Northern Roots continue to grow for Salford

The University is a core academic partner part of this exciting project that will see the creation of UK’s largest urban farm and eco-park in a green space located in Oldham, North Manchester. An academic team of Natural Environment experts have played an important role taking the project from concept stage to modelling. In addition to the research and knowledge provided towards the creation of this one-of-a-kind urban farm, invaluable opportunities have been created for its student community.

Emma Lawton, who has just completed her second year studying for a BA in Geography at the University, is one of the many students who has been able to gain practical experience at the project site whilst studying for her degree. As part of her consultancy module she applied for work-based learning at Northern Roots.

She said: “I was delighted to be chosen as a student Project Manager for Northern Roots and to be part of this high-profile urban farm programme. I was given the responsibility of managing a ‘live’ project looking at Beekeeping and its contribution to the local community.

“The work with Northern Roots has really helped my degree as it has given me valuable skills needed to go into consultancy, how to work to a very tight deadline, learning the importance of community work and how difficult it can be without the funding.”

Industry collaboration is core to the DNA of the University, with Northern Roots fast becoming a model example of making the most of such relationships. By providing students with real-life scenarios as part of their studies, learning is enhanced as well as employability improved.

Following her success at managing the project, Emma is now volunteering at Northern Roots for the summer leading woodland walks and trails, and has hopes of working for the organisation in the future. She added: “There was a lot of up and downs throughout the project and a lot of walls were hit but it showed me that with determination and the ability to adjust anything is possible.”

Emma starts her final year of study in September 2021 with plans to continue her studies with a Masters in Sustainability at the University of Salford.