The Scouts ambitions to create the complex are a step nearer to being realised thanks to the help of Community Offenders working as part of the local Community Payback Scheme.  When completed the caving complex, constructed from concrete drainage pipes provided by Hanson PLC, will provide 500m of tunnels and chambers offering a new challenging activity to the thousands of Young People who visit Buddens every year. 

The Scout Association offers a wide range of adventurous, fun and challenging activities, helping Young People to develop personal skills which will benefit them throughout their lives.  Peter Duncan commented that “this project is a prime example of how Scouting works alongside other organisations to promote schemes which benefit the community as a whole”.

Above right - Peter inscribes his

name into the cement

Working in partnership with Dorset Scouts, and operated by the National Probation Service, the Community Payback Scheme allows parties of supervised Community Offenders to use existing skills, as well as learning new ones and gaining nationally recognised qualifications, whilst paying off their Community Offence sentences.  Mervyn Harris from the NPS stated that “the aim of the scheme is to lower re-offending rates by providing an alternative to short-term prison sentences”.

It is hoped that the caving complex will be completed in time for the 2009 season when the challenges it offers can be enjoyed by Scouts and other Youth Organisations.

Article text by Jackie Harris,

Photos by Alex Holt

Video by Gary Hepburn