MOUNT House School a year ago launched its Environmental Initiative to reinforce in pupils the twin concepts of sustainability and stewardship that are so vital for the environment.

Mount House is believed to have been the first independent school in the country to make these themes an integral part of learning by making them a permanent part of a new Sustainable Design and Technology curriculum, and set aside a three-acre site in the grounds for the purpose.

Fruit trees are beginning to mature and bear fruit. Courgettes, peas, tomatoes, runner beans and chillies are being harvested from the vegetable gardens and the greenhouses, with winter vegetables expected to be ready for the children's Christmas dinner. There is a borehole in place for the water supply, and plans afoot to introduce solar micro-generators.

As well as pigs, there are four fully-grown turkeys, six turkey chicks, ducks and ducklings on the pond, countless chickens laying eggs and sheep grazing on the site.

During the year, the children have had a pair of alpacas, and two Dartmoor ponies to look after.

Crops from the kitchen garden, as well as the eggs and some of the livestock end up on the dining table via the school kitchens. In return, the vegetable oil from the kitchens is recycled and used to power the school's tractor.