Volunteering at Camp Chew 20-23 June 2019

Volunteering at Camp Chew 20-23 June 2019

Bio blitz
Copyright Mya-Rose Birdgirl Craig

 

Youth Worker at nature camp for teenagers from disadvantaged, VME or rural backgrounds.

We desperately need volunteers from 20-23 June 2019 at Compton Martin & Chew Valley near Bristol.

Mya-Rose Birdgirl Craig

Photocopyright Mya-Rose Birdgirl Craig

Camp Avalon 2017

Photography copyright Mya-Rose Birdgirl Craig

 

Volunteer tasks

By 17 June 2019 – split between volunteers

  • to prepare an Eventbrite report with contacts for children/volunteers.
  • to finalise the camp programme and e-mail parents/volunteers.
  • to finalise a breakdown of tasks with who is responsible for what.
  • to prepare and print parent consent forms.

Camp Avalon 2017

Photo copyright Mya-Rose Birdgirl Craig


On 20 June 2019 Campsite 10 am and 6 pm

  • to help move camping equipment from storage to the campsite;
  • to help put up 6 large tents;
  • to help set up all equipment needed for the campsite; and
  • to help do food shopping.

 

21 June 2019 1.00 pm to 3.30 pm 

  • to finish setting up at the campsite.

 

21 June 2019 3.30 pm to 5.00 pm

  • to travel back to Bristol with our driver.
  • to pick up the minibus before picking up children.
  • to ensure parents sign consent forms.
  • to remind parents that they need to both come to pick up their children for a camp feedback session and so the children can have their free gift.

Camp Avalon 2017

Photo copyright Mya-Rose Birdgirl Craig

 

21 June 2019 5.00 pm to 22 June 4.00 pm

  • to be nature volunteers engaging teens in nature activities; or
  • to work as a youth worker engaging with VME children age 7-11 year olds at our nature camp;
  • to talk to children about nature;
  • to talk to children about how going outside helps with mental health;
  • to talk to children about the need to protect the environment
  • to talk to children about what they can do to help the environment and wildlife
  • to support nature volunteers who are providing expertise;
  • to supervise football games
  • to help with camp cooking, supervising toasting marshmallows, washing up and tidying up, serving meals;
  • to ensure children have the equipment needed for sessions;
  • to ensure children pack up all their belonging.

Working on our camps will leave you feeling incredibly positive about the future.

Media – to take photographs and video footage, interviewing the children about their experiences at the camp, how they have benefited and about how it made them feel from a wellbeing/mental health point of view.

Camp Chew 2017

Photo copyright Mya-Rose Birdgirl Craig

22 June – 4 pm to 6.30 pm

  • to travel back in the minibus with the children;
  • to help set up a table and Gazebo outside St Pauls’ Resource Centre with literature from Time to Talk, a mental health charity;
  • to talk to parents with their children about the camp, how the children enjoyed getting outside, how it was good for their mental health and academic achievement, what the parents can do to carry on with that in terms of continuing to take their children outside and enjoy nature.
  • to then talk to the parents about mental health in order to raise awareness of the issue;
  • to let the children have their free water bottle after these discussions have taken place;
  • to if possible, video the parents about what they feel the benefits for their children have been.

 

23 July 10 am to 5 pm

  •  To take down tents, pack up campsite and put into storage.

About The Author

Hi, I’m Dr. Mya-Rose Craig. I am a 19-year-old prominent British-Bangladeshi ornithologist, environmentalist, diversity activist as well as an author, speaker and broadcaster. At age 11 I started the popular blog Birdgirl, and at age 17 I became the youngest person to see half of the birds in the world.

Buy My Book

Lyrical, poignant and insightful.’ - Margaret Atwood

This is my story; a journey defined by my love for these extraordinary creatures. Because large or small, brown, patterned or jewelled, there is something about birds that makes us, even for just moments at a time, lift our eyes away from our lives and up to the skies.

Lyrical, poignant and insightful.’ - Margaret Atwood

This is my story; a journey defined by my love for these extraordinary creatures. Because large or small, brown, patterned or jewelled, there is something about birds that makes us, even for just moments at a time, lift our eyes away from our lives and up to the skies.

Find Out More

To find out more about working with me or to buy my book, please use the links below.

