Ten young people from a variety of backgrounds based in Barnstable, Bideford and Exeter have just returned home after experiencing a weekend of wilderness of Exmoor in their roles as Mosaic Young Champions. The event was organised by Mosaic (1) in partnership with Exmoor National Park Authority and the Youth Hostel Association (YHA) (2). Here they tell their story:
The Mosaic crew, after rowing past waves and dams, made it to the wooded island shores to set up camp and survive the freeze from the heat of the fires flames. Only the night before, the team had learned how to navigate ocean waters in accordance with the stars. Thankfully this time land was grounded with the gleaming sunlight overhead.
‘I REALLY ENJOYED THE RAFTING!’ screamed Sarah, an eager Mosaic participant. But really what thrilled her was witnessing the skilled, executed technique required to light the fire with the Swedish firelighter. Steven, 21, discovered his talent for downhill-mountain-biking and Ash, aged 19, ‘loved it’.
David resented his absence from the main event. Instead, the sweet ponies stole his heart and took him away from the action. PONIES PONIES PONIES!!! Georgie couldn’t retain her excitement upon reflecting on her day. She also advised other ponies to ensure their fur is not white in order to show their Exmoor heritage. Resting in the warm atmosphere of Minehead YHA, the group joked and told stories into the night.
And the final word is left to Steve: ‘A big thankyou to Minehead YHA, Exmoor National Park Authority and Mosaic for a great weekend. Mosaic supports 16 – 25 yr olds to experience what the Moors have to offer by overcoming the barriers that may impede their access to these great environments’.
Mosaic Project Officer, David Rolls: 07935 099 462
Or visit: www.mosaicnationalparks.org.uk
Notes to editors
1. Mosaic is a national project that aims to build sustainable links between young people, as well as ethnic minorities, and the National Parks. It is a partnership between the Campaign for National Parks, the Youth Hostels Association and the 9 organisations that run the National Parks in England: the Broads Authority, Dartmoor National Park Authority (NPA), Exmoor NPA, Lake District NPA, New Forest NPA, North York Moors NPA, Northumberland NPA, Peak District NPA and the Yorkshire Dales NPA. Mosaic is funded by Natural England through Access to Nature as a part of the Big Lottery Fund’s Changing Spaces programme. Access to Nature has provided £932,314 toward this £1.7 million project, with match funding from Nationwide Building Society, Defra and the partners themselves.
2. The Youth Hostels Association runs 222 accommodation sites across England and Wales, 87 of which are in a National Park, and provides over 2 million overnight stays for members and guests each year.
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