Chapelhall Scouts win their Forester badges

Dec 10 2008 by Judith Tonner, Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser

SCOUTS from Chapelhall achieved a first when they completed their Forester badges.

Eight boys and girls from the 8th Airdrie (Chapelhall) troop earned the award by undertaking practical work at Dunsyston Forest near their homes, and by passing a series of further knowledge tests.

They are the first group to complete the badge by learning from professionals working in the Scottish Lowlands district of the Forestry Commission.

Local beat ranger Matt Buckland helped the Scouts complete their challenges, and rewarded them with a special certificate of achievement.

He said: “This was the first Forester badge we have been involved with, but definitely not the last.

“Although the weather was against them, the 8th Airdrie group showed the enthusiasm and determination needed to be a forester, and I look forward to working with them again and, hopefully, with other local Scout troops.”

The Chapelhall-based Scouts braved the elements to undertake tasks including identifying eight common local trees, preparing soil and transplanting a young tree, and even showing how to fell a tree and removing its branches, a process known as snedding.

In addition, they learned about managing natural woodland and commercial forests, and using forestry equipment and the safety issues involved.

For further information on Scouting and joining the movement, call 0845 300 1818.