Work With MeBuy Book

Kit List Camp Avalon for those being dropped off

Kit List Camp Avalon for those being dropped off

CAMP AVALON KIT LIST
For teenagers being dropped off

 
Please note: This list is for guidance 
Please label everything with the child’s name
General
Small holdall or bag to carry belongings
(no large suitcases, large bags or plastic bags)

Completed and signed parent consent forms

Camping Gear
2 Season sleeping bag or duvet
1 Folding camp or garden chair
1 Torch/phone with a torch
Mealtimes
Plastic drinks bottle (to carry a drink during activities)
Extra blanket for sitting on (if you have one)
1 small packet of snacks or sweets (must be vegetarian and nut-free eg jelly tots)
Clothing (in addition to what they arrive in)
The number of clothes must be sufficient for 3 day/2 nights with a spare set of clothes in case of rain or cold
1 Warm comfortable clothes for bedtime (it might be cold)
3 T-shirt
2 Warm tracksuit-top/fleece/hoodie
2 Outdoor trousers or tracksuit bottoms (jeans are not ideal but acceptable)
3 Pairs underwear & socks (thick socks if you are wearing wellies or boots)
1 Walking boots, wellies or old trainers
1 Warm waterproof coat
1 Cap (so no hair styling needed)
1 Woolly hat (if the weather is cool)
Other items
1 small towel or flannel
Washing kit (minimum of toothbrush and paste & comb)
Bin liner (for wet/dirty clothes)
Suncream and hay fever medication
Medication – must be named, in a clear plastic bag and handed in or if needed kept in a safe place
1 mobile phone may be brought but is not needed
1 pair binoculars (if you have or can borrow them)
1 digital camera (if you have one or can borrow one)
Do not take to camp:
Anything electronic, except a mobile phone, such as electronic games, MP3 players, I-pods, etc. They are too easily lost or damaged
Shell suits/nylon clothes – extreme fire injury risk
Aerosols, matches, lighters, or any other flammable liquid or gas – these are dangerous
Anything valuable
Any food items
If you are not sure of anything on, or not on, this list, or do not have items then please ask Helena Craig, who can be contacted on 07798 818772 or campavlonuk@gmail.com 

Camp Avalon 2017
Photograph copyright Mya-Rose Birdgirl Craig

About The Author

Hi, I’m Dr. Mya-Rose Craig. I am a 19-year-old prominent British-Bangladeshi ornithologist, environmentalist, diversity activist as well as an author, speaker and broadcaster. At age 11 I started the popular blog Birdgirl, and at age 17 I became the youngest person to see half of the birds in the world.

Buy My Book

Lyrical, poignant and insightful.’ - Margaret Atwood

This is my story; a journey defined by my love for these extraordinary creatures. Because large or small, brown, patterned or jewelled, there is something about birds that makes us, even for just moments at a time, lift our eyes away from our lives and up to the skies.

Lyrical, poignant and insightful.’ - Margaret Atwood

This is my story; a journey defined by my love for these extraordinary creatures. Because large or small, brown, patterned or jewelled, there is something about birds that makes us, even for just moments at a time, lift our eyes away from our lives and up to the skies.

Find Out More

To find out more about working with me or to buy my book, please use the links below.

Work With MeBuy Book

 

Camp Avalon Kit List

Camp Avalon Kit List

CAMP AVALON KIT LIST
Please label everything with the child’s name

Please note
Please do not send your teenagers with any food (it will be taken away), duvets, sleeping bags, pillow or cushions. We will provide sufficient food and snacks, have to be careful of allergies and do not want a group of teenagers on a sugar rush.

General
Small small school backpack to carry belongings
(no large suitcases, large bags or plastic bags)

Clothing (in addition to what they arrive in)
The number of clothes must be sufficient for 3 days /2 nights with a spare set of clothes
1 Warm comfortable clothes for bedtime
2 T-shirt
1 Warm tracksuit-top / fleece / hoodie
1 Outdoor trousers or tracksuit bottoms (jeans are not ideal but ok)
2 pairs underwear and socks (thick socks if you are wearing wellies)
1 pair old trainers (as it might  be muddy)
1 waterproof coat
1 Cap (so no hair styling needed)

Other items

1 drinks bottle (to carry a drink during activities)
1 thin blanket (if you have one)
1 small towel or flannel
Washing kit (minimum of toothbrush & comb)
Plastic bag (for wet/dirty clothes)
Suncream and hay fever medication as pollen counts higher in the countryside
Medication – must be named, in a clear plastic bag and handed in or if needed kept in a safe place
1 mobile phone may be brought

Do not take to camp:
Any food items including sweets/snacks
Anything electronic such as electronic games, MP3 players, I-pods, etc. They are too easily damaged or lost
Shell suits/nylon clothes – extreme fire injury risk
Aerosols, matches, lighters, or any other flammable liquid or gas – these are dangerous
Knives or pen knives
Anything valuable

If you are not sure of anything on, or not on, this list, or do not have items then please ask Helena Craig, who can be contacted on 07798 818772 or helenabcraig@hotmail.co.uk


Camp Avalon 2017
Photography copyright Mya-Rose Birdgirl Craig

About The Author

Hi, I’m Dr. Mya-Rose Craig. I am a 19-year-old prominent British-Bangladeshi ornithologist, environmentalist, diversity activist as well as an author, speaker and broadcaster. At age 11 I started the popular blog Birdgirl, and at age 17 I became the youngest person to see half of the birds in the world.

