Girl Guides take action for Healey Dell Nature Reserve

Ranger Richard Whittle and Rochdale Girl Guides create a habitat spiral for the wildlife in Healey Dell

Members of the 32nd Rochdale Girl Guides have worked alongside rangers at Healey Dell Nature Reserve on an environmental project to help conserve the local wildlife.

Six Guides and their leaders volunteered their time on Saturday 1 March to help cut back Ash re-growth. The Ash re-growth was then used to create a habitat spiral for the wildlife - a habitat spiral is a large structure where insects and small mammals can shelter.

The Guides, aged 13-14 years old, are currently working on the highest award a guide can achieve, the Baden Powell Challenge. As part of this challenge, the girls had to choose a local charity to support.

Healey Dell Nature Reserve was chosen by the Guides and it was decided that they would complete a practical activity to benefit
the environment.

Healey Dell Ranger Richard Whittle said: “Healey Dell is maintained by a team of countryside rangers and volunteers so it’s great that young people from the area are choosing to get involved too. The Guides worked really hard and should be proud of their efforts in helping the community.”

Hollie Dews, aged 13, who was involved with the work at Healey Dell, said: “It was a fun day. I learnt how to build a habitat spiral and chop a tree down. I got very muddy but it was worth it because we’re making a difference. I would definitely do it again.”

Throughout its history, Girlguiding has been associated with service to the community. Girlguiding often gives young girls and young women their own space to have fun, be themselves, build friendships and gain skills.