FRIENDS OF CALLANDER MORAINE (or FOCM for short) is a coalition of geologists, geomorphologists, environmental scientists, geographers, conservationists, historians, bird watchers, nature lovers, ramblers and dog-walkers - most of whom live in Callander, Perthshire. We are people who love and value our natural heritage and appreciate the history and scientific importance of Earth heritage sites such as Callander's landforms.

If Planning Application LT/2005/0127/DET/S had been approved back in 2006 then the north section of Callander Moraine would have been reduced to gravel. All of us who objected to LT/2005/0127/DET/S, and its revisions, did so in the strongest possible terms because we care deeply about our natural heritage. We are absolutely delighted that the moraine was saved and that it continues to be such a great amenity for local people, a habitat for red squirrels, one of Scotland's most cherished but most endangered species, and a world class educational and research resource for Earth scientists. Thank you to everyone who helped to save this wonderful natural heritage site.

Alas, we've not been able to save the southern section of the moraine. Permission for quarrying was granted many years ago before local people knew how significant the landform was. However, our campaign back in 2005-6 helped raise awareness, and we are very grateful to BGS for undertaking to survey the southern section before it is lost.

Want to participate?

We don't want your money, but we would be grateful if you would help us with the following, please:

If you know of a landform or other natural heritage feature in Callander that might be under threat from development please let us know about it. Local knowledge is key in protecting these landforms. We would also be interested to hear about folklore associated with particular features.

If you're a school teacher or university lecturer, why not show Callander's glacigenic landforms to your students so that they might appreciate the power and scale of glaciers? Many universities from around the UK and Europe already come here regularly on field trips. Access is unusually good; and, for the less mobile, almost all of the features can be viewed from a car. For the purposes of comparing geological processes, the Highland Boundary Fault cuts across the west of Callander (and can be seen particularly clearly at David Marshall Lodge near Aberfoyle), and we are about an hour away from Edinburgh and its spectacular volcanic heritage.

Whoever you are - an academic or an interested lay person - we would like you, please, to spread the word about the moraine's existence to others who are interested in Earth heritage. The moraine is magnificent, and is well worth a visit - as is the town of Callander, which is situated amidst some of Scotland's most beautiful scenery.

Thank you for taking the time to visit our site.