PUPILS from Toft Monks spent the day out on the farm rather than in the classroom recently when they received a lesson about sustainable energy at nearby Clinks Care Farm.

As the school looks to ramp up its green credentials, the pupils from Glebeland Community Primary paid a visit to the unique farm to understands the importance of engaging with their environment

Gareth Moore of wind energy company Windcrop, gave an interactive presentation to the 23 nine and ten-year-old pupils who attended.

The talk covered the history of energy, where it comes from and how it is used. The group was also given a lesson in how renewable energy, especially wind power, could be used to replace fossil fuels and protect the environment for the future.

Mr Moore said: 'We got the children really involved in the story about renewable energy. For instance, we compared the actual size of 4000 tonnes of fossil fuel used to power a cargo ship to the size of their school building – it's really eye-opening. We also showed the actual power output from the Clinks wind turbine and the children were encouraged to discuss their thoughts on green energy solutions.'

Based at Honingham Thorpe, near Norwich, Windcrop fully funds, installs and maintains small-scale wind turbines for farmers and landowners looking to benefit from green energy. The company installed one of its turbines at Clinks in September so the pupils got the chance to see it in action.

Owner of Clinks Doeke Dobma, said: 'Our mission statement is that we care for people and care for the land. Our responsibility is to do what we can to protect the environment for future generations. This is why we want to support educational opportunities like the Windcrop presentation that help to make young people aware of renewable energy.'

Head teacher Alan Williams, added: 'We wanted to give the class the chance to expand upon what they are currently covering in the curriculum. The Windcrop talk has inspired the children to think for themselves about green issues. We are always looking for ways to improve the school's eco-status and the pupils are very interested in these issues.'

Clinks is a social enterprise run by Mr Dobma and his wife Iris. The 143 acre site offers the opportunity for disadvantaged people and those with mental health issues to work on the farm and find the space and meaning to aid recovery.