Danny and Green Shoots
Danny first attended Green Shoots in February 2024 having been referred by his school as he had been finding school life difficult following the transition into High School.
As Danny puts it when asked about getting involved with Green Shoots:
“School wasn’t the very best at the time, and also, it just seemed interesting and I kinda needed it.”
The first project that Danny attended visited sites across the Lothians, including Roslin Glen, Whim and Longniddry beach. The group got involved in conservation activities including removal of non-native invasive species, grassland management and litter picking as well as fire-lighting, river-walking, outdoor cooking, relaxing in hammocks and Danny’s favourite activity, wood carving.
“I learned how to carve and that was useful, carving is really fun.”
Green Shoots Coordinator, Kate, recalls how well Danny fitted into the group:
“Danny was extremely nervous, but his love of nature and birds especially gave him confidence and provided a strong base for him to engage with the programme from. On the first day he introduced the group to an app he had on his phone for identifying bird calls. I think he was delighted to be so seen and appreciated by other people.
Danny brought a lot of kindness and care towards others. He is a thoughtful and caring lad and this shone through a few times when he stepped up to support others who were struggling.”
Danny’s Green Shoots highlights
When asked about his greatest achievement on this project Danny responded:
Having made such amazing progress on the project, Danny was invited to attend the Green Shoots ‘Advanced’ programme.
The advanced programme included 2 camping weekends – a highlight for Danny:
“The residentials were absolutely amazing. Those were really fun, I liked them because, there was working together, chatting to people and not sitting at home playing games all the time.”
The sense of group-togetherness and enjoyment stand out in Danny’s reflections:
“Absolutely amazing. Everybody was friendly which I only get sometimes… It was fun which was really good. It was just like a really nice and a good environment to be around.”
Alongside the fun, people were noticing real development in Danny. Danny’s mum noted:
“I don’t think it’s simply a coincidence that his coping skills, resilience, confidence and practical abilities have improved to the point he is able to manage school like any other young person.”
And when asked if he thought Green Shoots had brought some change, Danny stated:
Programme coordinator Kate had noticed changes too:
“I feel we have kick-started something in Danny that he will not lose. He has a love of nature that has been nurtured, encouraged and appreciated and this will serve him well through his life. I see him succeeding in so many ways.”
For Danny, the journey is continuing – he has signed up for Green Team weekend projects and life outside of the Green Team has improved too.
More about Green Shoots
The Green Shoots Programme is for pupils in S1-S3 who are currently experiencing challenges within their school or home lives and are keen to grow and develop in a safe and inclusive environment in a natural setting.