By Matt Scorer

Y 11 Land Based and Environmental Science students from Hope Valley College have been helping out at Chatsworth House and Gardens. 

Teacher Steve Taylor said: "It is an essential part of the students studies that they get out there and see how people deploy the skills they are learning in the real world. The fact the students were keen and engaged in what they were doing made for a very enjoyable day."

The students helped to harvest damsons for use in the shop and kitchens, deadheaded flowers, fed plants in the greenhouse which are used for displays and helped to mix compost.

In addition to helping out with the gardening the students also received a guided tour of the greenhouses including the display greenhouse which is usually closed to the public.

Mr. Taylor added: "The students were really enthused by the day and were full of questions for the staff. Thanks to Ian Webster and his team the students learnt some valuable lessons which will help them with their studies."

Principal Bernie Hunter said: "Land Based and Environmental science has proved to be a very popular and successful option for students. Many of those on last year's course are now working as part time gardeners or studying at Reaseheath College which makes the fact we offer the course very satisfying. I'd like to thank Mr. Taylor for taking the trip and all the staff at Chatsworth for making it so enjoyable for our students."