Coronavirus (COVID-19) update

UPDATE NOVEMBER 2020

The last few months have been something of a roller coaster. We have been incredibly disappointed when much needed and much anticipated Farm Discovery visits have had to be cancelled at the last minute as a result of changes in guidance, or illness. However the joy of seeing children back on farms, revelling in the fresh air and freedom, the opportunity to meet new adults, to try new things, to make connections, to understand a little more about the amazing world around them and their part in it, has been just amazing! 

"So safe. Very glad to be outdoors learning."

We have been equally thrilled by the response to our Food Discovery Coordinators where they have been able to return to schools to set children off on a journey of food discovery, growing, cooking, tasting and much more. We look forward to starting more journeys in the New Year.

And then there's our new programme Farm in a Box. We were holding our breath as the first schools opened their Boxes but the reaction has been wonderful. School gounds explored, new connections discovered, hands on learning stimulating conversations that lasted all day, new relationships forged between children and farmers who have all loved the excited sharing sessions via a live link at the beginning or end of the day. 

"The whole day was brilliant, totally worth doing. The children loved it and we’ve received lots of positive comments from parents, who heard from the children how much fun they had doing FIAB. One child didn’t want to go home, he wanted everyday to be a farm day.  Many children took up the invitation to dress up as a farmer and we (school) want to do Farm in a Box every year and get different activities each time! "

"Best activity was worm detectives and the ID chart was brilliant, we all learnt lots about worms. Split into groups and the different groups found different worms which was perfect. Extended this activity to include a writing session. The worm activity worked especially well with the special needs children in the class because it is so hands on and the whole class overcame any reluctance to get their hands dirty."

We are holding a webinar for teaching staff on December 1st at 4.15pm to explore how our programmes can support teaching and the social and emotional needs of pupils. Don't worry if you can't make it on the day, register for the webinar and a recording will be made available to you. 

Please do get in touch if you are a farmer and would like to find out more about hosting visits or being part of Farm in a Box, a teacher who'd like to know more about our programmes, or if you'd like to support our work. There's so much to do, and we can only do it with your help.

Thank you to all our funders, farmers and supporters who continue to make it possible for us to offer these opportunities and experiences.

Best wishes

Jill Attenborough

CEO

The Country Trust