The Green Team (Edinburgh & Lothians)

Green Shoots Blog: 2010
In this section: About | Programmes | GS Blog

You can read more about the Green Shoots programme on the About Green Shoots page. This News page gives you a flavour for what we've been doing recently, and you can also read news from 2006, 2007 , 2008 and 2009.

What’s been happening recently?

2010 has been yet another busy year, with around 80 pupils engaging in a variety of conservation projects throughout the Edinburgh and the Lothians.

Funding from the Robertson Trust, JP Getty and the Moffat Trust has ensured that long standing programmes such as the Firhill Forest School continue to go from strength to strength, whilst new a partnership targeting transition work was established with Royston-Wardieburn Community Centre.

The Referral Programme and subsequent Advanced Residential Group has once again proved to be popular with participants, with the group undertaking two expeditions to National Nature Reserves at Tentsmuir Point in Tayside, and Glen Tanar Estate in the Cairngorms National Park.

FOREST SCHOOL, Firrhill HS - February 2010

Forest School encountered several firsts this year. For one, the weather was unprecedented in its severity, with heavy snow falling on the first session and lingering until Easter! The location of Clubbiedean Reservoir was also a first for the group, chosen in order to give the regular site of Sanctuary Wood the opportunity to recover from overuse.

Despite the inclement weather, the group managed to head out on every session throughout the programme. The S3 pupils participating in Forest School as part of their Prevoc class quickly rose to the challenges the weather threw at them. The snow provided the group with the opportunity to explore the Pentlands in a winter wonderland. The thick snow, sometimes up to pupils knees did not deter the group from completing a check of the orienteering markers, practicing fire lighting skills, applying mapwork skills in challenging conditions and of course, throwing snowballs!

It was not until week 4 that the group finally managed to make it to Clubbiedean, where they quickly busied themselves with establishing a fire site, applying newly learnt axing skills to create benches and a fire surround. The reservoir provided a tranquil location for programme and a variety of new conservation tasks, including chopping and burning gorse, removing an old rabbit fence, dismantling old fire sites, removing tree guards, planting juniper trees, digging out drainage ditches and cutting back encroaching vegetation.

Several hikes were undertaken to introduce map skills and allow for an exploration of the wider boundaries of the Pentland Hills. The programme also included a visit to the nearby farm where the group were able to conduct an interview with the local farmer and learn about the complexities of sheep and cattle farming in the Regional Park.

Afternoons at Forest School consisted of learning new skills such as knotwork, carving, shelter building, firelighting and cooking on open fires. The group also explored their relationship with the outdoors by participating in the John Muir Award.

The final celebration was well attended by pupils, staff and family members. It was great to welcome both past Forest School participants and pupils from next term’s group to the presentation. The Forest School word is out amongst the pupils and previous participants are now having a positive motivating factor in influencing younger pupils to engage in the programme. It’s fantastic to see the continued impact and long term positive effects that Forest School is having on pupils at Firrhill HS. Roll on Autumn 2010!

REFERRAL PROGRAMME - April 2010

The first referral programme of 2010 targeted S3 pupils from a variety of schools throughout Edinburgh. Eight lads began their Green Shoots venture with a familiar rhodie bash at Hopetoun House. The group quickly applied themselves to the task and had a fire burning in no time. The afternoon concluded with a close encounter with a herd of deer and hand feeding the stag.

In subsequent weeks the group completed a variety of tasks and consistently demonstrated excellent practical problem solving skills, a strong work ethic and ability to work well as a team.

At Yellowcraigs the group repaired the path to the water fountain and shored up eroded embankment with logs foraged from the nearby woodland. A hot sunny day at Gore Glen did not deter the group from replacing a series of steps on a steep descent, utilising tools such as the pinch bar, meall and mattock.

Week 4 saw the group head to Butterdean Wood in East Lothian to undertake more pathwork and tree thinning. The group worked tirelessly shovelling, wheel barrowing and finally tamping down large quantities of ‘type 1’ hardcore to extend the path, before engaging in an extremely creative shelter building session.

