A pound coin changed hands to mark the start of a historic new era for the Findhorn Hinterland Trust, at the recent AGM.

Findhorn Hinterland Trust’s (FHT) AGM held in the Sunshine Room at the Park Ecovillage Findhorn on the 17th September 2026 was something special. Not only was there a comprehensive slide show of many of the important events that happened during the 2025/2026 financial year and the usual AGM agenda, but we also signed the legal document passing on about 34 hectares of land from the Findhorn Foundation Trust (FFT) to FHT.

Mark Anderson and  Kathy Tyler as FFT Chair and Trustee, along with Jonathan Caddy (FHT Trustee) and John Talbott (Chair of Duneland Ltd) were there to sign the historic document.  This was overseen by FHT Chair Colin Shreenan and Grigor & Young solicitor Donna Skelly, who both witnessed the passing over of a one pound coin –  the payment for this much loved piece of land. Donna has worked pro bono on the legal document over the last three years as a generous gift, to support the work of the charity and the piece of land on the Findhorn peninsula that she particularly cherishes.  

As a token of thanks the FHT team presented Donna with a framed picture of the ‘Hinterland Fox’, a ballad poem she wrote about the land a number of years ago. Local song writer, musician and FHT Treasurer David Hammond had also put this poem to music and sang the song to her at the event.  A CD recording was later passed on to her for future enjoyment.

Along with the land comes a small income from the land rental payments from the Park Ecovillage Findhorn’s three wind generators, managed by the Findhorn Wind Park (FWP) company.  The lease document for these was also signed as part of the evening, by Alex Walker, FWP Board Member, and FHT representatives. 

This is an important development for FHT, as a regular sustainable income like this is vital to ensure that ongoing operations can be paid for into the foreseeable future, with grant applications needed only for new projects. In this way the charity seeks to deliver on its aspiration of managing the land for the benefit of the natural world and general public in perpetuity, which was important in the gaining of Nature30 status last autumn. This designation is part of a major national initiative to help divert the worldwide biodiversity crisis, through implementing the global 30×30 action – the aim is that 30% of land and fresh water is conserved for nature by 2030. Nature30 was launched by the Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Energy here on the Hinterland in autumn 2025.   

Where does FHT go from here? Work is ongoing in parallel to finalise the transfer of about 16 hectares of land from local development company Duneland Ltd to FHT. Duneland is looking to wind up in the next 18 months and this would be a parting gift.  At the meeting John Talbott, Duneland Chair, said this should be finalised and ready for signing within a week or two. This will bring FHT’s total land ownership on the Findhorn peninsula to about 50 hectares.  

Watch this space to see how all this develops! In the meantime, huge thanks to everyone who has been involved in this process and the large number of volunteers that carry out the good work for the benefit of all. Thank you!

Jonathan Caddy

FHT Trustee, Education and Community Team Lead