Buy My Book

Lyrical, poignant and insightful.’ - Margaret Atwood

This is my story; a journey defined by my love for these extraordinary creatures. Because large or small, brown, patterned or jewelled, there is something about birds that makes us, even for just moments at a time, lift our eyes away from our lives and up to the skies.

Lyrical, poignant and insightful.’ - Margaret Atwood

This is my story; a journey defined by my love for these extraordinary creatures. Because large or small, brown, patterned or jewelled, there is something about birds that makes us, even for just moments at a time, lift our eyes away from our lives and up to the skies.

Find Out More

To find out more about working with me or to buy my book, please use the links below.

Work With MeBuy Book

Camp Avalon 19-21 July 2019 Details

Camp Avalon 19-21 July 2019 Details

 

BLACK2NATURE

Friday 19 July 2019 to Sunday 21 July 2019

Camp Avalon 2017

Copyright Mya-Rose Birdgirl Craig

Shapwick Heath, Somerset Levels

Photograph taken by and copyright Birdgirl Mya-Rose Craig

 

Book onto this amazing nature camp for young people aged 12-18 years. Into its 4th year, Camp Avalon has attracted a number of teenagers to the Somerset Levels near Glastonbury, to spend the weekend birding and getting involved with nature.  It is aimed at those who have no experience of nature and have never been to the countryside or camped as well as those already interested in being outdoors.  These are the links to Birdgirl’s blog posts about the 2015 weekend.

This year we hope to have lots of teenagers who are Visible Minority Ethnic (VME) and or live in the city’s areas of deprivation as well as those who live in the countryside. We will have plenty of activities for both groups.

VME or inner-city teenagers may be accompanied by an adult if they wish but do not need one to attend.

Girls and boys are in separate tents with adults. DBS checked adults will be with the teenagers at all times. All food will be halal.

 

Camp Avalon – Friday Night

http://bit.ly/1PpG6tC

Camp Avalon Mothing Workshop

Copyright Birdgirl Mya-Rose Craig

Camp Avalon Mothing Workshop
Copyright Birdgirl Mya-Rose Craig

Camp Avalon Mothing Workshop

Photograph taken by and copyright Birdgirl Mya-Rose Craig

 

Camp Avalon – Saturday

http://bit.ly/21m0TVD

Camp Avalon Sketching

Workshop Photograph taken by and copyright Birdgirl Mya-Rose Craig

Camp Avalon Sketching Workshop

Photograph taken by and copyright Birdgirl Mya-Rose Craig

Camp Avalon Photography workshop

Photograph taken by and copyright Birdgirl Mya-Rose Craig

Camp Avalon photography workshop

Photograph taken by and copyright Birdgirl Mya-Rose Craig

Camp Avalon Bird Ringing Workshop

Photograph taken by and copyright Birdgirl Mya-Rose Craig

Camp Avalon Bird Ringing Workshop

Photograph taken by and copyright Birdgirl Mya-Rose Craig

Camp Avalon Bird Ringing Workshop

Photograph taken by and copyright Birdgirl Mya-Rose Craig

Camp Avalon Sunday
Photograph taken by and copyright Birdgirl Mya-Rose Craig

Camp Avalon Birding Walk

Photograph taken by and copyright Birdgirl Mya-Rose Craig

Camp Avalon Birding Walk

Photograph taken by and copyright Birdgirl Mya-Rose Craig

 

Friday 19 July 2019 to Sunday 21 July 2019

Camp Avalon – Programme

 

The programme will be finalised shortly depending on final numbers.

Friday 19th July 2019

All activities dependent on weather

 

5.00 pm

Pick-up St Paul’s Learning Centre (CPLC)

6.00 pm – 7.00 pm (CS)

Safety briefing, allocating tents and setting up camp

 

7.00 pm – 8.00 pm (CS)

Helping cooking and serving dinner

 

8.00 pm – 8.30 pm (CS)

Everybody to help with carrying dishes to the kitchen, washing up and drying and bringing dishes back

 

8.30 pm – 9.30 pm (CS)

Time to socialize and play football

 

9.30 pm – 10.30 pm

Toasting marshmallows over the fire

 

11 pm

Lights out and no more talking – just sleep

 

Saturday 20th July 2019

7.00 am (CS)

Everybody up and get ready

 

7.30 am – 8.00 am (CS) Breakfast at the campsite

 

8.00 am – 11.30 am (HW)

Birding at Ham Wall, searching for Great White Egret, Bittern and lots of other great birds.  Meet at HWCP.

