Group

In a wonderful display of community spirit and environmental stewardship, over 80 members of Flitwick Scout Group gathered in March to plant a hedge around their meeting place. The initiative was made possible by Central Beds Council and the UK shared prosperity and Rural England prosperity community grant fund who provided a grant to carry out the work. 

 

Scouts of all ages participated in the event, from the youngest Squirrel Scouts (ages 4-5) to the older Scouts (ages 10.5-14). The young environmentalists were guided by their leaders and volunteers as they dug holes, planted saplings, and learned about the vital role hedgerows play in supporting wildlife. Flitwick Town Council ran a litter pick in the same field at the same time which some of the young people took part in after planting their section of hedge. 

 

Jane Lee, Team Member (Falcons Cubs) said "The engagement from our local community was brilliant with over 80 Young People helping to plant our new hedge.  The grant from CBC means that we’ve been able to securely fence off the space next to our hut and add a hedge to improve the visual impact and biodiversity. "

 

The new hedge is expected to become a thriving habitat for a variety of species, enhancing the biodiversity around the groups meeting place. This project also aligns with the Scouts’ values of conservation and community service, offering the children practical skills in environmental care.

 

Parents and community members also lent a hand, making the event a true community effort. The hedge planting has not only improved the local green space but has also strengthened the bonds between the Scouts and their community. 

 

Councillor Mary Walsh, Chair of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund Local Partnership Group, said: “It was great to see so many people getting involved and supporting their local scouting group. The hedge planting event is just one of a series of planned improvements enabled by the grant funding which has already been used to install a new security fence. Plans are also underway to replace the doors and install a disabled access ramp to improve inclusivity and accessibility for all members of the community. These improvements will not only benefit the 250-strong scouting community but also anyone who uses the hall regularly and allows everyone to participate in scouting activities.”

Nicky Taylor, a Scout Leader from Flitwick, has been selected as one of the 500 Coronation Champions. 

 

Nicky has been involved as a volunteer for over 45 years. Not only is she involved in running a Beaver Colony (boys and girls aged 6 to 8), and a Cub Pack (boys and girls aged 8 to 10), but she is also Deputy Group Scout Leader and, amongst other things, manages the waiting list for the Scout Group. Nicky was also actively involved in helping to open the first two Squirrel Dreys (boys and girls aged 4 and 5) in the

County.

 

Nicky is a qualified archery instructor and holds a permit for narrow boating. She has supervised many archery sessions at camps and has taken several Scouts narrow boating for a weekend on the Grand Union canal. She has also helped to plan and run camps and sleepovers; these have included family camps that over 250 adults, young people and children attended.

 

Nicky was a foster carer for several years and looked after many children aged from 2 to 16, including a group of 4 children. She “retired” as a foster carer last year and now spends some of her “spare” time as a volunteer at The Stables in Milton Keynes.

 

Nicky said, “I volunteer because I get to work with other amazing adults who work tirelessly to provide a variety of exciting, fun activities. Offering ‘first time experiences’ such as helping a Beaver Scout to toast a marshmallow over an open fire, encouraging a Cub Scout to get to the top of a climbing wall, or helping a Scout steer a twelve-berth narrow boat for the first time is all part of nurturing a ‘can do’ attitude for the

young people.”

 

Tracey said, “My son Josh was a Beaver and a Cub and is now a Scout. Nicky provided him and his friends with so many fantastic experiences. Hundreds of children have benefitted from Nicky’s commitment and dedication to Scouts.”

 

Nicky has been invited to the Coronation Concert at Windsor Castle on 7 th May and will receive a pin badge and a certificate signed by both of Their Majesties. Earlier this week she spoke live to BBC Look East about the award.