Pupils get that forest Friday feeling

Pupils get that forest Friday feeling.

Two of Rochdale's primary schools are set to learn about the greener things in life with a trip to local woodlands.

Pupils from St Patrick’s RC Primary in Foxholes and Healey Primary School are taking part in activities at Healey Dell nature reserve this Friday (26 September) as part of Forest Stewardship Council’s ‘Certification Friday’.

Forest certification is awarded as a mark of good management of trees and woodland, which ensures their long term sustainability for biodiversity and recreation.

In 2005 Rochdale was the first local authority within Greater Manchester, and only the second in the North West, to achieve certification of woodlands within the council's ownership and management.

Currently 14 woodland areas are certified, including the popular woodlands at Healey Dell, Alkrington Woods and Hopwood Woods.

Councillor Wera Hobhouse, Cabinet Member for Environment and Sustainability said: “FSC certification is a great endorsement of our work and care of woodlands in the borough. We work hard to create stunning landscapes, which balance the needs of wildlife and the people who enjoy visiting them. Our beautiful woodlands are an important part of the landscape and provide a critically important ecosystem service and wildlife habitat.”

Friday 26 September is also the final day of Local Environmental Action Fortnight (LEAF) co-ordinated by Rochdale Council. Joint activities between LEAF and FSC on trees and woodlands have been planned for the two schools with the children undertaking some practical work on woodland management. They will also get the chance to learn about the woodland site, its history and the trees and woods themselves and how they can be managed and maintained for future generations.

Other similar activities are also taking place on Friday throughout the North West. FSC are hoping to attend the sessions, as a part of a promotional film which they are making on forest certification.