The Green Team run a number of 7-10 week projects with small groups from high schools, meeting once a week for a full day of activities in nature including: conservation tasks, nature connection, wilderness survival skills and play/exploration. April marks the end of the Spring term and the completion of these projects. I thought I’d update you on the projects that we ran through our Green Shoots programme – working to help young people grow and develop while also increasing their understanding and appreciation of the natural world.
The projects finishing in April ran with groups from 2 High Schools in Edinburgh. Young people visited sites including Bawsinch Nature Reserve, Gore Glen Country Park and Inveresk Gardens. They undertook conservation tasks such as a beat-up tree survey, path maintenance, vegetation cutback, tree planting and clearing old fire sites. After all that hard work the groups enjoyed some respite through bird-watching, firelighting and cooking on their fire, a leisurely burn walk and relaxing in hammocks. All the young people involved achieved a John Muir Discovery Award and received presentations at an end of project celebration day where they were able to share what they learned with invited guests, including parents and school staff.
The projects received some great feedback from:
- Young people:
“It’s so nice to have some friends. I’ve not had a friend before.”
“I’ve learnt how to commit to a task and to stick to it”
“I feel more confident in the group. I know everyone’s name and personality and how they are in the group”
- School staff:
“We are getting great feedback from the teachers in the school about changed behaviours seen in class” School Support staff
“It’s amazing to see the kids develop and gain confidence” Teacher
Jamie Leitch, Business Development Manager, The Green Team
