The Big Help Out – June 2026
The Big Help Out: Making a Difference in Our Community
On Saturday 7th June, Scouts from across the UK took part in The Big Help Out, a national initiative encouraging people to volunteer in their local communities and make a positive difference. Here at XRE, all our sections rolled up their sleeves and got involved in a range of projects designed to improve and care for the local environment.
Cubs Make Their Mark at Plum Lane Community Orchard
Our Cubs put in a fantastic shift at Plum Lane Community Orchard, where they are working towards their Community Impact Badge. Having chosen the orchard as a long-term community project, the Cubs were eager to get started.
Earlier in the week, they had made wildflower seed bombs, which they scattered around the orchard during the morning. We look forward to seeing a colourful display of wildflowers blooming along the hedgerow in the months ahead.
The Cubs also tackled a variety of practical tasks, including pruning trees, cutting back brambles, litter picking, watering young trees and weeding around the benches. Their enthusiasm and hard work made a real difference to this valuable community space.
A huge thank you goes to Tamasin Rhymes for supporting the project and giving the Cubs the opportunity to play an active role in caring for the orchard.
Squirrels Grow Community Spirit
The Squirrels had an equally successful morning. As part of their badge work this term, they have been learning about their local area, discussing what they like about where they live and exploring ways they can help their community.
For The Big Help Out, the Squirrels planted sunflowers and pumpkin seeds in the garden at Shrewsbury House. There was wonderful teamwork throughout the activity, and every Squirrel should be incredibly proud of their contribution.
Special thanks to Steve for helping and supporting the Squirrels during the morning.
Beavers Bring Nature to Life at Eaglesfield Park
The Beavers spent the morning at Eaglesfield Park helping to make the local environment even more welcoming for wildlife and visitors alike. They planted wildflower and grass seeds, contributing to future habitats for pollinators and adding colour to the park for everyone to enjoy.
The Beavers approached the task with great enthusiasm, learning about the importance of caring for green spaces while making a lasting contribution to their local community. Their hard work will continue to benefit the park long after the day itself, and they should be very proud of what they achieved.
Scouts Take on Practical Conservation Work
Our Scout section tackled some of the more hands-on conservation tasks of the day at Woodlands Farm. Working together, they took on pigsty painting and ditch-clearing projects, helping to maintain and improve this important local community space.
The Scouts demonstrated fantastic teamwork, resilience and a willingness to get stuck in. Whether wielding paintbrushes or clearing vegetation, they showed exactly what The Big Help Out is all about: giving time and energy to support the places and people around us.
Their efforts made a real difference and were a great example of Scouting values in action.
A Well-Earned Picnic
After a busy morning of volunteering, the Squirrels, Beavers, Cubs and Scouts came together at Eaglesfield Park for our Big Picnic. Members enjoyed lunch together and, of course, Spencer’s much-appreciated cakes proved to be a highlight of the day!
The event also featured our Best Sandwich Competition, with Young Leaders judging the most creative entries.
Proud to Help Out
The Big Help Out was a wonderful reminder of the positive impact young people can have when they work together. Whether planting seeds, caring for community spaces, litter picking or helping local wildlife, every section played its part.
A huge well done to all our members, volunteers and leaders who contributed to such a successful day. You should all be incredibly proud of the difference you made.
