The 1st Abercarn Scout troop is working towards its Forester Badge by raiding nearby woodlands to make useful objects from branches found along paths and track sides.
The Scouts, together with colleagues from the 2nd Rhiwbina Scout troops asked Forestry Commission Wales for permission to gather sticks to make “spars” – the name given to de-limbed branches – from Abercarn and Gwyddon woodlands near the villages of Abercarn and Cwmcarn.
Using a variety of hand tools such as secateurs, bow saws, loppers and small hand axes, the Scouts will join the spars together using rope to make furniture and other camp equipment.
The art of using ropes and wooden spars joined by lashings and knots to build anything from wash stands, tables and chairs to larger structures such as bridges and towers is called “pioneering”.
The name comes from the 18th and 19th century military engineers who went ahead of an army to “pioneer” a route, which could involve building bridges and towers with rope and timber.
Community Ranger Emma Louise Felkin said: “We were happy to give permission to the Scouts to collect sticks from paths and track sides.
“This will help to keep to tracks through the woodlands clear and will hopefully help them to appreciate the value of woodlands.”