Work on the site started in late winter 2012, with most of the following year spent clearing the area of fly-tipping which had accumulated after years of neglect. This work was done in partnership with the countryside rangers, Groundwork and community payback.
Funding was acquired from Rochdale’s clean and green, plus consistently generous support from our local councillors. Paths were created, seasonal scrapes/ponds, habitats and hibernaculums (all out of recycled materials, and ironically, some rescued from fly-tipping). We even had a baseline ecology report completed. More funding came our way via grants and so did the awards!
The Roch Valley Educational Partnership which consists of five local schools (Brimrod, Marland Hill, St Edwards, Castleton Primary Schools and Matthew Moss High School) still manage the site. Not only have school children enjoyed visiting, but lots of young adults, many with learning difficulties have received training through Groundwork.
Since 2014, the National Citizenship Service have had their own positive impact on Roch Valley. Scores of teenagers have created paths and cleared new areas. Last summer the Rochdale Field Naturalist Society recorded a fourfold increase in the number of wildflower species since the initial ecology report in 2013, showing the amazing success of our wildflower planting.