Davy Down

Davy Down consists of around 6-hectares of attractive landscape, nestled amongst large modern developments. As a part of the Mardyke Valley and Thames Chase Community Forest, the area provides a great opportunity to explore and enjoy the countryside on your doorstep, with links to Aveley and Bulphan along the Mardyke Way.

Davy Down is home to an amazing variety of wildlife.  Its ponds, wetland and the surrounding reaches of the Mardyke are particularly good areas to see Water vole, Kingfisher and Marsh frog.

Courses and activities we hope to deliver at this location include:

6-week Horticulture and Wildlife Gardening

Are you passionate about wildlife? Do you want to find new ways in which you can make room for wildlife in your green space? Would you like to learn from experts about how to grow your own food? During this six-week course topics covered range from composting, habitat creation, wildlife identification and so much more!

Adult Bushcraft and Survival Skills

Come and learn new skills and develop your understanding of bushcraft in the great outdoors! This two-day course will teach you the essential skills and techniques required for survival in the wild!

Ash Splint Basketry

Ash splint is an amazing material: soft, flexible, and easy to work with. This makes it perfect for creating strong, beautiful baskets. It is a relatively unknown craft in the UK. During this 2-day workshop, you'll learn all about ash splint and weave your own fruit basket to take away No previous experience is necessary. You'll learn progressively in a small group which means there's lots of help available.

Autumn Wildlife ID

Dry Stone Walling

This course will teach you the basic principles of the craft and you will work with others to continue the final stretch of wall. All courses are practical, delivered outdoors - some degree of physical fitness is required. Topics covered range from site surveying and planning, stone preparation and differentiation, wall structure, laying and finishing techniques and tool handling.

Environmental Education - On site

This FREE Green Angels environmental training course aims to encourage adults to engage with young people in the world outside. Come and learn new skills and meet new friends in the great outdoors! Course Content

  • Lesson Planning; Risk Assessment; Health & Safety
  • Environmental Education Initiatives: Forest School; Eco-School; Sustainable Schools
  • Forest School and Bushcraft Activities
  • Engagement Techniques
  • AND lots of practical, creative hands-on activities.
Attendance certificates will be awarded to all eligible participants.

Environmental Education - Online

This FREE Green Angels environmental training course aims to encourage adults to engage with young people in the world outside. Come and learn new skills and meet new friends in the great outdoors! Course Content

  • Lesson Planning; Risk Assessment; Health & Safety
  • Environmental Education Initiatives: Forest School; Eco-School; Sustainable Schools
  • Forest School and Bushcraft Activities
  • Engagement Techniques
  • AND lots of practical, creative hands-on activities.
Attendance certificates will be awarded to all eligible participants.

Hedge Laying

Hedgelaying is an ancient skill and is essential for a healthy hedge to maintain its wildlife value. Come and learn about this valuable conservation skill, and explore regional techniques, use of stakes and binders, and the process of coppicing.

Introduction to Hedgelaying and Hedge Planting

Scything

Come and learn all about the ancient art of Scything: assemble your scythe; adjust the blade; hone the scythe in the field; mowing techniques; peening. You will try your hand at mowing the meadows too!

Tree Felling and Woodland Management

This course includes instruction on safe tool use and maintenance, and techniques for felling small trees with hand tools.

Wildflower and Butterflies Identification Skills

Wildlife Habitats and Biodiversity

Please click to enlarge

Thanks for helping me on my dry stone wall ‘pilgrimage’, I would never made it without your help and support – I’m forever grateful.

Hassall Green - Countryside Fencing November 2019