Members of Denbighshire County Council’s human resources department had to cook their own lunch in woods near Ruthin when they swapped staffing issues for sticks as part of a team building exercise.
Office staff lit their own fires and cooked a meal when they were set a series of outdoor challenges by Forestry Commission Wales in Coed Rhyd-y-Gaseg woods.
Working with the FC Wales Woodlands for Learning (WfL) team, the HR members took part in den building exercises and split into small groups to play games designed to build team spirit.
The also learned how to identify different trees, held woodland management discussions whilst exploring the wood and made woodland craft items from natural materials found in the fenced-off site, which is used by the WfL team for educational activities with local schools.
Carolyn Threlfall, FC Wales Education Officer, said, “The HR staff had not worked with us before and had never taken on this type of event – and especially not outdoors in winter.
“They were all office staff more used to paper and computers than trees and dens but woodlands provide a stimulating outdoor learning environment for everyone and they all seemed to enjoy the days.”
The challenges were all based on Forest School style activities which the WfL team runs regularly throughout the county as part of its woodland education programme.
Linda Atkin, Head of Denbighshire Council’s HR team, said, “It was a wonderful opportunity to develop the team relationship at a time of great change within the service.
“I have never before had to light my own fire and cook my own lunch on a workday. It was a unique experience.”
