SCHOOL children and volunteers have been learning the art of garden design at the Scampston Walled Garden.

Primary school pupils from West Heslerton, Settrington and Rillington all worked hard to come up fresh design for the country house's flower beds - and each were set the challenge of including 250 tulip and daffodil bulbs in five different colours in their plans, before one design from each group was chosen to take shape in the gardens.

A fourth bed was planted by volunteers from Camp Hill Village Trust's The Croft.

Heritage and Learning Officer Paul Mosley said: “It’s been a fantastic opportunity for the schools and local groups to get involved in the gardens. The tulip beds should be in flower next spring, for the children and all visitors to the gardens to enjoy.”

The educational and volunteer visits to Scampston are part of the £1 million Heritage Lottery Fund supported restoration project to save the Victorian Conservatory at Scampston Walled Garden from collapse.

Next year, their are more plans for the conservatory and other buildings to be put to use for heritage and education activities.

For further information on the Scampston Conservatory project, contact Paul on 01944 759111 or go to http://scampston-conservatory.blogspot.co.uk