Hampshire Scouts has launched its 100th Squirrels section for children aged four to six.

The Squirrels Scouts, formed in September 2021, aim to equip young children with essential life skills.

The 29th Southampton Scout Group, located in Portswood, is the first in the county to establish the 100th Squirrels 'Drey'.

This makes Hampshire the first county in the UK to reach this milestone.

READ MORE: Lions Club thanks community for summer events support

Squirrels from across Hampshire came together to celebrate the 29th Squirrels Scouts Section at Ferny Crofts (Image: Samuel Poole) The achievement was celebrated at Ferny Crofts Scout Activity Centre in Brockenhurst with a day of outdoor activities, including climbing, archery, and bushcraft.

Russell Andrews, lead volunteer at the 29th Southampton, said: "We are excited to open the 100th Squirrels Drey in Hampshire, and that cannot be repeated, which is quite a special moment.

"There are quite a few people keen to pop in and see what Squirrels is all about, which is lovely to see."

The 29th Southampton Scout Group offers a range of outdoor and indoor activities for its young members.

Russell added: "We deliver many outdoor and adventurous activities, as well as indoor team building and new skills sessions for our young people to enjoy, so there’s quite a bit of a buzz going around, which is good to see."

The Squirrels section has seen significant growth across the UK, with membership numbers rising from 3,348 in January 2022 to 16,691 in January 2024.

SEE MORE: Young Reporter Scheme continues to inspire young people

The Scouts attribute this growth to the increasing popularity of their youngest section.

Amanda Wallace, who leads on Squirrels Scouts for Hampshire, said: "It’s amazing to see the 29th Southampton Scout Group opening the 100th drey within Hampshire.

"It has been an absolute huge success, and I’m really proud that we have come to this."

Parents have also expressed their appreciation for the initiative.

Eva Moreno, whose daughter is part of the Scouts, said: "I think the work of Scouts is really exciting. The Scouts is much bigger than I thought, and I really think this is a great opportunity for my daughter to build her confidence.

"It is lovely to see the young people enjoying activities in nature and gaining skills, so I am very happy that my daughter is involved.

"I love the community feel here and hope in the future my son, who is very little, can be a part of that."