Recognising the valuable contribution they made to nature and their community
Students from Connah’s Quay High, Flintshire recently received their Green Skills certificate in recognition of the valuable contribution they made to nature and their community,
The students from the school recently embarked on a three-week programme led by the Our Back Yard Project at the Quay Wetlands Nature Reserve. Over the course of the programme, the students engaged in various activities aimed at benefiting both nature and their community. Through their involvement, the young people gained essential skills and learnt about their local environment and its importance.
The students began their volunteer work by learning the traditional countryside skill of scything. This is an ecofriendly method of clearing vegetation without the use of machinery, minimising disturbance to wildlife. The students learnt how to safely use a variety of hand tools, such as loppers and saws.
Fire safety was another aspect of their training, and the students gained valuable insights into how to start fires responsibly and how to prevent and control hazards. After lighting their fires, they prepared and cooked fresh bread and other dishes in the outdoors.
Luisa Citra, the community engagement co-ordinator for the project said:
‘I want to congratulate the students on receiving their Green Skills Certificates, young people often get a lot of blame when it comes to littering and anti-social behaviour in green spaces like Quay Wetlands. We wanted to show that young people can make a difference to these areas and encourage them to engage with nature in positive way.”
“It was fantastic to see the group develop over the three weeks, they became more confident in their skills and worked hard. Some of the students were interested in future careers in the outdoor sector. This is an inspiring example of how young people can actively engage with nature and contribute to their communities.”