Caring for Nature Residential

Activities vary by location but may include:

• beach clean (YHA Boggle Hole only)

• log pile construction

• tree planting

• bee bombing and wildflower/meadow planting (YHA Castleton Losehill Hall only)

• clearing of invasive species

• building bug hotels

• pond clearance and maintenance (YHA Castleton Losehill Hall only)

• path maintenance

• interpretation

• litter pick and environment improvement

• climbing/abseiling/caving (YHA Castleton Losehill Hall and YHA Ravenstor only)

• shelter building (YHA Castleton Losehill Hall and YHA Ravenstor only)

• fire lighting (YHA Castleton Losehill Hall and YHA Ravenstor only)

• rock pooling (YHA Boggle Hole only)

• guided walks

• team challenges

• habitat studies (YHA Castleton Losehill Hall only)

• guest speakers

• Countryside Code workshop

Participants will learn practical conservation skills and will have the opportunity to complete elements of the John Muir award. 

Packed lunch is provided on the main day and day of departure.

Details of any specific project-based kit will be sent in advance if required.

As a guide, all participants should bring the following: 

• day bag (small rucksack) to carry items out on activities
• warm hat and gloves
• several old shirts or t-shirts
• 2 or 3 pairs of old trousers (possibly old tracksuit, not jeans)
• 2 or 3 jumpers or warm tops (2 thin ones are better than one thick one)
• warm and waterproof coat with hood and waterproof trousers
• old trainers for use on wet or muddy activities
• walking boots and ideally a pair wellies (especially for YHA Boggle Hole)
• shoes/trainers for use in the centre
• several pairs of socks, including a thick pair if you have them
• several changes of underwear
• pyjamas
• slightly smarter set of clothes for meals and wearing in the centre
• wash kit and towel
• suncream and insect repellant
• water bottle
• torch and spare battery (important for evening outdoor activities)

There is a strong possibility that participants will get wet and muddy during their stay, so new and expensive items of clothing are best left at home.

All medication should be handed into the group leader with a note stating what it is, what it is for and the method and frequency of use. Medication should not be left in the bunkrooms or around the centre.

All valuables should be kept with participants or handed in at reception. We encourage participants not to bring valuables with them and to keep pocket money to a reasonable level, in small denominations if possible.

Please refer to YHA accessibility statements for individual hostels.

Most, but not all, activities are suitable for all level of physical needs, however, this is hostel and activity dependent. Where possible we will do our best to alter activities or practices to make them as accessible as possible.

In terms of activities, none of the projects or grounds are likely to be suitable for participants with a physical requirement. We will endeavour as much as possible to offer bespoke opportunities.