Girl Guides from Nidderdale and Girl Scouts from Menwith Hill joined forces at the weekend to help with conservation work in Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

 

The groups came together as part of the Girl Guiding Centenary celebrations, and they were working towards the Lady Baden Powell International Friendship Award. The award helps to build an understanding of other cultures and provides the opportunity for the girls to make new friends.

 

The theme of the conservation work was woodland management. One group planted trees, donated by the Rotary Club of Harrogate, in a scheme to restore Toft Gate Wood at Greenhow, while another group helped thin a plantation in a nature conservation area at Timble Ings, near Blubberhouses.

 

AONB Ranger Barry Slaymaker helped to co-ordinate the activities and said, "This was a marvellous opportunity to bring girls together from two scout/guide communities to work in harmony on practical conservation tasks. They worked really hard, enjoyed the activities and learned about woodland management.

 

"It also forged stronger links with AONB partnerships the Harrogate Rotary Club's carbon offset scheme that funds new woodland; and with landowner Yorkshire Water, whose Timble site is being managed for conservation. We really appreciate these joint ventures that make the AONB so special and extend our thanks to everyone involved."

 

The Girl Guides and Girl Scouts will continue with joint activities until June this year when the awards ceremony will be held.