Winner of The Firs, Community Project
RMS Student Design Selected for ‘The Firs’ Woodland Project
A local historic woodland is set to receive a vibrant upgrade, thanks to a creative collaboration between Robert May’s School, Odiham Parish Council, and the Odiham and Hook Rotary Club.
The Firs, a small, wooded enclave located on the outskirts of Odiham, serves as a prominent landmark on the daily commute for many families traveling to Robert May’s School from nearby RAF Odiham. While historically significant, the site had sadly fallen into neglect over recent years.
Now, backed by funding from Hart District Council, a joint restoration initiative by Odiham Parish Council and the local Rotary Club is breathing new life into the area. The project aims to significantly boost local biodiversity, improve community access, and establish a dedicated sensory space where visitors can pause, connect with nature, and support their mental wellbeing.
As part of the revitalisation effort, organisers set out to install two permanent information boards on the site. Turning to the Robert May’s School Student Council for insight, project leaders discovered that local youth were eager to learn more about the woodland's specific history, as well as the unique flora and fauna that thrive within it.
This feedback sparked a school-wide design competition, challenging students to create engaging, informative layouts for the upcoming signage.
Following a competitive round of submissions, Arthur D (9S) was crowned the overall winner for his exceptional concept. In recognition of his creative efforts, Arthur was awarded a £100 book token. The school also celebrated the outstanding work of runners-up Tabitha E-P (9P) and Pip L (9P), whose designs were highly commended by the judging panel.
The prize was presented at the school by Angela McFarlane, Chair of Odiham Parish Council, alongside Bryan Berry, Chair of the Odiham and Hook Rotary Club.
Robert May’s School extended its warmest thanks to both Odiham Parish Council and the Rotary Club for providing such a meaningful platform for student leadership and community impact. The entire school community looks forward to seeing Arthur’s winning designs officially unveiled at The Firs in the coming months.
