Highgate Hill House School pupils get hands-on at National Trust site

Pupils at Highgate Hill House School near Holsworthy, an independent co-educational school for children aged 5 to 16 years with special educational needs, 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.

Head-teacher at Highgate Hill House School, Vicky Skelton, said: “The group made their first visit to Stowe Barton this week, 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, added: “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”.

For more information about Highgate Hill House School, please visit www.hhhschool.co.uk, email headteacher@hhhschool.co.uk or call 01288 341998.