RNN Group Students Support Construction Projects at Valley Wildlife

Rotherham College Construction T Level students have supported Valley Wildlife with building a new learning environment and harvest mouse breed and release unit.

Rotherham College is part of the RNN Group (made up of campuses including North Notts College, Dearne Valley College and University Centre Rotherham (UCR)). A major component of the T Level qualification is an extensive work experience element – providing students with a real-life insight into the industry.

Valley Wildlife – a family-run zoo promoting conservation and inspiring a lifelong respect for animals, their needs and the natural environment – was delighted to provide this opportunity for the joinery students from RNN Group within a unique construction setting.

Education is the primary focus of Valley Wildlife’s collection, forming the foundation for all other activities undertaken; underpinning conservation efforts, research opportunities and facilitating a greater respect for the natural world in all our visitors.

New learning environment

The zoo welcomes over 6,000 students each year, educating children and adults in all areas of animal care and conservation.

The primary project of the T Levels students was to design, plan and construct a new learning environment to further expand our provision to include more SEND learners and Home Education groups. This new learning lodge will provide space for groups of up to 40 people.

Harvest mouse breed and release unit

Studies have suggested that harvest mice have undergone a rapid decline of 70% since the 1970s due to changes in farming practices across the UK.

The aim of the breeding unit is to build a captive population of harvest mice, then working with the Sheffield and Rotherham Wildlife Trust, release over 100 individuals per year in nature reserves throughout South Yorkshire. Such conservation efforts will not only boost local mouse populations but will subsequently enhance biodiversity within the region. 

Andrew Jonas of Valley Wildlife said,

“These builds provide RNN Group students with a fantastic opportunity to work with a client, design and budget for a project and gain experience in using a variety of joinery techniques, giving them the necessary skills required to progress in the industry.”

“We also have a number of future projects which we will be asking for RNN Group support with including two more units for a Butterfly and Breed and Release Hub and Water vole breed and release facilities.”

Studies show that invertebrates – including butterflies, bees, moths, and other pollinators – are facing alarming global declines and that more than 40% of insect species are in decline, with many threatened by habitat loss, pollution, pesticides, and climate change. These small creatures play a vital role in maintaining ecological balance, yet their decline has largely gone unnoticed compared to higher-profile animal species.

The decline of UK water voles is due to habitat loss and predation by the invasive American mink, leading to a 97% decline over the last 50 years and a 39% decrease in their overall range.

Future projects include the design and construction of a breeding and soft-release facility for UK water voles, with the aim of reintroducing this species into nature reserves throughout the region – with the first releases set for spring 2027, throughout Wildlife Trust sites.

Andrew added,

“Thank you to RNN Group for sponsoring the build of our learning space and conservation project hub. These projects are a result of the hard work and dedication of students studying joinery at the Rotherham Campus and we hope that this successful partnership will continue linking local species conservation and vocational education.”

Find out more about T Levels and our construction courses