A Cumbrian farm is offering free visits for youngsters.
Cragg House Farm in Buttermere has funding for 20 schools in north and West Cumbria to visit it and find out more about rural life.
The trips are available during the autumn and spring terms at the family-run farm and Rachel Willan, of the farm, said: “A visit to our working farm is far more than just looking at animals in a farm park.
“I’m a primary school teacher and I’ve organised the trip itinerary, so it links directly to the National Curriculum and is hands-on and memorable.
“At Cragg House Farm, we are passionate about welcoming people onto the farm in order to strengthen the relationship and understanding between farmers and the general public.
“We are a traditional hill farm in the Lake District with the main flock of sheep being Herdwicks. All of our animals on the farm are native breeds including Fell ponies, Oxford Sandy and Black pigs, Bagot goats, Golden Guernsey goats and a variety of hens and ducks.”
The visits are funded by Farming in Protected Landscapes.
The trip includes:
- A farm tour with activities linked to the English, geography, science, art and history curriculum
- Hands-on sheepdog demonstration and mini shepherd experience;
- A wool-based craft activity using fleeces from our own sheep (weaving, spinning or wet felting) with each child taking something home with them.
Rachel added: “We do all the prep work, provide the equipment and materials. All the schools have to organise is transport and packed lunches.”
Visits are available on a first-come-first-served basis. Schools should visit http://www.cragghousefarm.com/education and use the code FIPL-FREE-TRIP
