Bushcraft Day August 3rd 2009
The flint barn near the Rifle Range was ringing to the sound of excited plans being hatched as twenty three 10 – 14 year olds spent the day exploring and enjoying their local woodland, ably assisted by the Steyning Grammar School Forest School, the South Downs Joint Committee, and the SDS Steering Group.
Having made woodland badges, their imagination and inventiveness was put to good use with an amazing variety of shelters, one group proud of having the only free standing structure, another of their conservatory and welcome mat. Others were brilliantly camouflaged, or hidden away up steep slopes. But most got wet from the water test once they were sitting inside! Rather more precise work was needed as they made tools, which they used to cook rather scrummy campfire treats. The scavenger hunt found out lots of interesting details about just what you can find on the downs, and what its been used for over the years, and roasted marshmallows rounded off the day.
Clearing the flint barn
One week before, a small group of hardworking volunteers cleared the area ready for the bushcraft day, taking away the broken structure of the old barn – heavy work, but a very satisfying result!
More pictures can be viewed at Petes Gallery
Bryony Webb August 2009