Connecting Local Schools with the Medlock Valley

The Medlock Valley Species Survival Project is not just about protecting habitats, it’s about building lasting connections between local communities and the natural world on their doorstep, with a focus on children and young people. That’s why our team have been working with local schools, whose pupils often live within walking distance of the Medlock Valley, hosting activities which create a deeper appreciation and connection with nature.

So far, the project has partnered with five primary and secondary schools, helping students to engage with the Medlock Valley in creative and meaningful ways. Here’s a few of the activities which have taken place so far:

Cannon Burrows Primary School, Ashton

With direct access from the school grounds to a brook in the Medlock Valley, Cannon Burrows was an obvious partner to engage with on the restoration project. However, their outdoor space had become incredibly overgrown and was now inaccessible, limiting its use for pupils.

The Groundwork team helped organise a clean-up event in November 2024, working with a corporate partner, Razor Blue. More than 10 volunteers worked with our Urban Rangers to clear the area of overgrowth, making it a safe space where pupils could learn and play.

Outcomes:

The school now regularly use their outdoor space in the river valley for forest school activities.
Maintenance of the space is now manageable by the school.
The enhancements improve pupils’ access to nature and help embed the importance of environmental care into daily school life.

Lorris Ryecroft Secondary School

In May 2025 we’ll be working with over 100 year 7 geography students at Lorris Ryecroft school. This full day of activity in the Medlock Valley has been designed in partnership with teaching staff so that the sessions link in with the national curriculum. Sessions will cover:

River history and mapping
Flooding and water quality testing
Field-based geography learning in a real-world context

By bringing students into the valley, the project aims to create long-term guardians for local nature, building pride and responsibility in the landscape they call home.

Come back soon to find out more about this partnership!

Propps Hall Primary School

Groundwork’s Community Engagement Lead, Fran began working with Propps Hall after arranging a guided visit to the river, providing students with the chance to take part in water testing and learn more about the species who lived there.

She was then invited to an upcoming Careers Fair at the school, where she shared insights about careers in the environmental sector to pupils in years 4 and 5.

Upon returning to the school for the Careers Fair, Fran met with a girl who had joined her on the guided walk a few weeks back who commented:

“I’d never been there [Medlock Valley] before, but now I take my dog there with my family all the time.”

A great example of how engaging with young people can have a ripple effect within the wider community.

Poster Competition: Celebrating Nature Through Art

In spring 2025 we invited students from Rushcroft Primary, Heywon Zion, Propps Hall, and a local nursery to take part in a poster competition themed around “Your Favourite Thing in Nature.”

Over 130 entries were received, with some fantastic depictions which included nesting blue tits, baby spring animals, bees and butterflies and flower-filled meadows.

The diversity of entries showcased the appreciation and the emotional connection young people have with the natural world, reinforced the idea that children not only notice nature – they value it deeply.

This project has been made possible thanks to funding from the UK Government’s Species Survival Fund.