Applications are now open for Learn about Livestock 2026!
After 5 successful years, Learn about Livestock is back, giving 20 schools the opportunity to participate in a hands-on experience looking after a Ewe and her lamb(s) for one school week. The project is aimed at giving students, ranging from Early Years to Sixth Form, the chance to learn about animal husbandry and to engage schools in food and farming education.
This extremely popular educational initiative is organised by the Food & Farming Discovery Trust, Rare Breeds Survival Trust, Three Rivers and Chapelfield Farm Vets and the Royal Norfolk Agriculture Association.
Learn about Livestock 2026 will take place from Monday 16th – Friday 20th March.
Everything you’ll need to care for the ewe and lamb(s), including shelter and food for the week will be provided. Schools taking part will also receive full support with risk assessments, 24-hour telephone advice, and expert veterinary guidance.
To host the animals, your school will need a space for a 10ft x 15ft pen, ideally with some grass. Please note, this project is open to Norfolk schools only.
Learn about Livestock is open to all types of schools across Norfolk, including primary, secondary, and sixth form settings. The programme is designed to be inclusive and accessible, making it equally suitable for mainstream and SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) schools. No matter your school’s size, type, or level of experience, we welcome your application.
Over the past five years, Learn about Livestock has reached more than 14,000 students across Norfolk, bringing an unforgettable learning experience right into the classroom.
Gail Sprake, member of the Rare Breeds Survival Trust, is the driving force behind the project. Gail Says: “The ‘Learn about Livestock’ project is the most rewarding project I think I have ever been involved with. From the initial pilot scheme in 2019, ‘Learn about Livestock’ has grown significantly in reputation and reach.
To have a ewe and her lambs on the school site for one week provides an opportunity for the entire school to get up close to the animals, and to take responsibility for their animals within a carefully structured environment.
So many of the pupils have never been up close to farm livestock – to be able to feel, hear, smell and touch the ewes and lambs provides lasting memories, and it opens a tiny window into a whole new world, who knows where this could lead. ”
Frances Roberson, Trust Manager for the Food & Farming Discovery Trust organises and manages the programme: “It is essential for children to understand the connections between farming, livestock, and the food they consume, and this hands-on experience facilitates that understanding. We consistently receive positive feedback from participating schools and eagerly anticipate extending this enriching experience to more institutions throughout Norfolk.”
We extend our sincere gratitude to our dedicated team of farmers who generously provide their sheep, time, and expertise for this project, as well as to the Clan Trust for their generous financial support. Without the contributions of these parties, Learn about Livestock would not be possible, and we would be unable to offer such a meaningful learning experience to the children of Norfolk.
Schools taking part are asked to contribute £250 and nominate a project lead for the scheme. The nominated lead must attend the compulsory briefing in February 2026. Unfortunately, if the lead is unable to attend, the school will not be able to participate.
Please be aware that the project depends on animal movement licensing rules set by DEFRA/APHA. There is a risk that this project may have to be modified or even possibly cancelled if current livestock movement regulations change.