen City Council and managed for the benefit of local residents and for the protection of the environment and its wildlife.

The Kirk Session of St Machar’s Cathedral decided that it would wish its part of Perwinnes Moss to remain open countryside for the enjoyment of the local community and to safeguard and improve the natural environment. Its proximity to Scotstown Moor obviously enhances the value and potential of both properties, and the Cathedral held discussions with the City authorities with a view to setting up a management agreement, so that the whole area could be managed as a unit to achieve common objectives. This management agreement was signed in October 1999. There is scope for habitat improvement, for example by tree planting and extending the ponds, marshy places and heath. We hope that in this way some of the former diversity of wildlife may be restored and the amenity of the area improved. There is ample opportunity for members of the congregation to participate in these activities.