Week 1 on project sites

Firstly, a big thank you to everyone who has left comments on the blog – we’re delighted it’s being read! We will try to make sure your messages are seen by all Alpha Groups at changeover (the mad couple of days between phases when everyone swaps projects).

It’s already a week since Phase 1 began, and Raleigh participants and staff have been getting stuck into their projects. As you may have gathered by now, the weather in Sabah has been pretty rainy and so for most groups getting their campsites shipshape has been a priority. Here’s a quick rundown of what each of the Alpha Groups has been up to:

In the village of Tampasak, ALPHA 1 have made fast work of completing the foundations of the Kindergarten, and have started on the stilts that will support the structure. They have set up a luxurious campsite with kitchen, dining area, a “snazzy” long-drop (their words – we are all intrigued!), a washing area and hammocks. They have also been busy learning Malay and giving English lessons in the community.

Meanwhile, down in Batu Puteh, ALPHA 2 have been making good progress despite the heavy rain. They have made repairs to improve their camp site on the shores of the Kinabatangan River, set up a system for collecting fresh water, and visited the eco lodge where they will be working on the construction site. They have also been working with the local community to plant trees in areas affected by fire or deforestation. On a day off, they visited the local caves famous for the birds' nests much prized in Chinese cuisine – and stepped in lots of bat droppings!

In Imbak Canyon, ALPHA 3 have been getting back to nature, including plenty of close encounters with bats, bugs and the odd leech. Work was hampered at first by high water levels in the river, but they are now able to get to their construction site (which we are pleased to announce has been declared a leech-free zone!) They have been on a trek with the local rangers and are hoping to do a night-time trek in the next few days, to spot nocturnal wildlife.

ALPHA 4 are settling into life in Danum Valley Conservation Area and have already spotted tons of wildlife, including orang-utans, flying squirrels and snakes! They’re also well on the way to earning a reputation as the Alpha Group party animals, having already organised not just one but two parties: Valentine’s Day fancy dress and limbo, and an American theme night complete with burgers and card games. They have made repairs to their campsite, played football with the rangers (Raleigh lost!), met the scientists at the Field Centre, and are helping to clear an orchid trail in the forest.

ALPHA 5 made the most of a slight delay in the start of their trek (while Field Base rushed some replacement bits of radio kit down to Long Pa Sia) and organised a disco and a feast to celebrate Carolyn’s birthday. Since then, the group have been getting stuck into their trekking and fine-tuning their jungle skills as they set up a new camp each afternoon.

Finally, after a somewhat damp and blustery week on the island of Mamutik, ALPHA 6 have completed their PADI scuba diving qualifications and have now just headed down to Long Pa Sia to commence their 12-day trek (separate from Alpha 5 but in the same area). They too were keen to join in the Valentine’s Day celebrations last week, staging Alpha 6 Blind Date hosted by Cilla Black aka Andrew. We look forward to seeing the photos!

Tomorrow, what’s known in Raleigh speak as The Loop will be heading out from Kota Kinabalu. The Loop is basically a Landrover full of Field Base staff and lots of kit, which travels (in a sort of loop-type shape) around Sabah in the middle of each phase. The Loop aims to visit all the static sites (i.e. Alphas 1–4) bringing supplies, picking up and dropping off any staff who need to move sites, and generally checking in with the projects.

Your fearless blog correspondent will be braving car sickness and Ed's Bryan Adams albums, to travel in the Loop vehicle and bring you live news (and hopefully some photos) direct from the Alpha Groups. So please look out for further updates here in around a week’s time…