Cubs from the 298^th Birmingham Silvermere pack in Sheldon, Birmingham took a walk on the wildside when they headed out on a unique ‘Hedgerow Safari’. Hosted by farmer Mark Wycherley on his Beckbury organic dairy farm near Shifnal, the event allowed the young aspiring safari rangers to stalk voles, identify insects and brush up on birdlife with a journey of exploration along organic hedgerows.

The event, organised by the Organic Milk Cooperative (OMSCo), elevated the humble hedgerow to a thrilling safari route for the children. Experienced ‘Safari Leader’, Finlay McLaren, took them on an exciting journey of discovery, identifying plants, looking for insects and hunting for signs of the many animals and birds that live in the hedgerows. There was even the chance to look at live small mammals including woodmice and bank voles.

Finlay commented: “Organic hedgerows are really important habitats and it’s great to get kids out on farm learning all about them. Hedgerows provide shelter and food for all sorts of insects, birds and mammals, from squirrels to stoats, butterflies to beetles, robins to wrens and a whole variety of native British plant life.”

Cub leader Liz Payne added: “Coming from inner-city Birmingham this was a particularly special experience for the children. They absolutely loved the Hedgerow Safari – especially the excitement of coming face to face with hedgerow inhabitants such as woodmice. They learnt loads about why hedgerows are important and what makes hedges on organic dairy farms so special – and they even got to top the day off with a glass of fresh organic milk!”

Many of the cubs used the Hedgerow Safari as a first step towards achieving their Cub Scout Global Conservation badge – a new badge sponsored by OMSCo, which was officially launched in November 2010

Farmer Mark Wycherley said: “We only cut our hedges once every two years, which allows them to flower and fruit, providing food and cover for insects, birds and small mammals. Also, we don’t cut them in the summer months when mammals, birds and beneficial insects such as ladybirds are breeding”

For more information or to book your school or children’s group on their very own Hedgerow Safari, visit www.teach-organic.org.uk