Led by Chris Craig and Shaun Austin
Filming with ITV West News

11.30 am – 12.00 pm (CS)

Refreshment break

 

12.00 pm – 12.30 pm

Feeding animals on the farm

12.30 pm – 1.30 pm (PFW)
Bio Blitzing in 2 teams

Led by Shaun Austin and Helena Craig

1.30 pm – 2.30 pm (CS)

Lunch

2.30 pm – 4.00 pm (PFW)

Wildlife Photography workshop

Led by Shane Austin

 

4.00 pm – 4.30 pm (CS)

Refreshment break

 

4.30 pm – 5.00 pm (CS)

Tent inspection

 

5.00 pm – 6.00 pm (CS)

Downtime (only after all belongings packed back into backpacks and tents tidied)

 

6.00 pm – 7.30 pm (CS)

Helping cooking and serving dinner

 

7.30 pm – 8.30 pm (CS)

Everybody to help with carrying dishes to the kitchen, washing up and drying and bringing dishes back

 

8.30 pm – 10.30 pm (MD)

Looking for Nightjar and bats on the Mendips (dependent on weather)

Led by Chris Craig

11 pm

Lights out and no more talking – just sleep

 

Sunday 21st July 2019

7.00 am (CS)

Everybody up and get ready

7.30 am – 8.00 am (CS) Breakfast at the campsite

8.00 am – 10.30 am (PFW)

Bird ringing demonstration
Chris Craig, Pete Burston and Mya-Rose Craig
Magazine Photoshoot

10.30 am – 11.00 am (CS)

Refreshment break

11.00 am – 12.30 pm

Walk to Glastonbury Tor

12.30 pm – 1.00 pm (CS)

Lunch

1.00 pm – 2.30 pm (CS)

Taking down tents and packing up the campsite
Ayesha Ahmed-Mendoza and Helena Craig

 

2.30 pm – 3.00 pm (CS)

Refreshment break

 

3.00 pm

Finish

4.00 pm

Drop off St Paul’s Learning Centre (SPLC)

 

 

Key to locations

 

SPLC – St Paul’s Learning Centre, Grosvenor Road, St Paul’s, Bristol, BS2 8XJ, telephone 0117 9145470.

CS – Paddington Farm, Maidencroft Lane, Glastonbury, Somerset BA6 8JN, Telephone: 01458 832752.

 

PFW – Paddington Farm Woods, near to Camp Site

 

HW – Ham Wall RSPB Reserve, park in the new Ham Wall Car Park if open or Shapwick Heath Car Park opposite, Ashcott Road, Glastonbury, Somerset BA6 9SX

 

MP – Stockhill Woods, Priddy, Mendips, Somerset BA5 3BE (drive through Wells and then follow A39 towards Bristol and Bath, turn left onto Priddy Road and at the crossroads (with the Hunters Rest on the corner) turn right, the woods are on your right and park in the pull-in before the car park).

 

HWCP – Ham Wall RSPB Reserve Car Park, Ashcott Road, Glastonbury, Somerset BA6 9SX

Bittern, Shapwick Heath, Somerset Levels, March 2015

Photograph was taken by and copyright Mya-Rose Craig

 

Cost

£20.00 per person including food and camping costs

Grants

Free places are available to those young people (and parents/family if they wish to come) from an area of deprivation or who are VME. Camp Avalon recognises that there are almost no young birders from black or minority ethnic backgrounds and so hope that these grants will encourage disadvantaged young people to be able to attend. All equipment needed will also be loaned for the weekend.

 

Thank you to the volunteers who have offered their time in order to pass on their knowledge to young birders.

Black2Nature

Thank you to Paddington Farm and the many people who have supported Black2Nature and these camps and to Chew Valley Ringing Station and the birders who have offered their time in order to pass on their knowledge to young birders.

 

Thank you to Opticron for the donation of five pairs of compact binoculars and discounted optical equipment to this project and to Bristol Ornithological Society for the donation of £2500 for 20 pairs of binoculars.

Thank you also to Go Outdoors for discounted camping equipment and Blenheim Scouts for discounted use of their minibus.

 

Thank you also to Burns Price Foundation, Quartet Community Funding, Community Access Support Services and Alpkit for helping to fund our projects.

 

Transport

Free transport is available to and from Bristol, with pickup from St Paul’s Learning Centre, Grosvenor Road, St Paul’s.

