People of Moor Pool: Rachel West

July 1, 2025
8:11 am

As part of our 10th anniversary celebrations, we’re featuring ten ‘People of Moor Pool’.

Rachel West was our first Education Project Officer and, although she no longer works for MPHT, she’s still a committed volunteer and walking tour host. We caught up with her recently and asked her a few questions:

How long have you been involved with MPHT?

I wasn’t aware of Moor Pool at all until 2015 when I saw the role of Education Project Officer advertised. The job description which combined community, green spaces, heritage and education seemed like the perfect job, but I still hadn’t visited the site by the time I submitted my application. A couple of days after sending in my application, I visited the estate for the first time for their September Heritage Festival and was blown away by the people and the place. I was lucky enough to be appointed as Education Project Officer and began my life at Moor Pool in December 2015.

What do you think makes Moor Pool such a special place?

I think that the ideas around Garden Cities lie at the foundation of the amazing community of Moor Pool. Because the infrastructure of the estate supports bringing the community together, this has – over a long period of time – created cohesive community groups within the estate contributing to a dynamic and caring feeling around the place. The people in Moor Pool are also wonderful, and this also contributes to the wonderful feeling as soon as you enter!

What is your favourite Moor Pool memory?

There are so many great memories, even over the relatively short period of time I have been involved with Moor Pool. I really loved the transformation of the community allotment, which went from a completely derelict and overgrown space to a lovely green space regularly used by a group of growers. I remember one of our brilliant work experience students – David Tucker – helping me to clear the brambles over the course of a few afternoons. What this has led onto through Justine’s work at the Carless Ecology Centre is brilliant to see! I also love the memory of sitting downstairs in the office and hearing the piano being played to accompany the ladies keep fit on a Thursday afternoon!

What is your favourite spot on the Estate?

I love the Orchard, where we led Forest School sessions, and many happy hours have been spent there. I also love the view of the pool from the bowling green – just perfect!

What did it mean to you to save the community spaces in 2014?

I can’t claim any involvement in the saving of the community spaces, as I only came on board a year later, but having been involved with Moor Pool for nearly 10 years, I can say that these community spaces were certainly well worth saving!

Is there anything you’d like to see happen on the Estate over the next 10 years?

I would love to see some capital funding which would support the redevelopment of the Builders Yard as a dedicated indoor education space. The work on the outside has been amazing with the raised beds and greenhouse, but having an indoor space would provide even more opportunities for formal and informal learning!

People of Moor Pool: Rachel West

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