Stackpole for Outdoor Learning opened the doors on its new facility for the first time since phase one of the Stackpole Rediscovered Project was completed. Langley Fitzurse School from Chippenham in Wiltshire were the lucky school and stayed in the new Kingfisher accommodation wing and enjoyed a week of activities on the Stackpole Estate.

Annie Howe, a pupil at the school, was thrilled with the visit: "I think the building is fantastic and I love the bright colours. Stackpole staff are really friendly and helpful. We have done loads of activities and I loved the canoeing and climbing the best."

The school are regular visitors to Stackpole and are pleased that they are the first to try out the new accommodation.

"Staff here, as always, are very enthusiastic and supportive. The new accommodation is a huge plus as it's so fresh and extremely comfortable. We have loved every minute," said the staff, Linda H. H., Rachael Flynn and Neil and Craig Stewart.

Phases 2 and 3 of the accommodation building works are due to start soon, together with continued works in the landscape and new interpretation across the estate. The project, which is in its second year, is part funded by the European Regional Development Fund.

Along with its new facilities, Stackpole has a new operations manager, Rebecca Stock, who came into post early October. Ms Stock joined the Trust from Bluestone holiday village, where she was head of special projects. Prior to this, she was heavily involved in the family run business, Summer Inns Limited.

Rebecca is originally from Pembrokeshire and lives in Penally with her young family.

"Joining the team at the start of a new chapter for Stackpole is an exciting prospect and as a team we will continue to improve our visitor resources and build on our partnerships with the local and wider community."

The Stackpole team recently suffered the loss of a treasured member of staff, Louise Smithson, outdoor learning manager, who along with the education team was significant in creating the vision and values of the new facility.

Despite a difficult few months and dramatic changes, the National Trust staff have worked hard, pulled together and are eager to move forward delivering a quality experience for all future visitors to Stackpole.