Guides and Scouts
Kim Polgreen, OEA’s Director, offers support for the scout Naturalist and Forester badges. This can be leading a group of leaders and scouts for a day, or running a training session for a group of scout leaders.
Since the pioneering Freeland Scouts found their way to us at Wytham Woods in early 2022 to do their naturalist and forester badges, we’ve been receiving a steady stream of interest from Scout groups. It’s a great way of connecting young people with the natural world. Thanks so much to the Freeland leaders for spreading the word!
We can run a mix of activities which more than cover both badges and give everyone a great day out. Activities depend on the time of year. but might include tree ID, training in safe and effective use of saws and loppers, hazel coppicing, making wildlife habitat piles, tree planting, measuring tree heights, signs of spring nature ID walk, bug hunting, nature recording through drawing, and more!
While I don’t work directly with Wytham Woods at present you can contact them to book and ask me to run your day. If I am available I usually can do this for no fee. Please get in touch with kim@oxfordearthacademy.org.
“I’d like to add how rewarding the experience was from our perspective. The setting was ideal, and the activities were thoughtfully adapted, ensuring the scouts remained engaged and curious throughout. It was lovely to see how the young people shifted from energetic exploration to focused observation, truly connecting with the natural world around them.
The structure of the day (particularly the treasure hunt format) helped reinforce learning in a fun and memorable way. The online briefing beforehand gave me the confidence to support the scouts effectively, whilst also taking the opportunity to learn as well.
For me personally, it was a reminder of how powerful outdoor learning can be. The scouts not only met their badge requirements but also developed a deeper appreciation for nature something we’ll continue to nurture back at our ‘Holtspur Bank Nature Reserve’. I’d wholeheartedly recommend this kind of experience to other leaders. It’s a brilliant way to combine badge work with environmental education.”
Scout Leader, 1st Holtspur Troop, August 2025
