Youthwood @ Forest of

Bradford

Youthwood @ the Forest of Bradford was an NSF funded programme aimed at youths between the ages of 13-19 years old. The awarded money was for a three year programme and exceeded all of its targets. The programme came to an end in September 2003.

There have been 110 young people involved in Youthwood and some are still in contact with the project. The projects ranged from building amphibian ponds, establishing allotments, neighbourhood action models, tree planting, landscape design, dry stone walling, carpentry and self-defence. There were many outdoor activities, residential trips to the lakes and even a trip to Greece.

With guidance and encouragement the young people chose all the above projects, and they facilitated those projects. The Youthwood worker was responsible for helping them create their project ideas; this gave them opportunities for personal development.

Youthwood built up a portfolio of partnership agencies during the 3 year project and although the programme has ended a youth orientated project will continue within the Forest of Bradford. This can be in the form of NVQ training or ASDAN teaching. Every young person who takes part should gain accreditation or formal acknowledgment of what they have achieved, whatever the requirement of our partners.

The aims of the project remain the same - to encourage an awareness of the environment and participate in conservation projects which benefit the community.

For further information contact:

Shaun O'Hare

Telephone: 01274 718420

Email: beat.forestofbradford@virgin.net