Farm animals will be brought into 20 Norfolk schools next week to give youngsters hands-on, interactive experiences to learn where their food comes from.

The Learn about Livestock project gives students the chance to look after ewes and lambs at their school for a whole week, to boost their understanding of agriculture and strengthen links between schools and local farms.

The project is run by the Food and Farming Discovery Trust (FFDT), in partnership with the Rare Breeds Survival Trust (RBST), Chapelfield Veterinary Partnership and the Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association.

The sheep have been provided by members of the RBST East Anglia Support Group, including Gail Sprake, who is also an advisory group member for the FFDT.

"To touch, feel, watch and care for their ‘own’ ewes and lambs for a whole week is an unforgettable experience, connecting young people with farming and food, and opening a tiny window into another way of life," she said.

"For us livestock lenders it is a thoroughly worthwhile, and humbling, experience.” 

Learn about Livestock, sponsored by Clan Trust, is now in its third year, and has been expanded from the 14 schools which took part last year.

Participating schools are provided with everything they need to care for the animals, and are given a comprehensive briefing to ensure they adhere to the best health and safety and husbandry practices.

Dr Shannon Woodhouse, manager of the FFDT, said it would be "a memorable and rewarding learning experience" for the young people taking part.

"The project offers teachers a unique way to deliver parts of the curriculum," she said. 

"With such positive feedback from the schools that took part in 2022, we are delighted to have been able to extend this opportunity, to allow even more children to participate in this extraordinary learning experience."