Flitwick Scout community rallies together for hedge planting event
Friday, 12 April 2024
Over 80 scouts and squirrels (junior scouts) joined forces with parents and support volunteers on a sunny Sunday, for a community hedge-planting event.
The planting marked the beginning of a series of improvements to the Flitwick Scout Group hut and grounds, made possible by a generous £11k grant from our UK Shared Prosperity Fund Community Grants programme.
The event, which saw a great turnout from both scouts and residents, witnessed the planting of over 300 hawthorn, blackthorn, hazel, and beech hedges, significantly improving both the green spaces and biodiversity of the area. Prior to the planting, Flitwick Town Council organised a litter pick which resulted in the collection of 20 bags of rubbish to prepare the area.
Councillor Mary Walsh, Chair of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund Local Partnership Group and Executive for Planning and Waste said:
It was great to see so many people getting involved and supporting their local scouting group. The hedge planting event is just one of a series of planned improvements enabled by the grant funding which has already been used to install a new security fence. Plans are also underway to replace the doors and install a disabled access ramp to improve inclusivity and accessibility for all members of the community. These improvements will not only benefit the 250-strong scouting community but also anyone who uses the hall regularly and allows everyone to participate in scouting activities.
Jane Lee, Team Member Falcons Cubs who organised the planting day said:
The engagement from our local community was brilliant with over 80 young people helping to plant our new hedges. The grant from the Council means that we’ve been able to securely fence off our new outdoor space and add a substantial native hedge to improve the visual impact and biodiversity.
Darren Reeve, Lead Volunteer Flitwick Scout Group said,
Every adult in the group, whether running a section or helping behind the scenes, is a volunteer. Without them we wouldn’t be able to offer the range of amazing opportunities we are able to. We are always on the lookout for new volunteers, so if you can spare any time and would like to join a great group of volunteers please contact volunteer@flitwickscoutgroup.org.uk.
The Flitwick Scout Group has received £11,000 from our UK Shared Prosperity Fund Community Grants programme.