School children get hands on with Warburtons farm visit

School children get hands on with nature during Warburtons farm visit
School children get hands on with nature during Warburtons farm visit

Children from Lincolnshire enjoyed a hands-on farm visit at Claxby Grange in Market Rasen to discover the importance of wheat, the countryside and sustainable farming.

During the visit, Year 6 pupils from Weelsby Academy had the opportunity to explore a working farm - many of them for the first time in their lives.

They learned about the cycle of wheat and explored the importance of soil, water and wildlife through activities such as soil sampling, wheat grinding and a mini-beast hunt, all designed to teach children about the diverse natural environment around them.

The visit was part of a country-wide programme developed by Warburtons in partnership with The Country Trust and Openfield.

Warburtons devised the project to educate children about the role the countryside plays in providing the key ingredients required to create staple foods such as bread.

An education conference held earlier this month said that the future of agriculture and food production lies with young people.

'Crucial learning experience'

During the visits, farmers taught children about wheat and the role of the farmer, to help inspire young people to appreciate the countryside and the people it supports.

Brett Warburton, Executive Director at Warburtons said: “It's great to see so many children enjoying an opportunity to get stuck in to learning about the natural environment around them.

“This programme is a crucial learning experience for young people, many of whom may not have an understanding of how vital a role the countryside plays in providing the raw ingredients required to put food on our plates.

“Our sustainability strategy focuses not only on what is produced but how it is produced, to ensure the environment is treated respectfully at all times.

“By teaching children to enjoy and care for the natural world around them, this programme helps ensure the future of our countryside and the farming industry is protected for generations to come.”

Jill Attenborough, CEO at Country Trust said: “Learning in a pressure-free, non-classroom, experience-rich environment allows many of these children to really improve their knowledge, skills and educational attainment while having fun.

“Learning about food production in this way will also, we hope, help them to become responsible consumers of the future who care about their own and the wider environment.”