A nature enthusiast Explorer from Berkshire has launched a new initiative for his Scout group aimed at encouraging young people to undertake nature and sustainability projects.
Oscar, who has been a member of 1st Purley & Pangbourne Scout Group since he was six years old, is a keen environmentalist, and wants to pass on his passion for the local community to the next generation of Scouts.
As part of his college studies, Oscar has developed a brand-new project, Nature Guardians, for which the group’s Squirrels, Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, and Explorers can earn a special badge.
The initiative was officially launched on a nature ramble around the village of Purley-on-Thames on Tuesday with 65 attendees enjoying an exploration of the local area. Oscar has worked closely with Purley Sustainability Group, as well as Pangbourne and Whitchurch Sustainability Group, to identify areas of local action that the Scouts can become involved in.
On Tuesday’s ramble, youngsters and adults visited the Purley Sustainability Group’s orchard, learned about the Environmental Agency’s investment in a fish pass at Mapledurham Lock, heard about plans to rejuvenate the area around the lock, while also spotting wildlife.
“I have been interested and fascinated by nature for as long as I can remember, and I’ve had many opportunities through Scouts to enjoy the great outdoors,” commented Oscar. “Scouts is where we develop passions from an early age, so it is wonderful to give to the younger members coming up through the group. We have some excellent sustainability groups in our area, and truly breathtaking surroundings; it’s our collective duty to look after it all.”
Richard Coates from Purley Sustainability Group said: “I was a Scout at 1st Wendover and, through Scouts, I learned to love being outdoors, and the importance and ability we all have to take responsibility as a group with where we live. Getting to know Oscar has been an absolute joy and inspiration. We need to reconnect each other with where we live; this is where we have true agency to make a difference. I’m excited to see what impact this has on Scouts now and through their lives, just as it had such an impact on me.”
