On a reserve like Sandwell Valley it's easy to condemn every teenager or 'hoodie' as a potential source of vandalism, bad manners and just downright troublemakers. The current crew from the Prince's Trust project working in collaboration with West Midlands Police, have once again proved they are not all to be tarred with the same brush. The eight youngsters helping us on site this week have already endured a vigourous selection process to be given the chance to show just what they can do given the right encouragement.
Thrown together and told to bond and work as a team can be quite a challenge to us Brits but that's exactly what this group have done. RSPB Sandwell Valley are very pleased to be associated with the scheme and each time a different team work here they leave with a great deal of pride, boosted self-esteem and above all, the confidence gained from achieving their main objective - make a 'showpiece'.
This group's 'WOW' factor showpiece was to build a rockery in the wildflower garden which they finished in double-quick time. This will be the first planting area seen by visitors as they enter the garden from the main entrance. The rockery, made with local sandstone, will have appropriate flowers added at the right time but already it looks the part and complements the repaired sensory garden which stands close by, which was the last groups' 'WOW' factor.
Lee and I thank you all for your help in making our wildflower garden a little bit more special.
See you on the reserves,
Best regards,
Chris Edwards