Story by Simon Hill (Community Forestry)
Over the past six weeks the Burngreave Community Forestry Project (BCFP) and the Burngreave Rangers have been working with school children in Roe Woods on an Outdoor Woodland Learning Scheme (OWLS).
OWLS ran every Wednesday during the summer with the Ellesmere Out of School Club and proved very popular.
The activities the children took part in, including pond dipping, mini-beast hunting and survival skills, encouraged outdoor play and allowed them to explore some of the ancient woodland of Burngreave. There was even a ‘Roman day’ where Richard Taylor, a specialist in reenactments, taught the children Roman infantry drills and tactics. “We had a great time,” said Elyssa. “My favourite thing was pond-dipping and making fires.”
Everyone had great fun roaming the woods, whilst learning about the historical and environmental value of their ancient surroundings. Carlene said, “I hadn’t been in Roe Woods before, but I will go with my mum and dog now, because it was fun!”
BCFP’s One World: Talking Trees Project will follow in Autumn, aiming to encourage cultural awareness and celebration of the rich cultural diversity of Burngreave through trees. School children will gather stories about trees from the different countries and cultures represented in our area, culminating in a tree planting event at Abbeyfield Park on Saturday November 27th 10.30am, with everyone welcome.
For further information please contact the Burngreave Community Foresters at Sheffield City Council, Parks, Woodlands & Countryside, Meersbrook Park, Brook Road, Sheffield S8 9FL. Call: 273 4190 or e-mail: richard.gill@sheffield.gov.uk.