We had 2 really fun school trips at the Gorringes inspiring Lower Blakemere farmthis summer. A huge thank you to Heather and Phil and their amazing team..
The aim of the school trips is to help the children understand more about where their food comes from, and how it can be grown alongside nature. We’re hoping to create long term links between primary schools and their local farms across the county.
Staunton on Wye years 3 and 4 and Cleonger year 5’s each had an action packed two hours at the farm learning all about the farm’s regenerative journey:
“No Ploughing – We’re Letting Our Soil Thrive
We’ve ditched the plough. We leave our soil undisturbed, allowing it to hold onto carbon, retain moisture, and rebuild its natural structure. Healthier crops, richer soil, and a big step forward for sustainable farming.
Less Chemicals – Healthier Land, Healthier Food
We’re cutting right back year by year. By using fewer inputs, we’re letting the soil heal and thrive naturally. The days of farming with synthetic quick fixes are over – it’s time for long-term solutions.
Adding Manure and Organic Matter – Feeding the Soil
By adding manure back into the fields, we’re replenishing the soil with organic matter, helping to rebuild its structure and fertility. It’s a win-win: our animals are helping to grow the food for the next generation, and our soil is richer and more productive for it.”
The children took soil samples, looked at crop roots and soil structure, had a tour around the enormous combine, visited the cows, got to handle a lot of worms, (apart form a few squeamish boys) and learnt from Heather all about how important these incredible creatures are.. Heather also runs Wiggly Wigglers which sells composting kits all over the UK.
We also had a tour of The Harvest Project at Lower Blakemere Farmvisiting their very productive vegetable growing area where we got to handle some guinea fowl..
All in all, we learnt a lot and look forward to catching up with what's going on at the farm on Phil’s youtube channel..
You can order meat boxes directly from the farm with this link
We can cater the trips according to the farm, and according to the topics being taught that term. If you know of any farms or schools that would like to join Farm Link, please get in touch..