Welcome to Ripon and District Scouts

This from ANNE COLLINS our local DAS Manager who says:  

If the saying “the sun shines on the righteous” is to be believed, members of the DAS Unit must indeed be a special group as the sun shone to make a perfect day in May for visiting High Batts Nature Reserve, just outside Ripon. Many of the members of Ripon & District Active Support Unit have been busy in recent months working in their various roles as leaders or in District and County positions, so a social opportunity as the DAS Unit was most welcome.  

Having been postponed from the programme of 2020, we were delighted to finally meet up at High Batts where Colin Slator was ready to take us on a tour of the site. With 15 adults (and Sam our toddler ‘associate member’), everyone was eager to make the most of such a beautiful day. The skills, experience and talents of our members are wide and diverse and Colin’s reputation as one of the area’s most eminent wildlife conservationists and ornithologists is unrivalled. Having been involved with High Batts since its beginnings in 1973, no-one knows the site better and he could explain not only how the site has become such a haven of plant and animal life, but also plans for the future. With carpets of bluebells, wild garlic and other plants attracting beetles and butterflies, management of poplar, willow and other trees explained and birds spotted without even using the numerous hides, the morning’s tour had everyone engaged as well as enjoying the exercise. Being a DAS activity, an opportunity for refreshments and a good chat is essential and so adjourning to The Olive Tree coffee shop completed the day.

Thanks are very much due to the Slators for sharing their knowledge and enthusiasm and we look forward to our next social activity, the annual barbecue, in the summer.

Here is a report from SARAH RANDS our ADC(BS) who says: 

On Saturday 19 March 2022, 83 Beavers and 11 Squirrels (plus some fantastic leaders and parents) visited Flamingoland Zoo and had a brilliant day out.  The weather was kind to us, and everyone enjoyed taking part in a Touch and Learn workshop, a guided tour; and lots of free time to thoroughly explore the Zoo. 

There were hippos, baboons, red pandas, tigers, cheetahs and of course the flamingos to name a few! Every member I met and spoke to during the day were happy and excited; and had lots to tell me that they had seen and learnt. 

All the Squirrels and Beavers went home tired, happy and with a goody bag from the Zoo, with a commemorative badge to follow as soon as they arrive!  It was an amazing day, and as ADC Beavers it was heart warming to see our members interacting freely with one another; and generally having a great time together.