Wildlife Warriors

Posted at 12:14 pm on 7th January, 2020

Exploring Carrington Moss

Wellacre’s Wildlife Warriors visited Carrington Moss at the end of term as part of their Co-Curricular club. 

The students, in Years 7 to 10, have spent the past few weeks researching the importance of the Moss as a home to thousands of animal, insect and plant species, some of which are endangered.  

They also learnt about the importance of the Moss for the community’s health and wellbeing, as the land area is made up of carbon capturing peat, which absorbs more carbon than trees, so is essential to improving air quality in the local area.

As well as undertaking research in their P6 lessons, they have also welcomed Marj Powner, Chairperson of the Friends of Carrington Moss, to hear more about the group.

Mrs Eagling, Teacher of Maths, said:

“The Wildlife Warriors have enjoyed discovering the breadth of wildlife in their local area, learning more about their habitat and the history of Carrington Moss. 

“Through their research and visit to the Moss, they have discovered the importance of the area to both the community and to nature, as a site of biological importance and as a home to endangered species.”  

The Friends of Carrington Moss was established to act as a voice for local residents and users of Carrington Moss on all matters relating to, and/or impacting the area. Marj Powner and David Rome, Greenspace Project Co-ordinator from Amey, welcomed Wellacre students on their visit to Carrington Moss and acted as their guides. 

Whilst exploring the Moss, students learnt about the diversity of the Moss from agricultural land to woodland to protected areas of biological importance, and also came across some interesting plants and fungi, such as the Digitalis (foxglove), which is a poisonous plant used in medicine to regulate the heart and the giant polypore fungus, which grows on beech trees and eats the tree from the inside out.

Students saw an abundance of activity, from birds, including robins and sparrows, to a pair of buzzards and a sparrow hawk.   They also saw local farmers busy harvesting carrots across the Moss in time for Christmas. 

Year 9 student Ian said: 

“I was amazed at all the types of plants, including all the poisonous plants as well! I didn’t expect to see the farmers out working at this time of year!”

Year 7 Luca said:

“I did not realise how big Carrington Moss was!”

Year 8 Riley added: 

“I was really impressed with how knowledgeable David Rome was and found him very interesting.”

Wellacre will be working alongside the Friends of Carrington Moss in the future and will be providing an opportunity for students to voice their thoughts and concerns about the future of the Moss at an upcoming community workshop.” 

Marj Powner, Chairperson of the Friends of Carrington Moss, said:

"It has been a delight to work with the boys from Wellacre; they have quickly recognised the issues we are facing in relation to their future, and that of the wildlife and birds which have made Carrington Moss their breeding and feeding grounds.  Air quality, the climate emergency and the lack of social housing are key concerns, which are high on the agenda of most young people today and we hope to continue to raise awareness about the impact of the plans on the ecology and biodiversity of the Moss through our work with schools in Trafford."