BEAUTY spots in the Churnet Valley have been given a spruce up by students from Buxton & Leek College who rolled up their sleeves to work with Staffordshire Wildlife Trust this summer.
Teenagers on the Learning for Living and Work course at Leek Campus volunteered to help the Trust in tackling Himalayan Balsam and clearing Rhododendrons at Cotton Dell and the Cheddleton Caldon Canal towpath, clearing debris and coppicing trees at Leek’s Ballington Woods and constructing wooden benches using felled trees at the Consall Scout Camp. Their efforts have been recognised with John Muir Awards – an environmental awards scheme designed to encourage people to care for and enjoy wild places.
The project not only helped the youngsters gain an improved understanding of the heritage of the Churnet Valley and surrounding areas, it also gave them new interests and an insight into conservation work. Tutor Sarah Kent said: “Working with Staffordshire Wildlife Trust has provided our students with personal growth as well as social awareness. Not only have they developed skills for life and the world of work, they have also gained qualities such as, a sense of responsibility and a purpose, self confidence and self esteem, which is fundamental to the young people’s development. “
“Volunteering has given them a positive attitude to learning about the heritage of their local environment, predominantly the Churnet Valley. Introducing the students to outdoor recreation which will enrich their lives as outdoor exercise contributes to health and fitness, encouraging the maintenance of a healthy lifestyle. It’s a valuable alternative to competitive sport.”
Staffordshire Wildlife Trust’s Youth Officer Martin Evans, who led the students on a bird spotting outing to Coombes Valley Nature Reserve and exploring nature trails at Tittesworth Reservoir, said: “It’s been a pleasure working with these students. They’ve worked really hard and have clearly enjoyed learning about the wildlife and heritage of the valley. All their efforts and enthusiasm have paid off as they have recently achieved their John Muir Awards. I hope we can find opportunities to work with more students in future years.”
These activities have been delivered as part of the Youth Engagement Project, one of around 30 projects that make up the Churnet Valley Living Landscape Partnership. This partnership is aiming to celebrate and enhance the special character of the local landscape and is supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund.
