A group of asylum seekers has taken part in coppicing activities in the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) as part of a Farming in Protected Landscapes funded project.
This the second time the AONB has offered conservation activities for refugees and given them the opportunity to come together, and experience a “positive, welcoming experience in nature”.
This month, hedge-laying was planned but due to bad weather, the asylum seekers took part in a woodwork workshop hosted in the Harrogate and Nidderdale District Scouts activity centre, at Thornthwaite.
The group carved wooden spatulas and spoons and sharpened hedge stakes with help from tutors from the Leeds Coppice Workers.
All those who took part have fled violence, war and oppression in their home countries and are in the process of applying for refugee status.
Matt Trevelyan, farming in protected landscapes officer at Nidderdale AONB, said:
“Here in the UK, refugees suffer from acute anxiety about the complex asylum process. They worry about accommodation, money, education, access to legal advice. They fear detention, deportation, destitution and homelessness.
And there is a constant concern about loved ones left behind or missing. All this takes a heavy toll on their emotional and psychological wellbeing.”
Read More:
- Asylum seekers begin volunteering projects in Harrogate district
- A Nidderdale home at last for refugee family
Asylum seekers have no right to work in the UK, while applying for asylum. Research shows 61% of them experience serious mental distress.
To date, asylum seekers from Syria, Iran, Turkey and Sudan have taken part in the volunteering scheme.
A further four outings are planned to take place throughout the year, with activities including dry-stone walking and visits to working farms.
Matt said:
“It is such a pleasure to work alongside people from other cultures, on this occasion, Kurdish, Eritrean and Iraqi.
I’m hugely impressed by the beautiful manners of these men, who show such resilience, embracing the unknown, and facing new challenges with real joy.”
The Nidderdale Way Café provided hot food for the asylum seekers on the day.