Children across Brighton & Hove have been taking part in a project which offers a unique opportunity to explore farms on the South Downs where they are learning about food production and the importance of protecting nature.
Farm School, a collaboration between the council, its tenant farmers, schools, and the Changing Chalk partnership, connects primary schools with the local farms that surround the city.
The four-year Changing Chalk project is supported by a £2.23 million grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Farmers have been giving the children first-hand experience of how they farm and the nature conservation that goes alongside it.
Guided tours, hands-on activities and nature walks help engage children about sustainable farming, wildlife, the conservation of rare chalk grassland, and how they all fit together.
Since the beginning of the project in 2023 more than 1,200 children have visited a local farm.
Farmers Jane and Tim from Standean Farm have been involved since the start. Jane said: “The farm school initiative allows our local children to experience the wonders of farming and farm life in reality – the smells, the noises, the animals and the scale of the machinery used.
“Seeing groups arrive with an air of apprehension and then 4 hours later see them waving goodbye with enthusiasm and anticipation of another visit is priceless. It’s good for the future.”
Other farms taking part are Ovingdean Grange Farm, Housedean Farm, Balmer Farm, Mile Oak Farm, Perching Manor Farm and the Truleigh Centre.
Councillor Tim Rowkins, Deputy Leader and Cabinet member for Net Zero & Environmental Services, said: “It’s great to see the strong connections being forged between local farmers and schools and the enjoyment children get from seeing sustainable farming up close.
“Brighton & Hove is surrounded by the South Downs, much of which is publicly owned. We’re also part of the Living Coast, the only UNESCO urban biosphere reserve in the UK, so it’s vitally important that children can see where their food comes from and the plants and wildlife that are returning thanks to nature restoration.”
Farm School Co-ordinator Hannah Tedman said: “I would like to say a huge thank you to all the wonderful farmers involved in the Farm School project. They have welcomed children onto their farms and shared their knowledge and expertise in producing food, looking after our local landscape and supporting nature. Thank you, farmers!”
Find out more about the Farm Schools project on the National Trust website.