Attendance rates and motivation remained high as the group headed to the outer edges of the Pentland Hills Regional Park. The group made quick work of clearing out drainage ditches and digging back vegetation encroaching on a series of steps before embarking on a hike to take in the views across West Lothian. The afternoon was made all the more exciting for a close encounter with a field of frisky cows and some kite flying on the summit.

All too soon the final week arrived, with the group heading to Binning Wood for a final session of rhodie bashing. The afternoon that followed saw the group enjoy some beautiful weather at Tyninghame Beach and engage in a highly competitive game of hidey!

The programme was a great success. Week on week participants consistently approached each new challenge in a positive manner and worked to complete each task to a high standard. Both Kim and Raz were impressed by the lads’ attitudes and have invited 5 group members onto the Autumn Advanced Residential Programme.

ROYSTON & GRANTON PRIMARIES TRANSITION GROUP - May 2010

This year’s Primary 7 Transition Programme was supported by both new and old partner organisations alike, with youth workers from Granton Youth Centre and Royston-Wardieburn Community Centre working on the programme.

The programme once again targeted pupils from both Granton and Royston Primaries. Participants engaged in a variety of conservation tasks that focused on developing teamwork and building confidence and self esteem. Opportunities were also given to explore any issues and anxieties about making the move up to High School.

The involvement of youth workers from both also allowed participants to be supported in making the transition between the two youth centres; from Royston-Wardieburn (who work exclusively with primary aged pupils) to GYC’s provision aimed at youngsters aged 12 years and above.

The fine summer weather kicked in and the group enjoyed a variety of adventures in and around Edinburgh. Conservation activities undertaken included tackling the never ending rhododendrons at Hopetoun House and Binning Wood, replacing tree tubes at Gore Glen and hacking back Himalayan balsam along the Water of Leith.

The group also learnt how to light and manage fires responsibly, investigated the life of John Muir, engaged in carving activities, cooked on trangia stoves, explored rock pools and stalked, tracked and ran through a variety of forests.

Four pupils successfully completed their John Muir Award, which will be presented at an upcoming open day at Granton Youth Centre. Thanks once again go to the staff at GYC and Royston-Wardieburn.

ADVANCED RESIDENTIAL GROUP - June 2010

Six 14 year old lads from a variety of schools were invited forward onto the Advanced Residential programme, all of whom had either completed a previous Forest School or Referral programme. The group were exceptional in both their attendance and attitude throughout and consistently rose to each new challenge that was presented to them.

The boys quickly adapted to the harder level of work expected of them and had no problem completing the physical task or replacing fencing stobs and fencing wire around the car park at Cammo Country Park. Week 2 saw the group reconnect with a familiar outdoor space at Hopetoun House. Once again the task required the boys to learn a variety of new construction skills with the replacement of a large section of fence edging.

Following a short break over the summer holidays the group headed to Roslin Glen to cut back vegetation that was encroaching on a series of paths, which helped the Midlothian Ranger Service prepare for the upcoming Walking Festival.

Having successfully completed several day projects it was time to test the group on their first overnight residential to Tentsmuir National Nature Reserve. Tenstmuir is renowned for the variety of wildlife that can be found both in the pine woods and along the extensive sands and estuaries of the Firth of Tay.

The group not only undertook several conservation tasks, including cutting back sea buckthorn and completing an extensive beach clean, they also coped admirably with the challenges of camp life, including cooking, fire lighting, digging a long drop and mastering the art of putting up (and taking down) tents.

The highlight of the weekend was a highly competitive game of 1,2,3 Commando (a game of stealth, tracking and concealment), followed by the lighting and launching of 6 sky lanterns, complete with positive affirmations for the coming year.

On return to Edinburgh the group spent a day planning for the final residential challenge. The day was jammed full of mapwork, kit issue, rucksack packing, learning how to cook on gas trangia stoves and menu planning. Then it was off to Arthur’s Seat to test out newly issued boots and trail out the weight of loaded rucksacks. Although the group did not make it to the summit the views were stunning, and the lads were fascinated by holding broom pods in their hands as they exploded in the summer sun.

Four days later the group headed north towards Braemar, the Dee valley and Glen Tanar Estate, just outside Aboyne. Although further south than the Cairngorm massif, Glen Tanar falls within the Cainrgorm National Park and is home to many elusive creatures, such as Golden Eagles, Red Grouse, Pine Martins, Wild Cats, and Red Squirrels.

