Birks

Grove is extremely fortunate to own a residential field and study centre in the beautiful Duddon Valley in the Lake District, called The Birks. The buildings were discovered in the 1970s by a local resident who had the foresight to realise the potential of what was at that time a disused and semi-derelict farmhouse and outbuildings owned by the Forestry Commission.

The school first leased the buildings and regular tutor group and subject visits started, but conditions were very basic.

In 1985 the Forestry Commission did not wish to renew the lease but gave the school a first option on purchase. Through a magnificent effort by the PTA and with great support from the community £40000 was raised to allow not only the purchase, but also the significant improvement of The Birks. Major developments have continued over the years

Andrew Hartley was Birks Coordinator for many years, and under him the buildings were largely double-glazed and centrally heated and are now probably unrecognisable to those who visited 20 or 30 years ago. The Birks is used extensively for Year 8 visits, which are principally to offer students the social experience of living together away from home and working together as a team and for study visits for a wide range of subjects.

However, it was always envisaged that The Birks would be an asset for the community as well as the school and weekends and holiday periods are fully booked by local groups and families a long way ahead.

 

The Birks is now managed by a sub-committee of the PTA, led by Steve Murphy.  They are currently undertaking a major review of the buildings and their use with a view to continuing development and improvement of the facilities.

Ask any past student of Grove what they remember most about their school years and there is a very good chance that they will say "The Birks"!

The Birks has its own website with information on booking and much more

The Birks website