FOR people born and bred in rural West Devon, to have no understanding of where milk comes from, or to never have seen farm animals in the flesh, seems unfathomable.

Yet for the children who spend a week at Nethercott House, that is very often the reality.

The beautiful Victorian property near Iddesleigh is one of three farms run by Farms for City Children, a charity set up by Michael and Clare Morpurgo that offers children from towns and cities a unique chance to live and work together on a real farm.

Many of the children who visit Nethercott live in some of Britain's most deprived urban areas, and have experienced great difficulties in their lives. Children lucky enough to stay at Nethercott House should not expect a sedate week's holiday away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

The property is a fully working traditional farm, and children who stay are fully involved in the day to day chores of farm life. Alongside their school teachers and a member of Nethercott House's farming team, children are woken up at 6am to take on any number of jobs, from mucking out stables and looking after farm animals, to tending to the vegetable garden.

They also learn rural crafts, collect eggs, see calves and lambs being born, and see a modern dairy in action.

The day is structured to mimic the traditional working life of a farmer to allow children hands-on experiences they may not get on a more modern farm. School manager Catherine Knight strives to ensure that the experience teaches children a multitude of lessons alongside learning about the countryside. Catherine said: 'We pride ourselves on letting the children do as much of it as possible.

'It is really great to be part of an empathetic and sympathetic organisation that works to teach children about a world they have often never experienced.

'It is vital to the way we operate that we treat them like equals, and allow them to ask questions openly and allow them to learn as much as possible in a welcoming way.

'Many of the children who come here have never been to the countryside before, or have never seen farm animals in the flesh.

'Some have no concept over things like where milk comes from, or how their food is made.

'A visit here gets them in touch with the cycle of food production, of feeding, and understanding the nature of farming life. It teaches children about any number of things, from learning about mammals, reproduction, food production, to simple things like where milk comes from.'

Catherine said some of the children who come to Nethercott House may not find school easy, and be the best academically.

'But then they come here, and they can be the best at identifying plants, or pushing a wheelbarrow, or helping muck out a stable — it all can really help build self-esteem.

'The children are part of a team here, there is so much of that. It is important to help fill the sessions with valuable skills.

'It is a holistic experience, and I like to think there is a visible difference in these children after a week here.

'It is a totally immersive experience, long enough to forget about the things going on at home.'

Besides the serious nature of running the farm, Nethercott House also opens up other new experiences to children. During their week's stay, none have access to television, mobile phones or video games.

'The open outdoor spaces and games allow the children to enjoy the freedom to do whatever they want,' said Catherine. 'Some have never known that open space, so they don't know what to do with themselves.

'But pretty quickly, they love it. The fresh air gives energy for adults and children alike, it makes them feel better.

'They get to play board games, table tennis, games outside.'

One of the schools to recently send a group of children to Nethercott House is Stillness Junior School, in South East London.

One of the children from Stillness Junior School was ten-year-old Tendo, who said: 'There are lots of animals here, and a lot less pollution. There are a lot less people and you can really hear the birds singing.

'Working with the farm animals is really fun. But I don't like the smell of poo!' David Batteson, a member of support staff at Stillness Junior School, has visited Nethercott House three times with different groups from the school, and has seen the benefits first hand.

'One of the great things about this place is seeing the streetwise kids here,' said David.

'At home, they will act tough or in a certain way. Then you get them here, and they turn into proper kids again.

'They play together, work together, and learn an awful lot in just a week. 'Teamwork is something they're very keen on here, and it shows.

'Of course, the kids love it because they are being away from home with some of their friends.

'They love being out of the school routine, and enjoying a no holds barred, amazing experience.'