Volunteers were treated to a morning of pond dipping and minibeast hunting, so they could share the experiences of visiting schoolchildren, followed by an afternoon of willow weaving to put the finishing touches to a new teaching area in the Centre’s wildlife gardens.  Throughout Volunteer Week there were opportunities to shadow experienced environmental teachers who were working with visiting primary schools, and many volunteers expressed a desire to come back and do more! 

The volunteering opportunities were supported by the Youth In Action small grants programme, and were designed to celebrate Volunteers' Week, a national celebration of volunteers and volunteering which takes place from 1 – 7 June of each year. 

“Volunteering gives people the opportunity to try out different activities and see if it’s something they want to do more of”, said Centre Manager Caroline Crossley, “and we’re really pleased that so many of the young people who’ve visited Skelton Grange this week are so keen to come back!” 

Skelton Grange Environment Centre is an innovative environmental education project in South Leeds, which is a partnership between BTCV and National Grid with support from Leeds City Council.  It offers a range of fun, hands-on environmental education activities for schoolchildren which aim to encourage an interest in the natural world.  For more information visit the website www.skeltongrange.org.uk.