Learning - Moor Pool History

Main menu:

Learning

Learning and Interpretation

If we don't understand our area then there is less likelyhood we will understand the need to conserve it. The attempt to impose substantial new development on Moor Pool by Grainger plc was a wake up call. Many residents discovered new aspects to the Estate and its history as we set about saving it. The lesson is that we need to continue to do that and ensure new residents have the opportunity to appeciate Moor Pools history and the benefits that it brings.

As part of the Heritage Lottery Fund grant the Moor Pool Heritage Trust have employed a part time education officer Rachel West who has put in train a variety of educational projects particularly involving schools. More information on these can be found out by contacting Rachel at the Moor Pool Hall 0121 426 2908.

We should not expect one person to carry the burden of learning and sharing about Moor Pools history. We can all help in some way and this website is an example. We can also learn from elsewhere.

A Museum for Moor Pool

The boiler room is of a similar size to this small museum in Swanage. The museum houses examples of local artifacts, people and events. Alternatively the stage changing rooms could be used. There is so much to tell about Moor Pool.

Interpretation Boards

As part of the transfer of the allotments agreed with Banner Homes an interpretation board was designed and installed in Winterbourne Lane.

Information boards provide facts, information and guidance to visitors and can increase their interest or enjoyment of a visit to the Estate by for example giving information on how it was founded, highlighting what features or wildlife to look out for, showing how the Estate has changed over time. Maps can show the arrangement of the Estate and the location of its numerous facilities.

Trees, Flora and Fauna

The information plates on the left gives information on the tree variety as well as how they came to be planted. The varietis of trees planted on Moor Pool is supposed to have been advised by the Botanical Gardens at Edgbaston. There are also links to Winterbourne with Gertrude Jeckyl the eminent garden designer. Many of these trees are now coming to the end of their natural life and an identification and tree replanting programme is needed. Over the years innapropriate species of trees have been planted by the local authority because the significance of the original planting programme has not been recognised. There is a maintenance cost to putting in new trees rather than replacements. It is important as trees are lost they are replaced and the vigilence of residents can be of great help in ensuring this happens.

The Moor Pool Heritage Trust have carried out a tree survey of the trees on the Trusts land which will identify works needed but inevitably trees that need to be removed.

Losing a tree doesn't have to be the end of its contribution. Trees cut down as part of the development in the Valley have been collected at the Builders Yard and are now contributing income to the Trust whilst the tree shown on the left has been carved into a feature and below it a large log sculpted into a bench. With a little imagination these valuable assets can continue to provide interest and benefit.