SIX Okehampton young people have just returned from a three-week trip of a lifetime in South Africa. The group were completing part of their Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award - and one of the tasks on the trip involved killing trees! But the work was all in the good cause of eradicating alien species and allowing natural vegetation to flourish. Three of the young people ? Charlotte Davey, Leah Bourne, and Stacey Sinclair ? were from the Okehampton Duke of Edinburgh Award Challenge Centre and the other three - Jonathan Stephens, Gavin Rice and Martin Jones.- are from Okehampton College. They are all aged between 18 and 21. The trip from July 30-August 20 counted towards the residential project and expedition section of the Duke of Edinburgh Award. Part of the expedition involved work at the ?The Joshua Project? in Jeffreys Bay, south west from Port Elizabeth in the eastern Cape of South Africa. The group worked with street children in community centres. Their tasks included DIY, cleaning and helping to rebuild the centre as well as assisting with food distribution at nearby locations. The group then moved to the mountains of the Baviaanskloof Wilderness Area where they slept in tepees and in caves while helping with the eradication of an aggressive alien invader species of tree called the Black Wattle. The plant was originally imported from Australia to help with the tanning process for leather. However the Wattle draws down the water table, kills off all the natural indigenous species and sucks rivers, streams and springs dry. Chris Bourne, organiser, said: ?It is an immense problem and the government are throwing millions of Rand at it. ?The group killed more than 100 trees by felling or ring barking, including 50 in one afternoon to mark the 50th anniversary of the Duke of Edinburgh award.? Gavin said the expedition had been quite frightening at times. ?Throughout the expedition there was a real threat from wild animals such as baboons, ostriches, snakes and leopards. Night fire vigils were maintained by each of us in turn to ensure that we were both seen, heard and smelt from afar. The terrain was harsh, unforgiving and at times totally impregnable,? he said. Gavin said the experience had given everyone the chance to understand the delicate structure of the echo system and appreciate how it could be possible to live in harmony with the environment. The youngsters also found some time for a fun activity ? taking part in the highest bungee jump in the world, the 216m drop at Bloukrans Bridge. The young people will be presented with their awards on Wednesday, September 13, in the Charter Hall, Okehampton, when they will also be sharing some of their experiences. The youngsters have also won praise from local politicians for their adventurous spirit. Devon County Council executive member for children?s services, Councillor John Smith, said: ?These young Devonians are a credit to their county and I hope their experiences stand them in good stead for their future choices in life.?
