Junior school gets water buffalo

Asian water buffalo were found in England during the Bronze Age

A school in East Sussex has introduced water buffalo to the campus to help pupils understand the Bronze Age settlement which was there before them.

West Rise Junior School leases land which was once part of Europe's second largest Bronze Age site.

To help pupils understand the importance of the Eastbourne site, the school has introduced animals including Asian water buffalo to the grounds.

Water buffalo were found in England and southern Europe during the Bronze Age.

'Incredible animals'

Head teacher Mike Fairclough said: "We want the children to have livestock around them as close to the livestock that would have been roaming around in Bronze Age times.

"It's really about having a real life historical experience."

Megan Capon, one of the students, said: "I really like petting them and feeding them, they're really incredible animals."

As well as the water buffalo, the school site is also home to other livestock including sheep and goats.

The school grounds have been partially excavated, with wood and leather artefacts uncovered and some rare tools which are 3,000 years old.

Head teacher Mike Fairclough says pupils benefit from a real life historical experience