The Fragile Earth project, set up by Andrew Shaw, sees youngsters given lessons in basic bushcraft and survival skills.

The project is run alongside other community projects in Parnwell and has been supported by the Young Lives charity, which offers support to teenagers and their parents and carers.

Youngsters involved in the Parnwell Community Crew, run by Young Lives, have already taken part in the outdoors lessons and it is hoped that more sessions will follow.

Mr Shaw said financial help was needed to cover the cost of an outdoor shelter so sessions can take place in the winter.

He said: “We need a new heated teepee or yurt to hold outdoor lessons in the winter.

“The classes have been very popular, but we need a shelter for an outdoor classroom now.

“In the classes we look at basic survival techniques, such as what plants you can and can’t eat that grow in the wild in Britain and how to make useful tools such as string or shelters from the environment around you.

“The youngsters are also taught to have respect for the environment and also for other people.

“It has been great to offer something back for the younger children.”

To raise money, Mr Shaw is taking part in a sponsored fire walk next month, but is also offering businesses the chance to sponsor the shelter itself.

He said: “Anyone who wants to help this project can get involved, and we will put their logo on the shelter if they are willing to sponsor us.”

Last week Young Lives launched another new scheme to encourage teenagers to try new activities, such as DJing, street dancing and film making.

The scheme, run at the Parnwell Community Centre, will continue until March next year.

Lisa Masters, a project co-ordinator at Young Lives, said she hoped the urban project would enable youngsters in the area express their opinions and passions through the activities on offer.

Lisa said: “We hope that we will be able to offer the young people of Parnwell something new to try, something that reflects what they tell us they want to do, not what we think they will like.”

nAnyone who can help Mr Shaw can visit www.fragilearth.co.uk or call 07817 679174.