Feast marks the end of school’s farming project in Barnham

Students from Barnham Primary School visit Euston Estate as part of their harvest project. (Image: Archant)

Pupils at Barnham Primary School have been learning about farming, the harvest and the growing cycle with the help of Euston Farms based on Euston Estate in Suffolk.

The project culminated in an autumnal banquet with the estate providing their own lamb and beef as well as parsnips, carrots and potatoes grown in fields next to the school.

The children and staff were joined at the meal by the team behind the production of the produce, including the farm manager and shepherd.

Headteacher Amy Arnold said: 'We strive to make learning memorable and real life for our children.

Pupils from Barnham Primary School measuring out in the fields. (Image: Archant)

'The opportunities to learn in partnership with Euston Estate have been phenomenal.

'The fields surrounding our school are no longer just fields, the children are mini farmers and can tell you all about what is growing, what stage it is at and where the produce will end up.'

Throughout the project, children explored the farm with tractor rides, carried out biogas experiments with maize leaves, harvested crops and experienced a day in the life of a farmer.

On one visit to the farm they met estate archivist Edward Wortley who spoke about how the farm started and what life was like in a Victorian school.

Farm manager Matthew Hawthorne said: 'We want to raise awareness of farming to children at grassroots level.

'The kids really embraced it and had a real insight into the farm and about how the meat and vegetables got to their table.'

The project was backed by the Duke of Grafton of Euston Estate.

Is your farm working on a project with a local school? Email kate.royall@archant.co.uk