Blackwood High Outdoor Ed Superstars

We were delighted to welcome an amazing crew of young environmentalists from Blackwood High School to The Forktree Project this week.

Year 12 Blackwood High Outdoor Education students made a huge contribution the project through a range of activities, from using broken bricks salvaged on site as fill for the gabion retaining wall for the new tank, to weeding of invasive, non-native species, and nursery activities including seed harvesting, propagation and potting on.

Participation in such a wide range of activities offers real-life, hands-on experiential learning about the complex nature of a project like Forktree, with many different pieces of the jigsaw being developed and worked on simultaneously.

All backed up with far-reaching discussion of wider environmental issues, sustainability solutions, and the benefits to the planet and self of participation in rewilding projects. A richly rewarding and stimulating day all round!

Many thanks to Dan Smith and the students of Blackwood High for their valuable contribution to work of The Forktree Project - you are welcome back any time!

Activity Station 1: nursery magic - potting on, seed harvesting, propagating, plant identification, having fun.

Activity Station 2: Weeding in key areas to reduce the competition to saplings of invasive species. A good work out….

Activity Station 3: contributing to The Forktree Project circular economy challenge by using salvaged building rubble as infill for a gabion retaining wall. Even more of a work out…

And finally: Taking a well-earned rest and pulling it all together - chilling, chatting, putting the world to rights discussing environmental challenges and sustainable solutions.