Meet Kate

‘’It was ambitious. That’s the thing that blew my mind. You always see these projects, but they’re never where you live. Or you’ll be on holiday and see something and think ‘this is amazing’, but you never image it could actually be on your doorstep.’’ Kate, Project Support Officer

I was attracted to Northern Roots through a friend. I’d never even heard about it and then when I found out about it, I was quite annoyed that I didn’t know about it sooner!

I worked in education at the Peak District National Park, was a Countryside Ranger at Dovestones and I qualified as a Forest School Leader in 2020, and had been working in a primary school ever since. I loved how the kids were always so enthusiastic and excited to be outside and exploring. I also had 20 years of experience in admin prior to down the more environmental route.

I was looking for the next step in my career, but also wanted to use my forest school skills at the same time. And when my friend sent me a link to Northern Roots, I was just flabbergasted. Everything I read was everything that I valued and believed in.

In that moment I thought ‘I’m volunteering here’, but then I saw the Project Support Officer role as part of the National Lottery Heritage Funded heritage project. I applied and luckily I was successful! It was meant to be. Serendipity.

As the Project Support Officer, I do lots of essential office based work for the heritage project. It’s been nice to bring my organisational skills and re-use them, because I had forgotten them for a while.

I didn’t really know a lot about the heritage of Oldham, even though I’m a born and bred Oldhamer. But since working on the heritage project, I’ve been learning about the mills and Strawberry Gardens. The Northern Roots site was such a different place 100 – even 50 years ago! It’s been really interesting to learn more.

I’ve also been lucky to have the opportunity to use my forest school skills during the 2025 What’s On programme, and bring in some nature and heritage based crafts. Having the freedom to be creative and run activities for local children has been fantastic, and I’ve been able to organically expand my role.

‘’What’s special about Northern Roots is the community, and that it’s a space for everyone to come together and connect with nature.’’ Kate, Project Support Officer

You can visit Northern Roots for a walk around and already you’re connecting with nature, you’re doing something really good for you mental health.

When the Visitor Centre opens it won’t just be a place to have a brew and then go, even though that’s lovely at times. It will have such a wide, inclusive offer from sports, art and culture, learning about heritage, and education.

The potential at Northern Roots is immense to get everyone involved, young and old. It’s a fantastic charity and place to visit!

This role has been made possible thanks to funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.