Families go green!

A group of Pembrokeshire families have been learning to care for the environment.

Fifteen families from across the county have embarked on achieving John Muir Awards.

The outdoor family project has been organised by Pembrokeshire County Council’s Team Around the Family.

It aims to encourage targeted families to enjoy and care for the outside world, while undertaking a range of activities together.

The pilot project – which if successful will be rolled out to include many more families – was launched earlier this week at Scolton Manor Museum near Haverfordwest.

Participants took part in activities including, woodland camping, camp-fire cooking, kite-making and willow weaving, within the grounds of the former Victorian Manor House.

An ‘actor’ was also on hand to play the part of ecological pioneer John Muir, whose ideas underpin the award scheme.

“This whole scheme is quite a coup for Pembrokeshire as we had to get special permission from the John Muir Trust to adapt the award scheme to meet the needs of these families,” said Mark Bond, from the County Council.

“We hope that it will open up nature and the outside world to people who might not otherwise appreciate what often lies on their own doorstep.

“From enjoying nature we hope they will then be inspired to care about and conserve the environment, at the same time bolstering vital life and parenting skills.”

Launched in 1997 by the John Muir Trust, The award scheme aims to promote an awareness and concern for the environment among people.

To achieve certificates the Pembrokeshire families will need to complete 24 different activities.