 

How to Book

Please book on Eventbrite or e-mail helenabcraig@hotmail.co.uk or text 07798818772 with your name, address, phone number and date of birth and your child’s name and date of birth with any dietary requirements. Please also get in touch if you would like to get involved by volunteering.

 

About The Author

Hi, I’m Dr. Mya-Rose Craig. I am a 19-year-old prominent British-Bangladeshi ornithologist, environmentalist, diversity activist as well as an author, speaker and broadcaster. At age 11 I started the popular blog Birdgirl, and at age 17 I became the youngest person to see half of the birds in the world.

Buy My Book

Lyrical, poignant and insightful.’ - Margaret Atwood

This is my story; a journey defined by my love for these extraordinary creatures. Because large or small, brown, patterned or jewelled, there is something about birds that makes us, even for just moments at a time, lift our eyes away from our lives and up to the skies.

Lyrical, poignant and insightful.’ - Margaret Atwood

This is my story; a journey defined by my love for these extraordinary creatures. Because large or small, brown, patterned or jewelled, there is something about birds that makes us, even for just moments at a time, lift our eyes away from our lives and up to the skies.

Find Out More

To find out more about working with me or to buy my book, please use the links below.

Work With MeBuy Book

 

Camp Avalon 12-14 July 2019 Details

Camp Avalon 12-14 July 2019 Details

 

BLACK2NATURE

Friday 19 July 2019 to Sunday 21 July 2019

Camp Avalon 2017

Copyright Mya-Rose Birdgirl Craig

Shapwick Heath, Somerset Levels

Photograph taken by and copyright Birdgirl Mya-Rose Craig

 

Book onto this amazing nature camp for young people aged 12-18 years. Into its 4th year, Camp Avalon has attracted a number of teenagers to the Somerset Levels near Glastonbury, to spend the weekend birding and getting involved with nature.  It is aimed at those who have no experience of nature and have never been to the countryside or camped as well as those already interested in being outdoors.  These are the links to Birdgirl’s blog posts about the 2015 weekend.

This year we hope to have lots of teenagers who are Visible Minority Ethnic (VME) and or live in the city’s areas of deprivation as well as those who live in the countryside. We will have plenty of activities for both groups.

VME or inner-city teenagers may be accompanied by an adult if they wish but do not need one to attend.

Girls and boys are in separate tents with adults. DBS checked adults will be with the teenagers at all times. All food will be halal.

 

Camp Avalon – Friday Night

http://bit.ly/1PpG6tC

Camp Avalon Mothing Workshop

Copyright Birdgirl Mya-Rose Craig

Camp Avalon Mothing Workshop
Copyright Birdgirl Mya-Rose Craig

Camp Avalon Mothing Workshop

Photograph taken by and copyright Birdgirl Mya-Rose Craig

 

Camp Avalon – Saturday

http://bit.ly/21m0TVD

Camp Avalon Sketching

Workshop Photograph taken by and copyright Birdgirl Mya-Rose Craig

Camp Avalon Sketching Workshop

Photograph taken by and copyright Birdgirl Mya-Rose Craig

Camp Avalon Photography workshop

Photograph taken by and copyright Birdgirl Mya-Rose Craig

Camp Avalon photography workshop

Photograph taken by and copyright Birdgirl Mya-Rose Craig

Camp Avalon Bird Ringing Workshop

Photograph taken by and copyright Birdgirl Mya-Rose Craig

Camp Avalon Bird Ringing Workshop

Photograph taken by and copyright Birdgirl Mya-Rose Craig

Camp Avalon Bird Ringing Workshop

Photograph taken by and copyright Birdgirl Mya-Rose Craig

Camp Avalon Sunday
Photograph taken by and copyright Birdgirl Mya-Rose Craig

Camp Avalon Birding Walk

Photograph taken by and copyright Birdgirl Mya-Rose Craig

Friday 12 July 2019 to Sunday 14 July 2019

Camp Avalon – Programme

The programme will be finalised shortly depending on final numbers.

Friday 12th July 2019

All activities dependent on weather

5.00 pm

Pick-up St Paul’s Learning Centre

6.00 pm – 7.15 pm (CS)

Time to socialize and play football

7.15 pm – 8.15 pm (CS)

Dinner cooked on fires at campsite

8.15 pm – 9.45 pm(PF)

Talk and evening bat walk
Led by Lawrence Armstrong

 

Saturday 13th July 2019

7.30 am – 8.00 am (CS) Breakfast at campsite

 

8.00 am – 10.00 am (PF)

Looking at moths (dependent on weather)
James Packer, who writes the blog The Somerset Birder and is a Somerset birder and bird photographer

 

10.00 am – 10.30 am (CS)

Refreshment break


11.00 am – 1.00 pm (HW)

Birding at Ham Wall, searching for Great White Egret, Bittern and lots of other great birds.  Meet at HWCP.

