Roch Valley Forest Schools Area

Matthew Moss year 8 who are developing the site on Roch Valley Way into a Forest Schools Area

Matthew Moss year 8 ‘My World’ class are developing a site on Roch Valley Way into a Forest Schools Area.

The whole class was split into small groups and we had to brainstorm ideas to make the site more appealing. We have had several visits to the site in the planning stages.
The last time we went there with Mr Sharkey we started to clear one of the areas by clearing trees and using them to make a hedge.

The last time we went with our other My World teacher Mrs Fletcher, we met one of the experts called Steven. Steven is involved with the Lancashire Wildlife Trust and he showed us lots of handy tips about what he and his fellow Rangers do in forest areas. We are also grateful for the support of the Countryside Ranger Service, especially Bob, and Groundwork’s Rochdale/Oldham.

Some groups are developing bird boxes and insect habitats, while other are looking at steps, pathways and outdoor seating areas. Another group is researching types of shelter while two groups are liaising with Primary Schools.

The final group are developing flower beds and hopefully a vegetable garden. Everyone in my class thinks this is a good project because people passing by the site in the past were put off by the horrible smell and the unattractive rubbish there.

If we can get the site tidied up and looking colourful, the public would be intrigued and Primary Schools would visit to use it as a Forest School; basically an outdoor learning area.

We are planning to design and make an information board near the entrance so people can find their way around and understand more about the site. There will be a car park to avoid parking on a busy road. We hope to enter the site into the “North West in Bloom” competition later this year to get critique from experts.

Hopefully this project will be developed further by other classes in the coming years. 

By Mariam Khan

Year 8, Matthew Moss High School