This month (March) is the last volunteering session for our 2023-24 group of teenagers from local secondary schools. Ten young people have been volunteering for 4-hours each month since October towards their bronze or silver Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) awards.
The group have done extensive clearing and coppicing of the area at the top of the 10th fairway behind the green. You will spot out seating circle too. The wet weather meant we trampled more than we would have liked but, with a little tidying still to do, will now leave the ground to recover.
The group has also done ivy-clearing from mature trees, plus bramble-bashing by the practice area to create a line of sight to the wild daffodils. We hope the existing drift will seed and expand.
Thanks to Isobel Mitchell for coordinating the group with schools and parents on our behalf. Isobel is also our certified first-aider and a valued volunteer. ‘Veterans’ Miles, Alan and Steve have also been volunteering in support of the group.
We are delighted with the impact of DofE volunteering has had on the wood through our first two years. With the support of Everyone Active we have provided dedicated tools and safety wear to young people who have demonstrated abilities well suited to woodland conservation. For the veteran volunteers it has been a pleasure to be alongside them