After encountering a local farmer speaking in Doric, the confused (and somewhat culture shocked) group shouldered their packs and began 6km climb over the ridge to the foot of Mount Keen, one of Scotland’s harder to reach Munros. The views were spectacular, with purple heather in full bloom and the setting sun spreading a warm glow across the hills.

Unfortunately, the still conditions meant that the midies were at their ferocious best, and by the time the group arrived at the camp site it was full survival mode. There was nothing else for it but to erect the tents at breakneck speed, jump in and eat dry food from the packs for the night.

Fortunately, the next morning brought with it cooler conditions and a much welcomed breeze. The group fuelled up on a breakfast of porridge, bacon and sausages before yomping the 12km along the landy tracks to meet up with ranger Eric Baird.

After a quick cook out on the stoves the group tackled the conservation task with a good level of energy. Trees encroaching on the path were felled efficiently and pot holes in the path were filled with whin-dust before being tamped down. All that remained for the day was to walk the final 500m to the campsite, set up camp, cook dinner and create a monster fire.

The group reflected on their achievements throughout the programme, sharing their feelings in an open and thoughtful manner in the group;

“It’s beautiful here. I feel like I can breathe!”

“I’m proud of being able to meet new people and get along with them.”

“I’ve enjoyed learning about all the wildlife.”

“I really chuffed at managing to hike all that way with a big pack on and not give up!”

The next morning the group waved goodbye to the forests of GlenTanar and headed east for their final challenge; mountain biking! After engaging in some nifty bike skills and competitive games the group tackled the fun park and confidently rode the berms, rollers and jumps of the track. Unfortunately, late that afternoon one of the group members took a tumble requiring a visit to the hospital. Despite this incident however, the group remained upbeat and once again showed a high level of maturity in the way they conducted themselves.

The final celebration will take place in late September where participants will lead family members and teachers in an exploration of the Water of Leith, sharing some of the skills they have learnt throughout the programme and new found enthusiasm for local wild spaces.

Many thanks go to Kim McIntosh for her energy delivering each session and to both the parents and the referring agencies for the great support they gave each participant throughout the programme.

FOREST SCHOOL Autumn 2010

Autumn quickly rolled round again with another Forest School kicking off at Firrhill HS. Demand has outstripped supply with pupils now requesting to be considered for the programme. Anticipation among the latest intake of S3 pupils was certainly high thanks to subsequent participants talking to their younger peers about the positive experiences they gained on the programme.

Eleven pupils kitted themselves up with rucksacks, fleeces, wellies, hats, gloves, hoodies and waterproofs for the beginning of their Forest School venture, no doubt wondering what all the clothing was needed for – little did they know what weather would await them in late November!

The Forest School made a welcome return to its regular base at Sanctuary Wood near Bonaly. Once again the Pentland Hills Ranger Service kindly supported the programme by identifying a comprehensive list of conservation tasks and locating a safe fire site on the outskirts of the woodland.

The first day saw the group quickly get to grips with undertaking a conservation task by tackling overgrown vegetation encroaching on a footpath. Subsequent tasks included running some much needed repairs on steps by the Dean Burn, thinning and burning sycamore trees, undertaking a routine check of the orienteering markers and completing some drainage work.

Forest skills such as navigation, carving, axe and knot work, shelter building, firelighting and outdoor cooking skills were also well received by participants. As always cooking was always popular, with bacon, eggs, tattie scones, marshmallows, fresh bread, chocolate bananas and cheesy tortillas all gracing the menu.

The group was particularly enthusiastic about the group shelter and undertook online research before deciding on the design. The team worked extremely efficiently, delegating out jobs and using skills in the group to build easily the largest Forest School group shelter to date!

The wider context of the Pentland Hills was explored on two hikes from both Harlaw and Glencourse Reservoir. Basic map skills, pacing and timing were introduced with a view to laying foundations for the group’s Duke of Edinburgh expedition next year.

The final session saw the group take advantage of the cold snowy weather with a skiing trip to Hillend and some obligatory 'poly-bag' sledging.

