The Big Challenge

                                             

On the weekend 28^th/29^th September we were joined by over 100 students taking part in the NCS Challenge.

NCS http://www.ncsthechallenge.org/ is a project set up in 2009 to bring lots of 15- 17 year olds together and challenge them to take part in lots of new experiences.

The task and activities they take part in help them to discover and build on new skills, such as communication, working within a team, public speaking, practical tasks, helping others and  much more. They graduate from the programme and the experiences they gain are now recognised by many employers and universities.

So over the weekend, they visited us at Sandwell, and our wonderful staff and volunteers at the RSPB provided them with a taste of working outdoors on a nature reserve.

Armed with rakes, trowels, hoes and gloves they set off with Warden Kate and Visitor & Promotions Officer Chris.

After being fueled up with sugar, caffeine and Chris’s pep-talk we headed out onto the reserve in 2 teams.

Team 1 went and did essential path maintenance on our busy footpath. They cleared edges, trimmed back willows, and neatened the place up to make it inviting for our visitors.

Team 2 ventured into the big meadow to rake up the cut grass. This is an important job as we cut the meadow every year and remove the cuttings to allow a diverse range of plants to grow. If the cut grass was left, it would create a ‘thatch’ and block light for most species to germinate. We did a great job, work hard (well, most of us did!) and cleared 1/3 of the meadow (about half an acre)

They all worked hard, as you can see from the pictures, and with the beautiful sunshine, everyone enjoyed working out in the fresh air....though there were a few screams about spiders!!

Alex