About Murton Trust

Murton Trust is both a popular visitor attraction and a provider of vocational training for young people in land-based skills.

It is situated two miles east of Forfar and comprises of a 70 acre nature reserve and a 20 acre farm with tea room.

The Trust takes its name from the original Murton Farm which dates back to the 18th century, but there is evidence that some of the earliest inhabitants of the area date back to the Bronze Age and three Bronze Age cists, some 4000 years old, were found at Murton.

When the nearby Restenneth Moss and loch were drained in the 18th century the land was developed into farmland and Murton Farm was established to produce corn and flax for local mills. It later produced grain and potatoes and beef cattle were also reared.

From 1990 to 2001 the farm had a very different look when it became a sand and gravel quarry. Once the quarrying ended Murton Trust for Education and the Environment was set up to restore and enhance the land. The quarrying company, Aggregate Industries, won awards for its restoration work and assisted the Trust with some of its habitat enhancement projects.

The Trust meets its environmental and educational aims by providing a nature reserve and a farm for the education of the public and by organising classes and training for young people from local schools.

Today Murton Trust is a special place for everyone to enjoy. The scenic nature reserve with its meandering paths is a wonderful place for walks.

Numerous young people benefit from hands-on vocational training which can set them up for life in land-based jobs.

The brand new Murton Farm is now home to different kinds of animals from its predecessor. Now Kune Kune pigs root and snuffle contentedly and the crowing and clucking of the rare breed poultry raises many a smile.