Young people from the 1st Marston Moor Scout troop have been praised for their help and hard work to care for the North York Moors National Park. The scouts, from Tockwith in North Yorkshire, have been coming out once a month since October to plant trees, cut back overgrown vegetation and improve drainage on footpaths. As well as undertaking practical tasks, the girls and boys have also learnt about the area’s different habitats and wildlife.
Their efforts have seen them achieve a John Muir Trust Discovery Award plus scouting badges in Environmental Partnership, Forester Activity, Naturalist Activity, Global Conservation Activity and Community Impact Activity.
The scouts now feel a strong connection to the North York Moors, so much so that they are planning a number of fundraising events and activities in aid of the National Park including a bag pack at M&S in Wetherby on Saturday 25 April.
Andrea Cayton, Assistant Scout Leader with the 1st Marston Moor Scouts, said:
“This has been an invaluable experience for the scouts and has provided them with tremendous insight into the management of a National Park for people and wildlife. I have been amazed at the dedication, commitment and hard work of our young people who are aged between 10 & 13; they have shown tremendous spirit. The variety of tasks has been impressive and I would encourage other scout and youth groups to get involved as it provides a great hands-on education to help young people understand the value of our National Parks.”
Tammy Andrews, the North York Moors National Park Authority’s Explorer Club Coordinator, added:
‘’I have thoroughly enjoyed working with the 1st Marston Moor Scouts. They are an enthusiastic, hard working group of young people who are a real credit to the scouting movement. Not only have they learnt about the special qualities of the North York Moors, they have also helped care for it. I hope this is the first of many projects between the National Park and the Scout Association.’’
The 1st Marston Moor Scouts volunteered as part of the National Park Authority’s Explorer Club which aims to instil a love and understanding of the natural world in local youngsters. For more information on how to get involved contact Tammy Andrews on 01439 772700 or email t.andrews@northyorkmoors.org.uk