Murton Trust Junior Volunteering Programme Who are Murton Trust? Murton Trust for Education and the Environment is situated on a former quarry near Forfar in Angus. They manage a thriving nature reserve, visitor farm and tearoom set in 100 acres. Their mission is to provide a unique environment in which children, young people and adults can learn and develop essential skills for life. Murton Trust recently completed the successful first year of their Junior Volunteering Programme, part funded by Tesco Stronger Starts. This initiative has significantly increased opportunities for young people in Angus, particularly those in Forfar and Kirriemuir, to engage in meaningful outdoor activities that build skills, confidence, and wellbeing. Junior Volunteering Programme Over the past year, Murton Trust introduced their Junior Volunteering Programme for young people aged 12 and 13, alongside enhancements to an established 14+ volunteering scheme. These programmes provided hands-on experiences in animal care, environmental conservation, and community engagement across their nature reserve and farm. Initially offering just 24 sessions, Murton Trust was able to secure match funding that allowed for an additional 19 sessions over the year. The diversity of the site meant that the Junior Volunteers were able to experience a huge number of different types of activities. This included animal handling, animal husbandry, estate maintenance, woodworking, supporting the delivery of the events and environmental projects. Therapeutic activities Green health Teamwork Key Achievements The Junior Volunteering Programme had a huge number of achievements in its first year: Delivered school holiday sessions, ensuring accessibility for all participants. Visiting schools to deliver information sessions prior to their first site visits. Supported over 188 unique junior volunteering placements, helping young people achieve Saltire Awards for their contributions. 33 individuals participated in the junior volunteer programme achieving 564 volunteering hours. Created inclusive opportunities for individuals with additional support needs, ensuring barrier-free participation. Promoted health, wellbeing, and employability skills through practical, nature-based activities. We are delighted to have expanded our volunteering programme to include younger participants. This project helps young people to gain confidence, learn new skills, and make a positive impact on their environment and community. We want to encourage positive peer relationships and provide meaningful activities for your people in our community. Alison Elliott, Trust Manager, Murton Trust Future Opportunities Murton Trust’s vision is to provide a unique environment where children, young people, and adults can learn and develop skills for life. This project has strengthened that mission by fostering active citizenship and connecting young people with their community at an early age. The success of this initiative reflected Murton Trust’s commitment to education, sustainability, and community engagement. As well as the junior volunteers the Murton Trust also provides opportunities for schools and nurseries, families, older volunteers, health walks, and a full programme of traditional and creative practical skill activities. The Trust celebrates its 25th anniversary in April and will continue to seek funding to sustain and grow these types of programmes beyond the current funding period. You can find out more about Murton Trust and the range of opportunities they offer on their Murton Trust website. More information on Stronger Starts grants and other greenspace funding can be found in our Fund your Project section. Our team of Community Enablers can support you to apply for Stronger Starts their contact info is on the Stronger Starts webpage. Manage Cookie Preferences