We have used the funding to induct and build the confidence of some of our regular volunteers who needed that extra bit of coaching . We have also set up a Doodle Poll Booking System so that we have the right number of volunteers for each session to keep social distance. This has resulted in us being able to have over 100 under 18 volunteers and 100 adult volunteers out with us between 19th May and 27th July making a total of over 200 volunteers.
The funding is also helping us to buy extra tools, mobile handwashing kit, antiviral sprays, gloves and goggles for volunteers to keep.
In July Castlefield School 18 Y3 and Y4 keyworker children came out on a ‘Be a Junior Ranger’ session to reward them for being at school during lockdown. They worked in their ‘bubbles’ , litter picking Castlefield Woods (clearing the woods of 30 bags of rubbish) and river kick sampling in waderrs at Desborugh Recreation Ground.
Testimonials :
Y4 child: Before the day, I didn’t think it would be that fun but it really was. I loved looking at the river minibeasts and learning about caring for them but the best bit was the litter pick, doing something that really mattered. My legs didn’t hurt THAT much after all the climbing!
Teacher (Clare) : “I wanted to thank you again for a smashing day yesterday – the kids are still talking about it this morning and slept well last night. They (the children) were engaged from start to finish and thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Some of our pupils have discovered a passion for the environment that will give them a positive purpose in future life”
