Winners’ woodland is ‘tree-mendous’ spot for Sea Scouts
When Ted and Marilyn Newton won a £7.9Million Lotto jackpot in July 2009 they bought 15.5 acres of woodland as a place to walk their beloved dog Poppy. Since then, the generous couple have begun sharing their green space with members of the local community and a Sea Scouts group from one of Kent’s most deprived areas.
Ted said, “When the Scouts are here you can hear the laughter ringing through the trees. It seems to get louder over the course of the camp as they gain confidence. We also invite the local school down, the village crèche visit and people walk their dogs here. We love nothing more than seeing the woods come alive.”
Ted and Marilyn began hosting events for Sea Scouts when their son, a Scout leader, pointed out that their woodland would make a great place for a camp.
Ted said, “Our son leads a Sea Scout group which is based in an area of Dartford with high levels of deprivation. With money tight for so many families it can often be hard for the Sea Scouts to fund camping trips away, meaning the children sometimes miss out on gaining essential skills, unique team building opportunities and, importantly, a chance to engage with nature.
Steve said the woodland gives the Sea Scouts a safe place to run free and challenge themselves. He added, “It never fails to amaze me when some of the young children, who maybe haven’t been in this sort of natural environment before, tentatively start to explore. They may start nervously but quickly grow in confidence and are so much more relaxed.
“Being able to return time after time and to take part in lots of different activities, from Duke of Edinburgh hikes to visiting the Battle of Britian memorial, is a fantastic opportunity.”
Older teenagers from the Sea Scouts group regularly use the woods to learn skills such as building a fire, cooking over coals, and clearing a campground using axes or saws.
Steve said, “Everything we do here is to help these young people have fun, encouraging them to work together as a team and to engage with the natural world.”
For Ted and Marilyn, nothing beats the sight of the Sea Scouts setting up a camp. Ted said, “Of all the things we have been able to enjoy since that incredible win, creating this wooded wonderland must be our greatest joy
27th February 2025
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