Matthew Moss is branching out into the community

Princes Trust workers from Carillion. On the back row from the left, Roy Down, Carey Robinson, Declan Cahill and the rest of the team

Recently, work has taken place in Springfield Park to create a community tree nursery. The idea behind the project, is to create a place where primary schools and community groups can grow their own trees. The trees, after being nurtured and maintained can then be transplanted into school grounds and community areas.

Mr Down, who is the Environmental Technician at Matthew Moss, said: ‘’The original idea came after a conversation between Terry Costigan, who was the Countryside Ranger , and myself. We shared an idea of turning a disused part of the park, into something useful. Matthew Moss work with the Countryside Rangers on a regular basis, tree planting is always something we try to do with our students. So we both decided, why not grow our own trees?’’

The decision was made that Matthew Moss pupils would oversee the management of the tree nursery. We are going to invite local primary schools to come to the park and work on what is essentially a bio-diversity project.

Matthew Moss have receives ongoing guidance and help from Carey Robinson who is Rochdale Council’s Green Infrastructure Development Officer. Carey has helped link the project together with the Countryside Rangers. She has been a real supporter of the idea from the beginning, providing expertise and encouragement.

The idea of the tree nursery has the support of the Friends of Springfield Park, who welcomed community involvement in developing and improving a small part of the park. Mr Down said: ‘’The Friends of Springfield Park (FoSP) have made a massive impact on how the park looks, and they have a fantastic vision for the future. If we can help in a small way by developing this area, that is a real bonus. The school regularly meets with Mr David Logan from FoSP to keep everyone informed of developments.

The project has stopped and stumbled on a few occasions before being kick started again a few weeks ago. Mr Down said: ‘’Without the vital input from Carillion, we would not be where we are now.’’

Carillion provided machinery to clear the area in the first place. They also, through Declan Cahill, sent along some young people from the Princes Trust to help construct some raised planning beds. The Princes Trust workers had been spending time working with Carillion.

It is hoped by November the school will start planting in the raised beds, there is already lots of interest in the project. The school also has links with the Rochdale In Bloom Steering Group, who have identified lots of areas trees could be planted into.

Mr Down said: "We have tried to use recycled materials wherever possible, up to now, we have spent very little on the project. Making the tree nursery sustainable and eco-friendly.’’

Matthew Moss hopes it can encourage lots of young people to be involved. Making this a real community project.

"This project will not only benefit the Sudden and Castleton area, we hope to expand in future. Providing a resource for the whole of our boroughs schools and community groups.’’