One the many groups of volunteers who help out at Saltwells are a group of students and staff from Dudley College. They have been working hard raising funds towards the new warden’s base and classroom to be built at Saltwells. Find out more about them and how they continue to support the nature reserve below.
Our group of students with Special Educational Needs have been taking part in task days at Saltwells for almost two years. We work closely with wardens Tom and Emma whose excellent tuition has led to the Saltwells team being recognised by Mencap for supporting work experience placements for people with learning difficulties.
Since the students started at Saltwells they have not only gained knowledge about wildlife but have also gained confidence and developed their skills in using tools and communication. The work forms part of their qualification which is a City and Guilds Entry Level Certificate in Employability.
We wanted to say thank you to Alan, Tom and Emma for giving us such a wonderful learning experience and to the Friends of Saltwells for welcoming us by giving something back. At Christmas we had a fundraiser to raise money for the new wardens base and classroom by making and selling Christmas wreaths. We have continued our fundraising by selling heart shaped bowls that we have made from clay. The students have painted these green to tie in with the Climate Coalition’s ‘Show the Love’ Campaign to highlight climate change.
Here are some comments made by the students about their time at Saltwells:
“I enjoy learning about wildlife. I have learnt about different types of habitats and how to identify trees from the shape of their leaves”. TR
“I enjoy going to Saltwells because of the peace and quiet. It’s a break from our busy college. Working with Tom and Emma has built my confidence when I am talking to people. It’s quite hard work physically and I feel good because I have achieved something. I enjoy learning how to use the tools. We go on Fridays and it’s a good end to my week. I’ve started going to the volunteer group on Sundays. My Dad came with me.” RH
“Saltwells is fun……… are we going there tomorrow?” DH
You're all doing some fab work for the benefit of the nature reserve.......thank you all. Looking forward to hopefully having one of your lovely Christmas wreaths this year. Think if you are doing them you may be busy......they looked fab!!