Led by James Packer

 

1.30 pm – 2.30 pm(CS)

Lunch

2.30 pm – 4.30 pm (PFW)

Bio Blitzing James Packer and Helena Craig

4.30 pm – 5.00 pm (CS)

Refreshment break

 

5.00 pm – 8.30 pm (CS)

Downtime and dinner cooked on fire at campsite

 

9.00 pm – 10.30 pm (MD)

Looking for Nightjar on the Mendips (dependent on weather)

Led by Chris Craig, Avon and Somerset, British and world birder

Sunday 14th July 2019

7.30 am – 8.00 am (CS) Breakfast at the campsite


8.00 am – 11.00 am (PFW)

Bird ringing demonstration
Chris Craig (with Mya-Rose Craig assisting)

 

11.00 am – 11.30 am (CS)

Refreshment break

12.00 pm – 1.00 pm (CS)

Lunch

1.00 pm – 2.30 pm (CS)

Bird Photography
Helena Craig and Chri Craig

2.30 pm – 3.00 pm (CS)

Refreshment break

 

3.00 pm

Finish

4.00 pm

Drop off St Paul’s Learning Centre

 

Key to locations

CS – Paddington Farm, Maidencroft Lane, Glastonbury, Somerset BA6 8JN, Telephone: 01458 832752.

PFW – Paddington Farm Woods, near to Camp Site

HW – Ham Wall RSPB Reserve, park in the new Ham Wall Car Park if open or Shapwick Heath Car Park opposite, Ashcott Road, Glastonbury, Somerset BA6 9SX

MP – Stockhill Woods, Priddy, Mendips, Somerset BA5 3BE (drive through Wells and then follow A39 towards Bristol and Bath, turn left onto Priddy Road and at the crossroads (with the Hunters Rest on the corner) turn right, the woods are on your right and park in the pull-in before the car park).

 

HWCP – Ham Wall RSPB Reserve Car Park, Ashcott Road, Glastonbury, Somerset BA6 9SX

 

Bittern, Shapwick Heath, Somerset Levels, March 2015

Photograph was taken by and copyright Mya-Rose Craig

 

Cost

£20.00 per person including food and camping costs

Grants

Free places are available to those young people (and parents/family if they wish to come) from an area of deprivation or who are VME. Camp Avalon recognises that there are almost no young birders from black or minority ethnic backgrounds and so hope that these grants will encourage disadvantaged young people to be able to attend. All equipment needed will also be loaned for the weekend.

 

Thank you to the volunteers who have offered their time in order to pass on their knowledge to young birders.

Black2Nature

Thank you to Paddington Farm and the many people who have supported Black2Nature and these camps and to Chew Valley Ringing Station and the birders who have offered their time in order to pass on their knowledge to young birders.

 

Thank you to Opticron for the donation of five pairs of compact binoculars and discounted optical equipment to this project and to Bristol Ornithological Society for the donation of £2500 for 20 pairs of binoculars.

Thank you also to Go Outdoors for discounted camping equipment and Blenheim Scouts for discounted use of their minibus.

 

Thank you also to Burns Price Foundation, Quartet Community Funding, Community Access Support Services and Alpkit for helping to fund our projects.

 

Transport

Free transport is available to and from Bristol, with pickup from St Paul’s Learning Centre, Grosvenor Road, St Paul’s.

 

How to Book

Please book on Eventbrite or e-mail helenabcraig@hotmail.co.uk or text 07798818772 with your name, address, phone number and date of birth and your child’s name and date of birth with any dietary requirements. Please also get in touch if you would like to get involved by volunteering.

 

About The Author

Hi, I’m Dr. Mya-Rose Craig. I am a 19-year-old prominent British-Bangladeshi ornithologist, environmentalist, diversity activist as well as an author, speaker and broadcaster. At age 11 I started the popular blog Birdgirl, and at age 17 I became the youngest person to see half of the birds in the world.

Buy My Book

Lyrical, poignant and insightful.’ - Margaret Atwood

This is my story; a journey defined by my love for these extraordinary creatures. Because large or small, brown, patterned or jewelled, there is something about birds that makes us, even for just moments at a time, lift our eyes away from our lives and up to the skies.

Lyrical, poignant and insightful.’ - Margaret Atwood

This is my story; a journey defined by my love for these extraordinary creatures. Because large or small, brown, patterned or jewelled, there is something about birds that makes us, even for just moments at a time, lift our eyes away from our lives and up to the skies.

