In 1994 we were approached by Kate Glendinning from The Groundwork Trust to help with the reclamation of the old drift mine at Barras Hill near the school. They had decided to turn the barren site into an outdoor environmental classroom with carved work benches.

The objective was to restore the land and provide a teaching resource whilst encouraging wild-life into the area.

We have been host to a whole range of activities since the project started including sculpture days, seed planting and artist workshops.

Painter Marie Kirbyshaw worked with a group of children to create a banner for the school.

Sculptor Richard Caink carved work benches and a totem pole for the site.

.Class 3 by the Totem Pole.

A spiral, dry stone wall was also constructed in the centre.

Claire & Angela in the spiral maze.

There was also a grand opening which included a procession up to the site by the whole school and local residents, followed by some musical performances.

The site won an award which was presented during a ceremony at County Hall in Durham.

Sketching Autumn wildlife.

Each class studies Barras Hill as part of their geography work. This term Class 3 have been drawing maps, taking photographs, studying plants and sketching features from the site.