This camp had it’s original date of October 2022. Even though the accommodation was at Green Park in the hostel warm and under cover, some families withdrew at the last minute due to bad weather, leaving no option other than postponement.
So, to keep within school holidays it was reorganised for after Easter.
Two of the families travelled quite a distance to join, one from Somerset and one from Chesterfield! They were interested in their children volunteering in an outside natural environment.
At the last minute Jenny Hodson hurt her leg and was unable to lead the weekend. So, volunteers from WRG came to the rescue. Bungle attended with his son, Jenny Morris bought the whole family and Alex came and covered the biodiversity of the area. I gave a short presentation on the history of the Wendover Canal.
The first task for the day, was wire brushing the viewing platform. The children attacked this with gusto, dust flying every where. No problem, goggles were on and a gentle sweep after, left it primed for the preservative treatment. Two coats within a certain time limit were needed so all went into action
Alex noticed that there were quite a number of robust thistles growing in the wild flower meadow. Although these attract butterflies, they were also in danger of encroaching on the previously sown yellow rattle. Luckily, much rain had made the ground soft, so these were removed with ease and the spaces filled by various wild flower seeds.
Small tummies were growling so lunch was next on the list, the picnic table was put to good use for the buffet spread. We also had tea and coffee for the adults, as small camping stoves had been bought along. Mikk had made a large tin of rice crispy cakes dotted with chocolate, they went down a treat. Better still the sun started to warm the surroundings.
Alex then encouraged the children to join him on his fascinating wildlife and flora walk about. They looked under logs, behind bark, up trees, down holes, any where birds and beasts may be hidden. Many wriggly monsters were produced for Alex to name and explain their habitats.
It was now time to load the wheelbarrows and return along the towpath. A quick look at what the big boys were doing with diggers and dumpers at Little Tring and then back to the cars to return to Green Park to the accommodation and the group evening meal.
On Sunday the group had been set the task of repairing the original birdboxes and repositioning them in the trees. In addition, more were completed and installed.
Help with the clearing up and loading equipment and then home and back to school. Hopefully the children will have enjoyed their volunteering in the environment and continue at other venues in the future.
IWA received a thank you email after a family had returned home to say they enjoyed the weekend and would look forward to another in the future. They pointed out that “The National Trust” had discontinued its family camps since Covid. They traced the camp via the internet, so social media can be seen as the best method of publicity for the future.