Find Out More

To find out more about working with me or to buy my book, please use the links below.

Work With MeBuy Book

 

Camp Avalon 19-21 July 2019 Flyer

Camp Avalon 19-21 July 2019 Flyer

Black2Nature

Camp Avalon 2019

Fri 19 – Sun 21 July 2019

Camp Avalon 2017
Photograph copyright Mya-Rose Birdgirl Craig

A nature weekend for teenagers aged 12 to 18 to enjoy
Having fun outside in nature
Trying new things like camping
Making new friends

 

How to Book

Text or phone Helena on 07798818772 or e-mail campavalonuk@gmail.com

£20 per child with free places offered

Free transport from Bristol

Food all halal or veggie

Location – Paddington Farm, Glastonbury
Young People supervised at all times by DBS checked adults

About The Author

Hi, I’m Dr. Mya-Rose Craig. I am a 19-year-old prominent British-Bangladeshi ornithologist, environmentalist, diversity activist as well as an author, speaker and broadcaster. At age 11 I started the popular blog Birdgirl, and at age 17 I became the youngest person to see half of the birds in the world.

Buy My Book

Lyrical, poignant and insightful.’ - Margaret Atwood

This is my story; a journey defined by my love for these extraordinary creatures. Because large or small, brown, patterned or jewelled, there is something about birds that makes us, even for just moments at a time, lift our eyes away from our lives and up to the skies.

Lyrical, poignant and insightful.’ - Margaret Atwood

This is my story; a journey defined by my love for these extraordinary creatures. Because large or small, brown, patterned or jewelled, there is something about birds that makes us, even for just moments at a time, lift our eyes away from our lives and up to the skies.

Find Out More

To find out more about working with me or to buy my book, please use the links below.

Work With MeBuy Book

Camp Avalon 12-14 July 2019 Flyer

Camp Avalon 12-14 July 2019 Flyer

Black2Nature

Camp Avalon 2019

Fri 12 – Sun 14 July 2019

Camp Avalon 2017
Photograph copyright Mya-Rose Birdgirl Craig

A nature weekend for teenagers aged 12 to 18 to enjoy
Having fun outside in nature
Trying new things like camping
Making new friends

 

How to Book

Text or phone Helena on 07798818772 or e-mail campavalonuk@gmail.com

£20 per child with free places offered

Free transport from Bristol

Food all halal or veggie

Location – Paddington Farm, Glastonbury
Young People supervised at all times by DBS checked adults

About The Author

Hi, I’m Dr. Mya-Rose Craig. I am a 19-year-old prominent British-Bangladeshi ornithologist, environmentalist, diversity activist as well as an author, speaker and broadcaster. At age 11 I started the popular blog Birdgirl, and at age 17 I became the youngest person to see half of the birds in the world.

Buy My Book

Lyrical, poignant and insightful.’ - Margaret Atwood

This is my story; a journey defined by my love for these extraordinary creatures. Because large or small, brown, patterned or jewelled, there is something about birds that makes us, even for just moments at a time, lift our eyes away from our lives and up to the skies.

Lyrical, poignant and insightful.’ - Margaret Atwood

This is my story; a journey defined by my love for these extraordinary creatures. Because large or small, brown, patterned or jewelled, there is something about birds that makes us, even for just moments at a time, lift our eyes away from our lives and up to the skies.

Find Out More

To find out more about working with me or to buy my book, please use the links below.

Work With MeBuy Book

The impact of Bristol Airport expansion plans

The impact of Bristol Airport expansion plans

Our video plea to Ontario Teachers
about the impact of Bristol Airport expansion plans
‘Your retirement income will cost us our health, our well-being and our environment. Are you happy with this?’

Mya-Rose Craig AKA Birdgirl

 

Working with the Stop Bristol Airport Expansion Alliance, myself and 3 other school pupils have made a video film appealing directly to teachers in the Ontario region in Canada, asking them to take a hard look at the environmental and social impact of their pension fund investment in Bristol Airport. Bristol Airport is owned and run by the Ontario Teachers Pension Plan (OTPP).

The OTPP is one of the world’s largest institutional investors. We decided to ask the Ontario teachers if they believed the drive for profit to maximise their pensions is worth the damage further expansion of Bristol Airport would cause:
‘Your retirement income will cost us our health, our well-being and our environment. Are you happy with this? We are asking you to think about the price that we are paying for your retirement. We are asking you to take stock. We are asking for your help.’
The short film was filmed in the Mendip Hills AONB, taking in the Lulsgate site of the airport.
We were making the point that:
‘The Airport site will sprawl into the protected area of the Green Belt, harming wildlife habitats, insect populations and the rural landscape around the Mendip Hills, one of our national Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.’
The film joins the national actions taken recently by school students in the UK and across the world to focus attention on pollution and climate change. The Airport is the main cause of traffic pollution and congestion to the south of Bristol. Airport expansion will destroy swathes of the Green Belt for additional parking and increase other hazards such as illegal car parking in surrounding fields and villages.

