SURVIVAL skills was the theme of the latest Wyre Forest Young Rangers event, set in Hurcott Pool and Woods Nature Reserve.

After being split into three teams - the Bubsters (Connor Allen, Elise Hinks, Hannah Blake and Charlie Bird), the Squad (Oliver Hill and Miles Tromans), and the Chederford Two (Alex Cheadle and Robert Harrison) - the youngsters were given some essential kit.

Armed with a piece of tarpaulin, approximately 15 metres of string and Rangers in charge of cutting devices, the teams were sent off into the surrounding woodland to find a suitable spot to set up camp.

Being scored out of ten for each task, it was imperative that each decision was made wisely.

The Bubsters' camp consisted of their tarpaulin hoisted between four trees, with each corner tied to a tree, while underneath they made a soft bed of leaves.

The shelter received good marks for its build and wind resistance, although it was let down by the rain test, owing to the large space between the roof and the ground.

The Squad's shelter was constructed more like an A-frame tent. All sides on the ground, weighted down with logs and stones, and the middle lifted up by string suspended in-between two trees. The result was a cosy covering completely from the effects of rain and wind.

The Chederford Two constructed a roof similar to that of the Bubsters, with their tarpaulin suspended between four trees.

However, by lifting the middle of the tarp with string to create an elevated middle, this allowed the rain to run off.

Once the accommodation was in place, the Young Rangers moved onto fires. Using tree resin, dry sticks, and just one match, the test was to see if they were able to light their fire without any assistance from the staff.

Unfortunately the Bubsters didn't do so well, and lost many points because they needed more and more matches to help them on their way. The Squad only needed a couple of matches to get their fire going.

However, the Chederford Two used a flint and sparking device to light their fire.

Using cotton wool as a substitute to the usual silver birch bark(as the tree was old and so not so easy to peel), the flint only took a couple of strikes before it lit.

The Rangers brought out billy-cans, beans and bread rolls, which the Young Rangers warmed and toasted on the well-made fires.