PUPILS at Highgate Hill House School, in Whitstone, are about to embark on an exciting restoration project at Stowe Barton farm in Kilkhampton.

Owned by the National Trust, Stowe Barton comprises a range of stone buildings around a large courtyard, including a seven-bedroom farmhouse, and is situated in 537 acres of farmland.

The pupils have been tasked with helping to reinstate a sunken garden and pond, which adjoined the mansion house, before it was demolished.

Together with practical skills teacher Ollie Norton the pupils will make weekly visits to the site alongside lead ranger Jeff Cherrington.

Headteacher Vicky Skelton said: “The group made their first visit to Stowe Barton [recently], and have started cutting back the brambles to clear the garden.

“They are very excited to get stuck in, and see how all of their hard work pays off.”

Founder and school director Sir Peter Birkett said: “I’d like to thank Jeff Cherrington and the National Trust for allowing our pupils to be involved with this project.

“It’s extra-curricular activities like this that make Highgate Hill House School so special. Being able to apply the skills they’ve learnt at school in such a worthwhile way is an experience that we simply can’t put a value on.”

Highgate Hill House School is an independent coeducational school for children aged five to 16 years with special educational needs.

For more information about Highgate Hill House School visit the website www.hhhschool.co.uk or email [email protected] or call 01288 341998.