Guernsey Press

Be Active training day takes to the coast

PROFESSIONALS who work with young people were taken foraging around the coast of St Peter Port as part of the annual Be Active Forum training day.

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Left to right: Outdoor learning advisor D’Arcy Brimson, Alun Williams, Charlie Cox and Rosie Williams at La Vallette. (Picture by Steve Sarre, 21805092)

The theme, Be Active on the Sea, saw 25 teachers, volunteers and youth workers take part in three activities throughout the day.

The idea, co-ordinator of the Be Active Forum Alun Williams said, was for the attendees to come up with new ideas to share with their young people.

‘We worked very closely with our colleagues from the Sailing Trust, the day started off with a swim at Havelet Bay before breakfast, then they were able to have a go on a Seahawk, foraging around La Vallette and paddle boarding.

‘We want to show how we can use the sea as a resource. It’s about giving them the confidence to work with young people and it’s been great to have teachers and people from the Youth Commission.

‘There’s a growing outdoor learning curriculum and the foraging was something we didn’t have to prepare and it’s something I think young people will really like,’ he said.

The outdoor learning advisor, D’Arcy Brimson, took a number of groups out to find and sample different foraged foods such as samphire, sorrel and Alexander seeds all growing wild in the area.

‘We’ve looked at the social history and ancient uses for plants as well. We went onto the beach and used a King Alfred [mushroom] to light a fire,’ said Mr Brimson.

‘We spent an hour with each group but we could have spent all day, there is so much on Guernsey’s beaches.

‘We can factor in things like mythology, the story of Prometheus and fennel, for example.’

n The Be Active Forum was launched in 2016 as a direct result of the Children and Young People’s Plan and Healthy Weight Strategy.