Holton Lee Outdoor Activity Project 2012-13
Routes to Roots has worked with Dorset Wildlife Trust and other local organisations to plan motivational outdoor activities since 2009. They aim to provide one day a week of interesting and worthwhile work in the conservation area over a number of weeks. Our current project is at Holton Lee. Holton Lee covers an area of 350 acres of heathland, saltmarsh, reedbed and woodland, most of which is protected as a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Its purpose-built space and natural surroundings provide opportunities for disabled people to host events, participate in the arts, or simply relax and enjoy the environment.
The R2R project started in mid July 2012 and straightaway the guys who went along loved it and showed a real willingness and commitment to be involved.
As a group Routes to Roots was given ‘ownership’ of the Maze, which had been neglected for some time, and so their first task was to do some major tidying up before they could sit down together to think creatively about how to develop it. They were also given the cottage gardens to maintain. These had become massively overgrown and some hard work was needed to clear large areas covered in a thick forest of ferns and bracken.
In this lovely relaxed environment many deep and meaningful conversations have already taken place and trust and relationships are being built.
R2R is very grateful to Holton Lee for giving them this opportunity, and for the warm welcome they give to everyone, and for the generous way they share their facilities and make everyone feel very much at home, which for a homeless person is such a wonderful gift. R2R received Community Development Funding for this project.
Holton Lee has suggested further activities such as building a log shed, making an allotment and planting an orchard. As this project continues into 2013, R2R hopes to be able to offer AQAs, which will add to the guys’ paid employment prospects. Assessment and Qualifications Alliance is an Awarding Body, which offers vocational qualifications in a wide range of subjects.