The first outing of the Wye Valley Youth Rangers took place on the 26th of November 2011. The group undertook an orienteering challenge, along the Wye Valley Walk between Monmouth and the Biblins bridge. The group showed great skill in map reading and grid references. (I will need to increase the challenge element next time, be warned!) We spotted wildlife along the wy including; Mute Swans, Cormorants, Herons, Buzzards and focused on crow identification (Ravens, Carrion, Jackdaws - more practice needed there!). From the river we headed up the valley side passing Lady Park Wood, where Andrew filled us in on the significance of this unique woodland to consevationists and woodland managers current understanding of woodland ecology. We arrived at Bracelands, HQ for the day and pitched up camp. Bushcraft skills were put to the test, lighting the camp fire, and getting the all important knots right, to put up the tarp shelter.
After lunch, the afternoon task at hand was to constuct a nest box each, which will be loacted and ready for new owners come the spring. Thanks everyone for all your efforts, it was a great start to our new programme. See pics below.
Keeping warm by the fire
Constructing nest boxes
Taster day with Kate Humble
Getting Knotted with Duncan from Wild Connections!
