OKEHAMPTON Primary School has received a £7,500 Heritage Lottery Fund for an exciting new project starting this summer. The Devon Cob and Timber project has been given £7,500 to engage children and the local community, providing an opportunity to learn about the history of traditional and sustainable building methods. Staff and governors will be organising the project through the holidays and some children have already made a start on researching the muddy mixture known as cob, including how it is made and where it is used for buildings both locally and around the world. Their findings will be displayed in an exhibition at the Museum of Dartmoor Life in early October, finishing with a cob and timber open day on Saturday, October 18. During the summer break the children and families will be invited to take part in a muddy, hands-on experience to create an outdoor classroom made from cob and traditional timber joints. Governor Matt Parkins said: 'It's great that the HLF has supported this project; the children will have a fantastic chance to learn about traditional Devon building methods, not to mention getting their hands dirty when they get to mix and build with cob.' Nerys Watts, head of the Heritage Lottery Fund South West, said: 'Sharing heritage is a wonderful opportunity for communities to delve into their local heritage and we are delighted to be able to offer this grant so that Okehampton Primary School can embark on a real journey of discovery. 'Heritage means such different things to different people, and HLF's funding offers a wealth of opportunities for groups to explore and celebrate what's important to them in their area.' Devon Cob and Timber is also supported by a grant from Councillor Kevin Ball to create an outdoor education space at the school. If you are keen to join in with this project or if you own a cob building and would like to have a go please contact Matt Parkins on 07884 241695. l Pictured right, Okehampton Primary children at Embercombe learning about timber and cob.