BEAVERS from Cuddington and Sandiway enjoyed a pizza the action during their overnight stay at Forest Camp thanks to the Saltscape Landscape Partnership.

The group munched their way through the first 12 pizzas ever to be cooked in the new cob ovens on the site, run by the Scouts Association, at Oakmere near Sandiway.

The ovens were built by volunteers earlier this year as part of Saltscape’s programme of heritage skills courses.

Saul Burton, Saltscape Project Officer said: “We needed a large amount of clay sub-soil to make the ovens traditionally.

“In a lovely twist, we found it courtesy of Eddie Saunt from AE Yeates Civil Engineers and Tunnelling Contractors, who were working on the roadworks at Chesterway in Northwich at the time.”

The soil was delivered, free of charge, and then ‘trodden’ by volunteers in bare feet to create the correct consistency for building the ovens Several weeks later, when fully dried out, the ovens were ready for firing.

Saul said: “It’s been great to be part of a project which has generated such a lot of interest and excitement.

“No two cob ovens are alike. You don’t quite know how it’s going to turn out until you first fire it.

“There are lots of variables involved in using natural materials – in this case, the very ground beneath our feet!

“A few cracks sometimes appear, but they can easily be patched. We hope the ovens will be here for many years to feed visitors to Forest Camp!”

Liam Watson, Lead Outdoor Instructor for Cheshire Scout Campsites said: “There is a real excitement and buzz around this fantastic addition to the site, with numerous groups working with young people already expressing an interest in using the ovens as an activity when they visit.

“We would like to thank the Saltscape team and volunteers for all their hard work."

To find out more about the range of walks, talks and workshops phone Saltscape on 01606 723 160 or visit www.saltscape.co.uk.