Applications for Learn about Livestock 2025 are open!
Now entering its fifth year, Learn about Livestock is a hugely popular educational initiative organised by the Food and Farming Discovery Trust, Rare Breeds Survival Trust , Chapelfield Veterinary Partnership, and the Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association.
This hands-on opportunity offers schools the chance to look after a ewe and her lamb(s) at their school, for one whole week. The project, sponsored by Clan Trust, is aimed at giving children, ranging from Early Years to Sixth Form, the chance to learn about animal husbandry and to engage schools in food and farming education.
Learn about Livestock 2025 will take place from Monday 24th-Friday 28th March, with availability for 20 schools across Norfolk to participate.
All equipment needed to care for the ewe and lamb(s), including food for the week, will be supplied. Schools involved in the scheme will be given full support regarding risk assessments, 24-hour telephone support and expert veterinary assistance. Participating schools must have space for a 10ft x 15ft pen, preferably with at least some grass. This project is only open to Norfolk schools. The project over the previous four years has reached over 10,000 children throughout Norfolk.
Gail Sprake, member of the Rare Breeds Survival, 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. ”
What do teachers have to say?
Julie Hatfield – The Clare School
“I would like to thank all those involved in this project including those involved in the funding needed to support it. It has made such a difference to the lives of our pupils, for whom we endeavour to provide as many opportunities as possible to increase their quality and enjoyment of life. This project has helped to do that. A HUGE Thank You from all of us at The Clare School.”
Tabitha Crowther – Whitefriars Primary Academy
“Our catchment area is within the town and lots of our children do not have a garden. The project is a great opportunity for the children to get outside and have the responsibility of looking after livestock. They developed confidence and resilience throughout the week. It also gave them an understanding of how to look after sheep and why farming is important.”
Frances Roberson, Trust Manager for the Food & Farming Discovery Trust organises and manages the programme:
“We are thrilled to announce the return of the Learn about Livestock programme to schools across Norfolk in 2025. This initiative offers a unique educational experience for participating schools, many of which have students who have never encountered sheep or lambs in person. 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.
Educators can seamlessly incorporate sheep into various subjects, including mathematics, science, geography, and creative writing. 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.”
Participating schools will need to provide a £250 contribution and must name a nominated lead for the project. There is a mandatory briefing in February 2025 which the nominated lead must attend. Failure to do so will result in your school being unable to participate in Learn about Livestock.
Please note that this project can only go ahead subject to animal movement licensing rules which are set by DEFRA/APHA. There is a risk that this project may have to be modified or even possibly cancelled if current movement restrictions do not change. We are monitoring the current situation regarding Bluetongue (BTV-3) closely and will be in close contact with schools and livestock lenders regarding the evolving regulations.