After successfully delivering 6 programmes, it is encouraging to know that staff at Firrhill HS continue to value the 12-week Forest School experience as an integral part of the Prevoc curriculum. Long term tracking of previous Firrhill pupils has highlighted the positive role Forest School plays in engaging hard to reach pupils in alternative forms of education.

Guidance staff have been particularly grateful for the opportunity to build relationships with pupils in need of support and have found that the Forest School experience has played a vital role in building confidence, self-esteem and team work skills in individuals. Thanks in part to their involvement with Forest Schools, previous participants have gone on to successfully apply for college, complete ‘Jet’ apprenticeships and secure jobs.

S1 REFERRAL PROGRAMME

The autumn referral programme kicked off in October by integrating 8 pupils from Tynecastle HS, St Augustine’s HS, Broughton HS and Firrhill HS respectively.

Pupils began their Green Shoots experience by visiting the Hermitage of Braids on beautiful sunny day to participate in a variety of team building games and to get to grips with their first conservation task. The group quickly engaged in the challenge of digging small plots which they then sowed with seeds to contribute to the establishment of the wildflower meadow. The day was rounded off with chocolate bananas on an open fire.

The following week the group ventured east to Yellowcraigs to work with local ranger David Wild. The group worked with great efficiency to tame an unruly patch of sea buckthorn and replace and old footbridge. The afternoon was topped off with a visit to John Muir’s Birthplace.

Subsequent weeks saw the group tackle familiar tasks at regular Green Shoots sites. Rhodie bashing at Hopetoun House, tracking games and a cook out on the bonfire were a hit with the group, whilst felling sycamore and shelter building at Butterdean Woods proved to be equally popular.

The group wrapped up for the final two sessions of the programme as winter began to make its presence felt. Invasive salmonberries at Corstorphine Hill were no match for the group’s digging skills. Participants enjoyed a much needed fire to burn off thinned birch saplings at Springfield Mill and despite the cold each young person rose to the challenge of building and lighting their own mini fire, their hard efforts rewarded with toasted oozing marshmallows.

Despite coming from a variety of backgrounds it was great to see participants quickly bonding as a group, establishing new friendships and encouraging each other to push themselves outside their comfort zones. Attendance was extremely high and many participants have expressed an interest in being involved in further Green Shoot’s programmes in the future.

Many thanks go to the supporting referrers at each of the schools who ensured the young people made it to each session, to parents who inevitably dealt with mucky clothes and to Ross Hughes, working as a sessional worker for the first time, for his enthusiasm and terrible jokes.

OTHER BITS AND BOBS

St Augustine’s Duke of Edinburgh Award Group (March 2010)

St Augustine’s Award Inclusive group undertook another couple of days of conservation work to meet the Service requirements of the Duke of Edinburgh Award. Several tasks were completed at Hopetoun House, with the group repairing paths and lopping back overhanging branches in preparation for the first opening day of the season.

The second session saw the group head to Binning Wood in East Lothian to tackle the jungle of rhododendron bshed before enjoying the waves and rock pools at Tyninghame beach.

Granton Youth Centre (April 2010)

Granton Youth Centre approached Green Shoots with an unusual proposition for the Easter break; to build a greenhouse out of recycled milk bottles. Inspired by an online recycling site, local young people attending the project had spent several months collecting and washing out milk bottles in preparation for building the greenhouse.

After adapting the initial plans into a simpler structure, the group tackled the job of building the frame work. New skills in measuring, cutting and nailing were quickly learnt before attaching columns of milk bottles to make the walls. Once the tricky job of hanging the door was mastered the greenhouse was ready to be filled with growbags and tomatos, all that was needed next was sunshine!

The group also spent time making some additions to the Youth Centre’s garden, including decorating plant pots, planting herbs and wildflowers, making dream catchers and building a bird table. The two days were finished off with a trip to Cramond beach where the group learnt how to carve sticks, build a fire and toast marshmallows.

Here’s hoping by the autumn the group will be making their own tomato chutney!

The Green Team (Edinburgh & Lothians) Ltd is a charity registered in Scotland SCO29319

Green Shoots Blog: 2010In this section: About | Programmes | GS Blog