Down to Earth Volunteers Update - December 2021
Down to Earth volunteers attend Outdoor Learning Course
The Down To Earth Project, based at Romney Marsh, is coming to the end of an incredibly busy year catching up all the events that couldn’t be run during lockdowns. This Sports England Funded Project aims to get local women and their families, outside and active in nature, all whilst learning new skills. Through a wide range of activities including Paddle Sports, Forest School, Practical Conservation, Beach Cleaning, Yoga in nature, Wild swimming and Wildlife Walks we have engaged over a hundred women, many who have gone on to volunteer with the project.
Two volunteers who have been particularly committed to supporting other women to try new activities have also recently completed an Outdoor Learning Course run by Kent Wildlife Trust Education Leads. Over 6 weeks they explored a variety of outdoor learning topics including bushcraft, teaching on the beach, flora and fauna identification, reflection in nature and navigation, that should support them in their future roles leading outdoor events for the local community.
Beccy Fennessy who has been helping with our regular family Forest School style sessions reflected that the course “really encouraged me to learn and push myself to do new things”. Beccy also mentioned that “this project has opened up so many opportunities for women since lockdown has eased and has been so beneficial for me and my children by getting us back into nature and meeting new people while keeping us feeling comfortable and safe - I really hope the friends I've made will be ones for life. “
Beccy will soon be going on to undertake a Forest School Level 3 Qualification allowing her to take a more active role in Outdoor Education sessions at Romney Marsh and to one day lead her own sessions.
Shirley Lewis who completed the outdoor learning course and was particularly keen to expand her skills in map reading, currently helps organize a weekly women’s walking group in and around the Marsh area. She is hoping to go onto to complete her Lowland leader course and help to support walking groups in the area once the project has ended.
On behalf of the Down To Earth Team, we would like to say a huge thank you to all our Down To Earth volunteers– your input and enthusiasm for getting others outside in nature has been hugely appreciated this year.
