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Enviroyouth is made up of young people aged 15 to 25, who carry out practical work throughout Kirklees to improve the local environment.
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"Poland Kicks A**!" Saying of the week - coined by Enviroyouth member Lewis Cromwell. Translation:- Poland is totally and utterly fantastically brilliant! Photo shows Enviroyouth and Klub Gaja members outside a 'mountain house' in the Beskidi Mountains, which Border Bielsko Biala. |
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The first Yorkshire style dry stone
wall in Poland was built on a previous exchange, within the grounds
of the centre. The focus this time was on constructing a pond for the
nature trail, as well as digging up young maple trees which were
growing too close together, ready for transplanting to local schools,
and also sweeping up leaves! Melvin Rutter, a Leeds based water
ecologist, joined the exchange to advise on pond construction and
water life. Melvin also designs and installs natural reed bed filter
systems, and believes there is great potential to build one for the
centre on a future exchange.
A large press conference took place
during the visit, and Enviroyouth members were filmed at work for the
local T.V. and newspapers (anything for fame!). Enviroyouth were also
accompanied by Jenny Parkin, a young intrepid reporter from the
Huddersfield Examiner, who has since produced an excellent feature
about the exchange. Jenny joined in all Enviroyouth activities, and
has since been made an honorary member of the group.
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The forest near to the centre is
known as "Cyganski Las" (Gypsy Forest) and contains many well used
paths and trails which lead into the mountains. The Polish people
make good use of these paths, particularly in summer, and use the ski
runs in the mountains during winter. They appear to be much more
'connected' with nature than the British, and give much support to
the campaigns of Klub Gaja, hence the importance of the press
conferences held during our stay. Enviroyouth were also filmed
meeting the mayor of the town council, who was very interested in the
work of the group. Through translation, he talked about the history
of the town and how local government works in Poland.
Enviroyouth member Hayden Cockcroft
worked with a Polish sculptor to produce a life size kneeling man,
which will be placed as a special feature by the newly created pond.
The theme of the sculpture was man, the environment and flowing
energy; and all the materials used were recycled scrap. Back in his
home town of Marsden, Hayden constructs and sells sculptures made
from wire.
One of many Klub Gaja designs used
on T-shirts and publications, this one represents the
balance of man between nature and civilisation.
One evening a bonfire was built from wood
collected in the grounds of the centre. The Polish were
introduced to 'dough sticks' (cooked on the bonfire then
stuffed with jam) which proved very popular - guess who had
the job of making them? No I didn't poison them - my cooking
isn't that bad! Older members of Enviroyouth also enjoyed
sampling the pubs in town. The local pub proved to be very
popular due to the fact that the barman encouraged us to
dance (to both Polish and English music) and make a lot of
noise trying to sing! Several parties also took place back
at the centre, involving mad dancing and singing - Polish
parties are amazing! It must be noted at this point that
the centre had strict rules regarding alcohol (and also
drugs and meat) which were adhered to at all times.
One evening Klub Gaja volunteers
took Enviroyouth members to see their homes and experience a
traditional polish family meal. Everyone within Enviroyouth and
Klub Gaja got on really well together, and are now missing each
other's company. Many social skills were learnt during the exchange,
including how to share one shower between the whole group without
arguing!
The group also stayed 2 nights in a
village close to the Tetra Mountains National Park. The
accommodation was beautiful - a traditional type Polish house, made
from pine timber, and converted into a walker's hostel. Wildlife in
the mountains include bears, wolves and deer, though only the latter
was briefly seen. Poland is also host to an unusual type of slug,
which is blue in colour. You have to look at it twice to believe it!
From the mountain house base, the group visited Zackopane for
shopping and went for walks in the mountains, which form the border
with the Check Republic (Spelling???). One walk was particularly
amazing, and involved much steep climbing. The view from the point
we reached was just undescribable - photographs cannot in any way
capture this properly, or the feeling that everyone got after
climbing so hard and reaching that point. You hear of feeling like
being on top of the world but this takes the biscuit!
Overall it was an excellent exchange enjoyed by
everyone, and has drawn the group much closer together. It is very
important for everyone in the world to realise that the human race is
all one, and that we must work together to solve our environmental
and social problems regardless of where we come from, or our
religion.
New Enviroyouth members are always very welcome - if you are aged between 15 to 25 and are interested in learning new skills to care for the countryside, please contact Martha Cowell on (01484) 846946, or Mike O' Roarke on (01484) 234076.
Please note that more photos will be on their way soon - so watch this space...
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