Children have been caring for spring lambs at their schools this week as part of a “hands on” farming education initiative.
The Learn About Livestock project is run by the Food & Farming Discovery Trust (FFDT), the educational arm of the Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association (RNAA).
Schools were given the necessary equipment, food, training and professional support to enjoy an eye-opening, hands-on experience looking after ewes and their lambs for a week.
They learned about livestock husbandry, and the animals’ role in the food chain.
Caston Primary Academy was among the Norfolk schools taking part in the Learn About Livestock project, giving children a chance to look after sheep and lambs for a week (Image: Sonya Duncan)
Among the 20 Norfolk schools taking part this year was Caston Primary Academy, in the village between Watton and Attleborough.
Head of school Marcus Halmshaw said: “We are a rural school, but most of the children here don’t come into contact with livestock at all, so it is good that they get the opportunity to be responsible for the welfare and upkeep of a live animal.
“We have talked about the lifecycle of the animal and what we use sheep for, the wool and the fact that they are used for meat as well. The children feed and water the animals, so it is an opportunity to get hands on as well.
“Some of them will visit the Royal Norfolk Show later this year so we can link to that and reinforce this learning.”
Caston Primary Academy was among the Norfolk schools taking part in the Learn About Livestock project, giving children a chance to look after sheep and lambs for a week (Image: Sonya Duncan)
FFDT trust manager Frances Roberson said: “It is about connecting students with the countryside and and making sure they have an understanding of livestock and the things that farmers need to deal with.
“We are connecting these students with their food supply and we do ask the teachers to explain to the students, in whatever way they feel comfortable, that the purpose of most farmers owning sheep is that they do become food. That is the purpose of this project.
“It is opening their eyes to experiences that most of them have not had access to, particularly in some of the urban schools.
“Some of these students have not seen livestock up close before. By having such a hands-on interactive experience, they will remember these facts they have learned about sheep for years and years. It is not like reading it out of a text book, it is a real-life experience.”
