As Volunteers’ Week continues, ScoutsCymru is proud to mark World Environment Day by highlighting the impact of volunteers working to protect and restore nature across Wales.
We caught up with LlanfairPG Scouts, who, alongside Explorers and student volunteers from Bangor University, are doing just that – and making a big difference. Several times a year, this dedicated group gives up their weekends to help care for Talwrn, their district’s Scout campsite and a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
From planting trees and maintaining hedgerows, to building leaky dams and putting up bird boxes, the young people work hard to look after the site – and they love learning about the natural environment as they do it.
“It’s a real team effort,” said Annie, Scout Leader at LlanfairPG. “Most of the young people who join us – whether they’re Scouts, Explorers or university students – come back again and again. They help maintain the site around six times a year, spending six hours at a time doing everything from clearing streams and managing invasive species to building fences and habitats for wildlife. We know it means a lot to them to be outside, learning and doing something that matters. Talwrn is a place that always reminds me why I love volunteering.”
On a day that celebrates global environmental action, it’s inspiring to see young people in Wales playing their part locally – learning by doing and helping protect the future of special places like Talwrn.
