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 is the current Birks Coordinator, and under him
the buildings have been 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.
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"!
For more information about The Birks (including
bookings)
