This week, Red Rose 2024 has hosted thousands of Scouts and Guides from the UK and overseas at Westmorland Showground, near Kendal. Scouts from all over the UK and from 10+ countries arrived at Lake District to experience a trip of their lifetime as part of Red Rose 2024.
Young people, left to right: Daisy Carson (17), Emily Macfarlane (18) and jack Wightman (15), with some of the bird boxes made during the week.
This year's programme zone has brought together partners and communities from around the world to share our core values and beliefs. We incorporate the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into the heart of our programme. We focus on the environment and support local wildlife and organisations to tackle climate change and preserve our oceans and forests.
Joe Hargreeves-Lee, Global Programme Lead for Red Rose 2024, said, "As Scouts, we focused on empowering our young people to be active citizens both here on the event, but back in their local communities to leave this world a little better than they found."
Emily Macfarlane (18) Said, "It's really good to do something to support the local wildlife. We've never been on an international Scout camp this far from home, and to know we've done something to help another local community is so special".
One example is working with Westmorland and Furness Council and the Lynster Farmers group, which supports nature recovery from source to sea of the river Winster. Young People have built over 300+ bird boxes to improve habitats and nesting opportunities for resident and migratory species of birds. Leaving a lasting impression and memory of Red Rose 2024.
Westmorland and Furness Council and the Lynster Farmers groups will utilise the bird boxes made by young people aged between 6 to 18 years old from the event to support the habitat creation for tree sparrows, flycatchers and tits. Alongside specialist boxes for owls, willow tits and pied flycatchers.
Paul Barnes, Lynster Farmers Group, said, "We are incredibly grateful to all the young people on Red Rose 2024. The creation and building of these bird boxes will make a significant impact on our local community and aid both local wildlife and migrating birds. Their work has saved the charity substantial money, allowing us to use our funds for other projects this year".
Whatever you want to do we have a volunteering role for you!
If you or your child is interested in joining Scouts in Lancashire sign up here.
As always none of this would be possible without the efforts of our amazing volunteers – thank you for all you continue to do.
Those interested in learning more about volunteering for the Scouts or joining as a volunteer can find out more here.
