Beavers pick litter and learn

TWENTY children from the Henley 1st Beavers took part in a litter pick for the Big Help Out.

The children, who are aged between six and eight, collected four sacks of rubbish as they hiked from Rotherfield Greys to Henley.

They were joined by three cubs, aged between eight and 10.

Thom Maloney, section leader, said: “The weather was pretty damp and the beavers did a lot of jumping in the mud, unfortunately for their parents.

“They had a huge amount of energy, at least to start off with, the litter pick helped to keep them interested and they enjoyed sharing the litter pickers.

“There was not a huge amount of rubbish in the fields but when we got into town there was more.

“Then they sorted the rubbish into recyclable and non-recyclable waste. We had a session about recycling and the beavers designed a recycling machine and learned about what waste goes in what bin.”

While pickling litter, the children learned about map symbols and identified animal tracks.

They also discussed the King’s coronation at Westminster Abbey.

Mr Maloney said: “We talked to the children about the coronation, which they’d seen on TV, and about the different ways they had celebrated over the weekend.

“We gave them all a special coronation bookmark.”

The Beavers group is currently at full capacity, with a waiting list, but hope to start a second group in the autumn to meet demand. Parents willing to volunteer as leaders will be given priority. Anyone interested in getting involved or joining the waiting list can get in touch at https://1sthenleyscouts.com/contact/