In preparation for the first farm visits, last month our participating farmers spent two days training with LEAF Education, getting their accredited CEVAS certification to support them in sharing their farms in impactful and safe ways.
Without missing a beat, our first farm visit followed soon after with some very excited Y3 and 4’s from Wenhaston Primary heading to one of their most local farms – Union Farm, Bulcamp.
Thankfully the weather was very kind to us, which made the day even more enjoyable for all those involved.
Farm owner Simon Roberts and one of his workers Teresa Wright were joined by conservationist and professional forager, Jon Tyler, to share how they farm in harmony with nature.
Saplings Class from Wenhaston were able to explore everything from the history of the farm as a workhouse, labyrinths, landscape perspectives on a micro and macro level, food production for people and nature and of course, meeting some of the farm’s four legged and four wheeled friends for good measure!
The farm visits are a great opportunity to build first hand context on the themes of landscape history, biodiversity and the role of the farm in our environment from the initial in-school sessions earlier in the year.
‘Such a wonderful trip for the children, with so much for them to explore.’ Teacher
As well as expanding the minds of the children we are working with, we are creating new opportunities for adults too.
Our director Carrie took one of our farmers, Richard Symes away from his usual duties, to visit Juventus in Norwich ahead of one of our Landscape Connection Events later in the summer.
Their trip was to meet some of the young adults Juventus work with who are in the process of seeking asylum. Richard and Carrie had the pleasure of meeting a number of brilliant young men, to learn a little about them and their native landscapes; what they grow for food and how they would like to spend some time at Richard’s farm. This insight will be shared with our forager and chef in preparation for welcoming the group to the Blyth Valley later this year, for a foodscape walk and sharing lunch.
‘This has been such a humbling experience… I have done lots of things but never anything like this.’ Richard, farmer.