 

Scarlett Vesper

We were questioning why it is necessary to increase passenger numbers by 50% by 2022 when the Airport loses money on budget flights. To increase income against aviation loss, and boost the value of the airport, OTPP must suck in yet more cars for the hugely profitable parking operation:
‘The Airport is very badly served by public transport. It has one dedicated coach service and no rail links. So 69% of passengers arrive by car – a greater number of cars than in any other European airport. Your pension fund knows this and wants to take advantage.’

Traffic South of Bristol

We ended the video with a direct appeal to the teachers of Ontario to take stock and refuse to accept unethical and unsustainable investment as the basis for their pensions:

‘We are asking you to think about the price that we are paying for your retirement. We are asking you to take stock. We are asking for your help.’
For further information see:

STOP BRISTOL AIRPORT EXPANSION …

About The Author

Hi, I’m Dr. Mya-Rose Craig. I am a 19-year-old prominent British-Bangladeshi ornithologist, environmentalist, diversity activist as well as an author, speaker and broadcaster. At age 11 I started the popular blog Birdgirl, and at age 17 I became the youngest person to see half of the birds in the world.

Buy My Book

Lyrical, poignant and insightful.’ - Margaret Atwood

This is my story; a journey defined by my love for these extraordinary creatures. Because large or small, brown, patterned or jewelled, there is something about birds that makes us, even for just moments at a time, lift our eyes away from our lives and up to the skies.

Lyrical, poignant and insightful.’ - Margaret Atwood

This is my story; a journey defined by my love for these extraordinary creatures. Because large or small, brown, patterned or jewelled, there is something about birds that makes us, even for just moments at a time, lift our eyes away from our lives and up to the skies.

Find Out More

To find out more about working with me or to buy my book, please use the links below.

Work With MeBuy Book

Speaking at Association of Science (ASE) Educators Conference 2017

Speaking at Association of Science (ASE) Educators Conference 2017

Today was a really interesting day, as I did a one hour talk at the Association of Science Educations (ASE) Conference 2017 at Reading University.  The ASE is a membership organisation for Science teachers and I spoke to those teaching pupils aged 11-18 years.

It was interesting to visit Reading University and look around as well as Reading, I have visited Birmingham, Manchester and Cambridge.

My talk was about how they were a key part in the programme to get more BAME people into nature, by them concentrating on teaching secondary age teenagers about nature, conservation and environmental issues as well as trying to get them interested in and connecting with nature. I focused on the need to educate pupils about studying sciences, ensuring that they and their parents understand the professions that they can go into with say a biology degree, such as conservation or environmental careers.

I talked about the research, Camp Avalon, the Race Equality in Nature Conference and Black2Nature.

These are my slides and notes from my talk and it would be great if you could spread it to as many people especially teachers to read possible:

https://1drv.ms/b/s!AlHI1zymOkP6lRV-4q0zbGKfHl1q

Young Birder Birdgirl Mya-Rose Craig at ASE Conference
Photograph copyright Mya-Rose Craig
Young Birder Birdgirl Mya-Rose Craig at ASE Conference
Photograph copyright Mya-Rose Craig
Young Birder Birdgirl Mya-Rose Craig at ASE Conference
Photograph copyright Mya-Rose Craig

About The Author

Hi, I’m Dr. Mya-Rose Craig. I am a 19-year-old prominent British-Bangladeshi ornithologist, environmentalist, diversity activist as well as an author, speaker and broadcaster. At age 11 I started the popular blog Birdgirl, and at age 17 I became the youngest person to see half of the birds in the world.

Buy My Book

Lyrical, poignant and insightful.’ - Margaret Atwood

This is my story; a journey defined by my love for these extraordinary creatures. Because large or small, brown, patterned or jewelled, there is something about birds that makes us, even for just moments at a time, lift our eyes away from our lives and up to the skies.

Lyrical, poignant and insightful.’ - Margaret Atwood

This is my story; a journey defined by my love for these extraordinary creatures. Because large or small, brown, patterned or jewelled, there is something about birds that makes us, even for just moments at a time, lift our eyes away from our lives and up to the skies.

Find Out More

To find out more about working with me or to buy my book, please use the links below.

Work With MeBuy Book