Francine - Wild in the Woods
Francine, 22, runs woodland activities for children and young people at Skelton Grange in Leeds.
“Wild in the Woods is a youth inclusion project – we work with 8-14 year olds who might be from deprived socio-economic backgrounds or in danger of being excluded at school. We work with them one day a week for up to six weeks, like a forest school programme, doing activities to build their confidence and social skills by creating shelters, learning survival techniques and campfire-building. “We start off working with them individually, and then move onto team activities. They get a feeling of achievement, and we give them more encouragement than they usually get in a school environment. It’s really rewarding to see the changes in them, and to know that you’re making a difference.
“I volunteer for 4 days a week. I get an allowance of £60 a week, which makes it easier. I wouldn’t be able to give so much time without that. “I did a zoology degree, so I was already interested in the environment. I started volunteering just before I finished university – you need experience when you’re looking for jobs, and this is job-related, hands-on experience. My CV looks great now! I have recently been accepted to read for a Masters in Biodiversity, Conservation and Management at the University of Oxford and my place is being fully funded by the NERC. I don't think that I would heve been given this opportunity without the experience I have gained whilst at Skelton Grange."
