Understanding Wye

“Understanding Wye: Using Traditional Timber Structures to Connect Young People with the Wye Valley at Biblins Youth Campsite, Herefordshire” was the full title of this Forestry Commission England-led project.

In England, the Forestry Commission is principally responsible to the Secretary of State for leading the delivery of policy for forests, woodlands and associated businesses. Its mission is to protect and expand Britain’s forests and woodlands and increase their value to society and the environment. Government policy delivered by the Forestry Commission includes:

• England Forestry Strategy: A new focus for England’s woodlands, strategic priorities and programmes
• Keepers of Time: A statement of policy for England’s Ancient and Native Woodland
• The sustainable management of wild deer populations in England: An Action Plan

This two-year project was a response to an observed keen interest in courses that teach traditional building skills, as well as demand for new structures by the users of the Biblins Youth Campsite.

Biblins Youth Campsite lies along the banks of the River Wye between Symonds Yat and Monmouth. Nestled in a beautiful stretch of the heavily wooded valley, it offers young people a unique opportunity to experience outdoor pursuits in spectacular scenery.

Two sets of three residential training courses were held at the Biblins Youth Campsite during 2006 and 2007, to pass on traditional building skills to participants. Courses were organised and run by s qualified and experienced instructor working on a contract basis. Skills imparted were those involved in the construction of timber-framed buildings, a traditional style of building in Herefordshire. This part of the project saw the creation of three timber-framed structures on the site.

The three traditional structures were incorporated into the Biblins Youth Campsite and provided benefits to the young people staying there. A high quality interpretive and information facility helped raise awareness of the natural and cultural values of the Wye Valley and its catchments and how to protect them.

An innovative camping hut provided a base for youth groups seeking a safe camping experience but who do not have access to the necessary equipment. In addition, a timber-framed assembly shelter was provided where youth groups were able to congregate in all weathers for group activities, which contributed further to their knowledge and understanding of the area.

The project involved the following steps:

• Complete ground-works and foundations
• Harvest required timber and deliver to site
• Mill timber to requirements
• Engage contract trainers
• Advertise training courses and select participants
• Conduct traditional building skills courses
• Complete necessary finishing work
• Create and install interpretive information
• Hold official opening

The interpretive information created explained the background to the project, the significance of the traditional structures and the role of sustainable forest management in the provision of timber products.

The primary benefits of this project were twofold: firstly, that the course participants took away skills which they were able to employ in a variety of other projects; and, secondly, that young people staying at the site received information on the buildings and their significance through direct interaction with the Site Manager.

Carolyn Potter/Phil Morton
Project Manager
Tel: (01594) 833057
Email: phil.morton@forestry.gsi.gov.uk

Website: www.forestry.gov.uk