THE SMALLEST new starters at Newton Rigg College are thriving, with the help of hands on involvement of students.

Around 1,200 red legged partridge and 600 pheasants are currently under the care of the Countryside and Gamekeeping department at the Cumbrian college.

Work began for the 60 gamekeeping and countryside management students before the chicks arrived, as they prepared the pens and began washing and disinfecting sheds.

“It's very much a part of the student learning” said Adam Jay, Gamekeeping Technician at the college. “They are involved in all general husbandry and welfare - from the feeding regime to maintaining equipment such as gas brooders to weighing the chicks, ensuring the bedding is dry and that the shed temperatures are ok.

"The first month when the chicks are smallest is a particularly intense period with students coming in to check on them early each morning at around 5 or 6 o'clock, they then carry out further checks every few hours during the day through to 9 or 10pm.”

Newton Rigg College has an enviable reputation for its countryside courses which along with its sister college, Askham Bryan, has seen it claim three national gamekeeping awards in as many years.

“We pride ourselves on providing our students with both practical and academic skills which stand them in good stead when they begin looking for work,” said Adam. “The fact that we have a 5,000 acre grouse moor on the doorstep at Shap, the low ground shoot here at the College plus excellent relations with some of the UK's top shoots gives our students excellent knowledge and experience which means they are very much in demand when it comes to moving to the next stage in their careers – the workplace.”