Someone in orange trousers and a blue top digging a large hole in the grass, a wheel barrow at the side of them

Cultivating Community 

20 July 2026

Land-based Students Help Transform Manvers Lake

Our Land-based students have been busy trading the classroom for the great outdoors, getting stuck into some vital work experience and community work down at Manvers Lake. 

Come rain or shine, these dedicated students have been working to ensure the local landmark remains a beautiful, welcoming space for everyone in the community. 

Two males wearing shorts and tee shirt using spades to dig at the side of a building
Someone sat on a small vehicle and two males stood at the side of them, on grass with trees in the background, clouds in the sky

Hard work in every weather 

The partnership between our College and Manvers Lake is more than just a collaboration; It’s a chance for our students to see the immediate, positive impact of their hard work. Over the past few weeks, the team has taken on a variety of essential maintenance and landscaping tasks:

  • Hedge Trimming: Precision work to keep the perimeters neat and tidy. 
  • Path Clearing: Ensuring the walking routes are safe and accessible for all visitors. 
  • Fence Painting: Giving the lakeside structures a fresh a vibrant look. 
  • Landscaping: General site improvements to enhance the natural beauty of the area. 
A group of males stood on a path next to a fence with houses behind it, one person holding a large brush
A male using a large hand saw to chop down a branch of a tree

No matter the weather – be it blazing sun or typical British drizzle – our students show up with incredible resilience and pride. Their dedication is unmatched; they all make their own way to Manvers Lake, including one student who walks for an hour just to attend! It’s amazing to see that hard work come full circle, as some of our students have gone on to secure jobs with Manvers, turning this course into a fantastic stepping stone for their future careers.  

We are incredibly fortunate to have a world-class facility like Manvers Lake right on our doorstep. It serves as a unique outdoor classroom where students don’t just hone their practical skills – they also build teamwork, communication, and customer-facing experience, all while learning the true value of volunteering and community stewardship.  

Five males stood around or digging a large hole in the grass, a vehicle parked next to them
Someone in orange trousers and a blue top digging a large hole in the grass, a wheel barrow at the side of them

By helping to keep the local lake presentable and clean, our students are playing a key role in ensuring the public can continue to enjoy this local gem. We look forward to continuing our strong relationship with Manvers Lake and watching our land-based students grow as they contribute to the world around them. 

Well done to everyone involved, your hard work is truly making a difference!

Find out more about Land-based Industries courses at Dearne Valley College.

Categories: News
tags: community work experience Manvers Lake land-based courses