Students learning traditional carpentry from Henry Russell of BBC-TV's "What Did the Romans Do for Us?" programme have been helping to complete a new camping barn at Biblins Youth Camp site in Hereford.

The Forestry Commission received funding from the Herefordshire Rivers programme to hold a course in traditional carpentry skills for local people wanting to learn new or develop existing skills.

As a result Henry has been using the building project to tutor local people of all ages and abilities in traditional timber framing, with a mix of beginners and experienced people enjoying the series of three-week courses.

Some students enjoyed the course so much that they have voluntarily returned to help complete the work. One, David Phillips of Corsham School, was so inspired by Henry that he now intends to apply for a carpentry apprenticeship and to be present when the final parts of the barn are erected next week. (Week beginning 17^th September).

Th new, specially designed camping barn also provides a covered assembly area for bad weather. Interpretative panels will provide information about this very special location deep in the Wye Valley, surrounded by SSSI-designated woodlands and wildlife habitats.

Sally Harvey, the site warden, has been kept busy fuelling the stomachs of the budding carpenters, and said,

“The barn will be a welcome addition for those kids who are unable to afford camping equipment."

Phil Morton, district planning forester for recreation, heritage and development, added:

“Our thanks goes to all of those staff of the Forestry Commission and partners who helped this project to happen."

NOTES TO EDITOR

1. Photographs are attached to illustrate this story. Please credit the Forestry Commission.
2. Biblins Youth Campsite has been a youth campsite for more than 50 years, giving young people from all parts of Britain the opportunity to experience the great outdoors in a fantastic ‘backwoods’ location nestled in the Wye Valley AONB, miles from the public road and mobile phone reception.
3. Visits to The Biblins have been life-changing experiences for many young people, and the Forestry Commission wants this to continue. It is well used by a great variety of youth groups ranging from Scouts and Guides to under-privileged youngsters from inner cities. The latter are often unable to afford good camping equipment.
4. The new building features a number of environmentally friendly, low-carbon features, such as solar water heating for the showers. A new toilet block will be installed in the next year. For further information about the building project, e-mail Dean@forestry.gsi.gov.uk or contact Brian Kedward on 07785 577608.
5. Henry Russell presented the BBC television series, "What Did the Romans Do For Us?". He has been involved in a number of traditional timber framing schemes with the Forestry Commission, including the barn at Leigh Woods, Bristol, and the Oak Hall at Westonbirt Arboretum. Henry was the tutor for residential timber framing Courses last year at Biblins while building ‘Herfs’ Barn’ ;
6. The Log Cabin at Biblins may be hired by organised youth groups.
7. The Herefordshire Rivers programme is part-funded by the European Union's LEADER+ scheme. It is a six-year programme with approximately £1.25 million available to support local community activity that finds new ways to enhance, interpret, utilise and record the natural environment and historical resources of the countryside of the Wye and Lugg catchments. Other funding has been provided by Defra (the Department for the Environment, Food & Rural Affairs) and Advantage West Midlands. Herefordshire Rivers' main aim is to involve people and communities in managing and using their local environment in a sustainable manner. A wide range of projects can be supported. Ideas already suggested include riverside festivals and sporting events, community-led heritage initiatives that explore the history or local distinctiveness of an area, advice and training to improve the management of river habitats and help wildlife conservation, help for local communities to undertake environmental improvement work and local audits of habitats, better public access to the rivers, and marketing for local produce and crafts. It aims to benefit and involve older people, young people and low-income groups in particular.
8. Individuals, communities and groups in the AONB can benefit from matched funding for projects that contribute to the well-being of rural communities and preserve the valuable landscape for future generations. Grants are available from the Sustainable Development Fund (SDF) to help projects that conserve and enhance the beauty and characteristics of the Lower Wye Valley, encourage people's appreciation and enjoyment of the area, and improve the health and well-being of local communities. Projects should be within the boundaries of the Wye Valley AONB, in Herefordshire, Monmouthshire or Gloucestershire, or have direct benefit to the area.
9. The Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) is an internationally important protected landscape. Designated in1971, it surrounds a 72-mile stretch of the River Wye from the rocky outcrop of Chepstow Castle to just south of the city of Hereford, straddling the borders between England and Wales, and Gloucestershire, Herefordshire and Monmouthshire.

NEWS MEDIA CONTACT: Dee Ashurst, public affairs manager, Forestry Commission, Bank House, Bank Street, Coleford, GL16 8BA; tel: 01594 833057.