February Half Term – Forestry and Conservation for teenagers
by Deb Millar - February 24th, 2010.Filed under: Events.
Half Term Forestry and Conservation Days at West Charlton
Thanks to all who came and for all your hard work over the two days.
On the first day we made and erected nest boxes with larch from the wood. Look out for the photo of Torin in the tree http://wilderwoods.org/activitys/conservation-forestry-for-teenagers/
There are now 6 sited around the wood plus the little owl box. We inspected all of them except the little owl box (how did Peel get it up so high!). Hopefully the ones erected last year will be used this spring. We hope to get RSPB warden Simon Beard over to help us with a bird survey soon so keen ornithologists watch out for this event. It was a cold and dismal day. A special thank you to Heather’s Grass Roots grant for the warm and waterproof coat which Owen borrowed. Who says that teenagers won’t wear coats!
We also did lots of work on the pond area which is now a wonderful habitat after being dug out last year. Torin, George, Owen and James built some fine steps where everyone usually slides down to the pond area (again using larch from the wood). As it was Shrove Tuesday we made pancakes over the camp fire – (though we don’t ever need an excuse for pancakes.)
On the second day it warmed up. Ed, Martyn and Torin made a pond dipping platform whilst Emma and Abbie placed stepping stones around the side over the boggy area and created a new path. We hope to plant it up with a willow arch at the next Volunteer day on March 7th. More steps were begun on the other side but it was too wet and muddy to complete the task. Another job for volunteer day.
A big thank you to SCC youth grants which has enabled our youth volunteering to really get going.
Put March 7th Volunteer Day in your diaries. After all the forestry and conservation jobs are completed we are going to make pizza in the cob oven to celebrate.
Remember volunteering can count towards Duke of Edinburgh awards, it is also possible to work towards a John Muir Award (4 days) through us. Get in touch if you are interested. It is a nationally recognized conservation award. www.johnmuiraward.org