Last week I was lucky enough to be away skiing in Sweden, climbing mountains and generally enjoying the country and culture of the Sweden. Now why do I tell you this, well there are two reasons, firstly I see Avon Tyrrell as a centre that gives young people an opportunity to be introduced to a variety of outdoor activities which can help develop life skills that can be used in a more adventurous environment. It’s a start of a journey that can begin with a simple paddle on our lake or a climb up our climbing tower and end with an amazing experience in another country.
The other great thing about Sweden is it is a country that allows young people and children to be themselves and does not enshrine them in too much protective cotton wool and they also send their children to school at the age of 6 giving children more time with their families. A thought maybe that if we allow children to be children and give them affordable varied experiences and opportunities, like the one described below, then just perhaps the affect will be positive….
The other great thing about Sweden is it is a country that allows young people and children to be themselves and does not enshrine them in too much protective cotton wool and they also send their children to school at the age of 6 giving children more time with their families. A thought maybe that if we allow children to be children and give them affordable varied experiences and opportunities, like the one described below, then just perhaps the affect will be positive….
More Trees, More Good
We have also been lucky enough to receive some trees from the Woodland Trust’s project ‘More trees, More Good’ including Holly, Hawthorne and Dogwood which are native hedgerow plants.We have taken the opportunity to start developing our own natural hedgerow on part of our SINC site (site of importance for nature conservation), with the support of our local Wildlife Watch Group. The group visit once a month working on our SINC site trying to improve its biodiversity by taking out bracken and rhododendron and replacing it with native species as well as encouraging the heather to grow.
Before the Wildlife Watch Groups arrived our, EcoHealth team worked hard getting the rather frozen ground ready for the weekend involving pulling out some rhododendron roots, cutting back a few branches from low lying trees to make the area more accessible, digging a trench for the plants, providing us with manure and constructing a fence so the new saplings were safe from deer and rabbits.
The Wildlife Watch Group then gave up part of their weekend and undertook digging out holes for each individual sapling, mixing up the plants to create a more natural hedgerow and watering them once in the ground. The children were all excited to learn about the benefits of a natural hedgerow and we discussed all the wildlife that it will benefit. It was a great day and everyone worked really well together.We would like to say a massive thank you to the Woodland Trust for providing the trees, EcoHealth for all of their hard work and finally the Wildlife Watch Group for creating a new native hedgerow here at Avon Tyrrell.
You are most welcome to visit and see what we are up to or to find out more about Avon Tyrrell Outdoor Activity Centre and the many varied opportunities we offer please contact us on Tel; 01425 672347 or email info@ukyouth.org or view our website www.avontyrrell.org.uk
Remember… experience – learn – develop
Remember… experience – learn – develop
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