A Lesson in Outdoor Cooking
First on the agenda was to learn how to collect wood and arrange this to make a small fire. The Conservation Volunteers explained the importance of only using sticks from dead trees and not from the ground if they are wet, and bearing in mind wind direction when making a fire. The group were then able to have a go at making their own small fires before toasting marshmallows over the open flames.
After the small fires went out, a bigger fire was used to cook up some bacon and sausage rolls for lunch, giving everyone a chance to sit down and take a break. The group were then shown how to clean up and ensure that all fires are safely extinguished before heading home.
The Conservation Volunteers encourage people to take responsibility for their own local environment, a quality that the Gartinny Nature Group fully embraces through their own work. The Nature Group has been running for two years and members are committed to developing their horticulture and conservation skills and better understanding the environment around them. The benefits gained by project members include a sense of wellbeing and satisfaction at being able to contribute to local conservation in a meaningful way.
Tony Monir, Autism Practitioner, Scottish Autism, said: “The benefits gained by group members participating in conservation and outdoor pursuits include a sense of wellbeing that comes not only from overcoming challenges, breathing fresh air or spending time with nature, but also from knowing that they consistently contribute to local conservation in a meaningful way.
“We would like to thank The Conservation Volunteers for being part of what was fantastic day in the great outdoors and a valuable learning experience.”
Everyone really enjoyed the day and we can't thank The Conservation Volunteers enough for their time. Gartinny Nature Group Member Peter Griffith said: “I thought the day was excellent. I gathered twigs to help make a small fire. The cooking was really nice, having the marshmallows on a stick was good and the chocolate bananas were the best.”
