Guildford Scouts Help Protect Their Local Commons!

No less than 20 eager volunteers from 2nd Guildford Scouts gave up an evening in early July to help Surrey Wildlife Trust (SWT) open up the access routes across Stringers Common.

During the summer months, many countryside areas suffer from arson attacks which can have devastating impacts on Surrey’s wildlife and the local communities nearby. Due to their proximity to built up areas in Guildford, the Worplesdon Group of Commons (which includes Whitmoor and Stringers Common) regularly suffers from fires during warmer periods. Ensuring the Fire & Rescue Service can gain access across countryside sites is crucial to improving response time and preventing the rapid spread of fire.

Under the guidance of SWT staff and their leaders, the Scouts learnt how to safely use tools including loppers and bowsaws to cut back overhanging branches that blocked pathways or could prevent emergency vehicles from passing.

The evening was a great success and in just two hours, enough low branches had been trimmed back to allow access for the Fire & Rescue Service from Hazel Avenue across the common through to Salt Box Road.

Charlotte Dooley, SWT’s Arson Prevention Officer, said: “Guildford Scouts were a fantastic help; they worked hard and seemed to really enjoy getting stuck into practical habitat management, knowing that they were helping to protect their local countryside.”

More about SWT's Arson Prevention Project.