Refresh!You are here > Home > All projects > Young people's coracle

Back to Projects List

UNDERSTANDING WYE

“Understanding Wye: Using Traditional Timber Structures to Connect Young People with the Wye Valley at Biblins Youth Campsite, Herefordshire” is the full title of this Forestry Commission England-led project.

In England, the Forestry Commission is principally responsible to the Secretary of State for leading the delivery of policy for forests, woodlands and associated businesses. Its mission is to protect and expand Britain’s forests and woodlands and increase their value to society and the environment. Government policy delivered by the Forestry Commission includes:
· England Forestry Strategy: A new focus for England’s woodlands, strategic priorities and programmes
· Keepers of Time: A statement of policy for England’s Ancient and Native Woodland
· The sustainable management of wild deer populations in England: An Action Plan

This two-year project is a response to an observed keen interest in courses that teach traditional building skills, as well as demand for new structures by the users of the Biblins Youth Campsite.

Biblins Youth Campsite lies along the banks of the River Wye between Symonds Yat and Monmouth. Nestled in a beautiful stretch of the heavily wooded valley, it offers young people a unique opportunity to experience outdoor pursuits in spectacular scenery.

Two sets of three residential training courses will be held at the Biblins Youth Campsite during 2006 and 2007, to pass on traditional building skills to participants. Courses will be organised and run by qualified and experienced instructors working on a contract basis. Skills imparted will be those involved in the construction of timber-framed buildings, a traditional style of building in Herefordshire. This part of the project will see the creation of three timber-framed structures on the site.

The three traditional structures will be incorporated into the Biblins Youth Campsite and provide benefits to the young people staying there. A high quality interpretive and information facility will help raise awareness of the natural and cultural values of the Wye Valley and its catchments and how to protect them.

An innovative camping hut will provide a base for youth groups seeking a safe camping experience but who do not have access to the necessary equipment. In addition, a timber-framed assembly shelter is to be provided where youth groups will be able to congregate in all weathers for group activities, which will contribute further to their knowledge and understanding of the area.

The project will involve the following steps:
· Complete ground-works and foundations
· Harvest required timber and deliver to site
· Mill timber to requirements
· Engage contract trainers
· Advertise training courses and select participants
· Conduct traditional building skills courses
· Complete necessary finishing work
· Create and install interpretive information
· Hold official opening

The interpretive information created will explain the background to the project, the significance of the traditional structures and the role of sustainable forest management in the provision of timber products.

The primary benefits of this project are twofold: firstly, that the course participants will take away skills which they are able to employ in a variety of other projects; and, secondly, that young people staying at the site will receive information on the buildings and their significance through direct interaction with the Site Manager.

Carolyn Potter
Project Manager
Tel: (01594) 833057
Email: carolyn.potter@forestry.gsi.gov.uk

Website: www.forestry.gov.uk