Friday 29th April saw the start of a series of five Friday afternoon training sessions being delivered on the National Trust for Scotland’s Threave Nature Reserve site, supporting the Threave Landscape Restoration Project which is now underway.
The Better Lives Partnership is a Castle Douglas-based charity supporting people with autism and other additional needs in the region. These five sessions, each taking place on a Friday afternoon, aim to give the participants a taste of the work underway on the project, as well as a range of practical experience and skills which help build confidence and a sense of wellbeing from working outside in the natural environment.
The sessions are being led in partnership between the National Trust for Scotland’s Team and the Galloway Glens Scheme. Week one had a focus on the fencing element of the broader project, with more than 32 metres of fence line removed. Week 2 was focussed on crafts skills, while week 3 included woodland crafts and den building. Subsequent weeks are scheduled to include outdoor skills and bushcraft as well as helping with the practical activities on the estate.
National Trust for Scotland’s Estate Manager, David Thompson, said:
“It was great to have BLP out with us helping to remove fencing, an ongoing part of the project, but something the BLP participants can see results straight away, by removing a barrier. It’s such a positive for me and Threave to be able to include the BLP team in such rewarding work and for them to be able to have a legacy to look back on and feel a part of.
These guys are welcome anytime!”
Jan Hogarth, Galloway Glens Education & Community Engagement Officer, added:
”It’s wonderful to be working with such a great team of young people from Better Lives Partnership who are adding their energy to help Threave Landscape Restoration Project evolve and grow. We are all enjoying learning valuable skills outside in nature and the sense of wellbeing that brings.”
Anne McEwan, Project Coordinator for Better Lives Partnership added
“The Young people are enjoying learning more about the Threave Landscape Restoration Project. These opportunities are so important to them and we are very pleased to be working with The National Trust for Scotland and Galloway Glens Landscape Partnership. “
For more information about the Threave Landscape Restoration Project, taking place at Threave Nature Reserve, visit: https://www.nts.org.uk/stories/threave-landscape-restoration-project-our-100-year-vision.
