The summer of 2000 heralded the start of the OAKWOOD PROJECT at Rossendale Hall in order to give people with learning disabilities and special needs the chance to learn about land management, conservation, horticultural and animal welfare.

These people are encouraged to develop new skills in a way that is most enjoyable as well as being educational and practical.

Our gardening programme runs throughout the year, growing bedding plants for Rossendale gardens as well as the plants we sell.

The DIY programme also includes making bird feeders, wheelbarrows and plant tubs which are sold at local events.

As a result of the successful conservation work, our lake has attracted much wild life. We take our work very seriously to the extent that, we are now RSPCA Registered and approved to take vulnerable, at-risk swans and provide them with a safe environment until they are ready to fly away. The more we can develop the grounds at Rossendale, the more wildlife we will attract and so the residents learning potential will much improve.

In respect of the Oakwood Project there abide various animals which the residents help to look after. They are:
two Pigmy Goats - Milly & Billy, two South Asian pigs called Babe and Porky, as well as several rabbits and Guinea Pigs and a variety of birds including Cockatiels and Ring Neck Parakeet.

Our rabbits are handled every day and so have become very friendly, and they have a very therapeutic effect on the members of the project. At the moment the males and females have separate pens, but in the near future we will be breeding rabbits for sale. They would be very suitable for children as they will be continually handled from a young age.

A large part of our daily routine with the animals is walking the goats and the pigs!!

Most of our animals have been very kindly donated and come to a very welcoming home, and we are always on the look out for more!!

Overall the Oakwood Project is an unique adventure in such a residential community.

Oakwood always welcomes all who wish to visit. For more information please email Jason Blythe

 

To download a PDF of our current Oakwood Project leaflet please click on the following link: Oakwood Project Leaflet