Avon Tyrrell Update May 12

Plenty happening at Avon Tyrrell over the last few weeks, and happily it’s all been positive good stuff.

We have enhanced the off-road cycling facilities for young people and the local community with the £8,000 raised at last summers’ annual ‘Big Bike Bash’ and a recent £2,000 grant from the New Forest National Park Authority.  The money has been invested in improving existing sections of bike trails and new decking in our ‘north-shore’ area, as well as a fleet of new bikes and training for instructors who cater to growing demand for biking skills sessions.

We have just finished 2 amazing Forest School programmes, which were part funded, one through Hampshire County Council and the other through Wettons Bursary.

A group of Year 8 students from Mountbatten school in Romsey participated in a 6 week programme.  During this time they learnt how to light fires, build dens, track animals and most of all play in the woods. They learnt a great deal and  their confidence grew each week.

Jack and Jill’s pre-school from Bransgore also took part in a 6 week programme. This group was the youngest we have had at Forest School and all of the staff loved working with them.  The freedom of playing in the woods was the biggest highlight for all of the children.  They loved climbing trees and role playing in the woods and each week the Name Tree would give them a Tree Cookie with their name on (so we couldn’t forget their names!)  We spent lots of time exploring and using our senses as well as using well known children books such as ‘We’re going on a bear hunt’ and ‘Stick Man’ to keep the children engaged.

Forest school is such a great way for children to learn and develop in the outdoors.  It gives them such an opportunity and here at Avon Tyrrell our Forest School Practitioners love running the programmes.

And a Thought;- maybe just maybe if more young people had been given opportunities like Jack & Jill's at such an early age then perhaps some young peoples life paths may have been more positive, as after all our early years experiences shape our future.

Work is now well under way to replace our zip wire tree with a pole due to fungi damage to the tree.  We hope to have it all up and running and independently safety checked within the next couple of weeks.  The Zip Wire remains an exciting ride across our small lake and you can even learn to calculate your speed of travel.

And I have no idea why blogger makes these pictures go sideways.....

We also recently ran in partnership with HCC two overnight events for families who have a young family member with a disability. These Inspiring You events were well attended and very successful, inspiring all who attended to enjoy the outdoors and participate in activities they would not normally do or have the confidence to do.  We will be running more of these events throughout the year and if you are interested in attending please contact us and we will happily discuss with you what we are doing and when.

And finally yet another member of staff after the Bosses Chair…….. definitely has a more friendly smile

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