Costessey Posse go den building in East Hills Woods

The Costessey Posse youth group in South Norfolk made an immediate impact when they took to the streets armed with nothing more than litter pickers and spring bulbs for planting.

They certainly impressed South Norfolk Council Chairman Margaret Dewsbury with their commitment and community spirit.

But when she heard they had just missed out on a community award for their work, she decided to organise something herself to say a big thank you.

Now the Posse – aged between 11 and 15 - will be heading down to East Hills Wood in Costessey on Thursday (16 April) for two hours of forestry skills training, courtesy of South Norfolk Council’s countryside team.

They will be learning den building, including exploring and finding the right materials without damaging the woods, as well as mastering the art of making a camp fire, before toasting marsh mallows, taking tea, making bird feeders and having a picnic.

Carole Morgan, a volunteer with the Posse is delighted.

She said:

"Costessey Youth Posse was set up by young people mainly to have a good time but also to be active members of the community.

South Norfolk Council was extremely supportive to the group when we did our first litter pick-up last year and it is nice to have had our work acknowledged with such a fun event."

Councillor Margaret Dewsbury said:

"Young people often get a bad press, and so it is up to all of us to tell the other side of the story as we see it. These young people have been helping to make their community a better place to live in.

“We want them to know that we appreciate their interest and we want to encourage them to have a vision for the future and to know that they can play a part in the development of their community.

“Participation in the community can earn respect and give them a voice.”

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