Scouts create woodland legacy at Knightshayes

On Saturday 24 January, local scout groups attended a Forester Badge day with the team at Knightshayes, the National Trust property on the outskirts of Tiverton.

2nd Tiverton scouts, Halberton and 1st Taunton scouts, Wilton took part in a number of forester activities in Impey wood, including felling and cutting back trees safely using tools like loppers and bow saws and planting sapling oak, birch and field maple trees.

Impey wood is currently undergoing a programme of regeneration, with the ranger team planning to replant 12,000 trees over the next three years. The local scouts planted 120 trees in total, creating a whole new section of the wood that will be enjoyed by future generations. Visitors will discover who planted the saplings, as the scouts hard work will be rewarded with a plaque placed in the wood and engraved with their names.

The Forester Badge day concluded with the scouts receiving badges and certificates to recognise their newly learnt skills. The day was made even more special when one of the group, Robert Hall, was invested into the scouts in the woodland. Part of his ceremony was to help ranger Raef Johnson fell a large tree.

Lynn Greenslade, leader Skip from 2nd Tiverton scouts, said: “We have worked with the Knightshayes team on several occasions now and all their activity days are so child-friendly and interactive. These fantastic days out, not only for Scouts but all the family, are set in such beautiful surroundings – it’s a truly memorable and rewarding place to visit and get involved.”

1st Taunton scouts also had a great day out. Leader Deborah Westmancoat said: “We would like to thank the National Trust for organising such a fun and informative day out for our scouts.”

Knightshayes offers learning activities to many local groups. If you would like to arrange a day or know more about what we can offer, please contact Knightshayes Learning and Engagement Officer at: rachael.hall1@nationaltrust.org.uk or call 01884 254665.