Guides take a walk on the wild side
GUIDES from across Cambridgeshire spent a weekend learning about local and global environmental issues on Cambridgeshire s Fens and Wetlands. The two-centre stay organised for Guides completing their Baden-Powell Award was arranged with the help of staf
GUIDES from across Cambridgeshire spent a weekend learning about local and global environmental issues on Cambridgeshire's Fens and
Wetlands.
The two-centre stay organised for Guides completing their Baden-Powell Award was arranged with the help of staff at Wicken Fen and the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust at Welney.
During the weekend, Guides took a tour of Wicken Fen, the UK's oldest nature reserve, with education officer Kay Willmott, where they learned about the history and significance of Wicken Fen, and how the National Trust is working in the area to
support and protect habitats of global importance.
The Guides also helped staff and volunteers complete various tasks on the reserve, such as restoring a living willow shelter and surveying plants and trees. They watched experts ringing birds and had a go at dissecting owl pellets to find out more about a barn owl's diet.
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Just a few miles away the Guides then enjoyed an overnight stay in the Pond Room at Welney's Visitor Centre before an early wake-up call at 6am to count the swans waking and flying off to feed in local fields.
While watching the swans and learning more about the other winter visitors from education officer Sarah Greaves, the Guides had a treat when two Marsh Harriers made an appearance. The Guides also got up close with other wildlife in the wetlands during a pond dipping session and were inspired to create a collection of natural art sculptures for the reserve.
Nicola King, Guide Adviser, presented certificates to the Guides at the end of the weekend to mark their completion of the Baden-Powell Adventure, which forms part of the Baden-Powell Award, the highest award a girl can achieve in the Guide section.
