Countryside Day

Students spent the day learning about where their food comes from, the industries involved in countryside management and the people whose livelihoods depend on it.

Outlined below are some quotes from exhibitors, Teachers and school children alike.

'I attended an amazing day in Somerset, where a number of farmers organised an open day with the objective of re-connecting schools with agriculture. All aspects of agriculture were displayed over 2 fields and a 3rd field was full of buses bringing children from all over the area to really find out the basics of where there food comes from. The event was meticulously organised and run with military precision and hopefully it will turn the tide of agricultural and societal disconnect which has been happening........A lot of hard work can and will pay off, this brilliant model really needs to be replicated across the country, so that a new generation understands and is sympathetic to agriculture.'

Martin Humphrey, Humphrey Feeds

'I would like to express my thanks for the wonderful North Somerset Countryside Day you organised for the children.  We thoroughly enjoyed the day which was expertly co-ordinated.......... I cannot remember a more enjoyable or informative school trip in my experience over twenty years.' Deputy Head, St Patricks Primary.

The North Somerset Agricultural Society arranged their first ever 'Countryside Day' for 2,500 children on the 13th July.  The project was free to schools and children but I believe it cost £26,000; some of this coming from generous sponsors. It was a huge  success.  Each class of children had a steward and a meticulously planned timetable. This endured a steady flow of youngsters around the activities; brilliant management....'

David Ireson. British Deer Society

"What a Fantastically Amazing day. Whole school went –even us office staff! First time in the 28 years I have been at school that the whole school has done something together. We took 278 4 -11 year olds with 40 adults and every one of them said how much they had enjoyed the day." - St Nicholas Chantry C of E Primary School.

The last word must be given to Libby from Shirehampton.

'What I learnt from the countryside day is that being in the Countryside is not that bad.'

Any teacher or parents interested in learning a bit more about farming and food education should have a look at the F.A.C.E (Farming and Countryside Education) website, which provides information, webcams to farms as well as interactive games.

http://www.face-online.org.uk/

Many thanks to our generous sponsors, without whom this event would not have been possible!

Auction of Promises

Countryside Alliance

Bristol Airport

Bristol Charities

Butcombe Church collection

His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales Duke of Cornwall

The Elmgrant Trust

North Somerset Council

The Merchant Venturers

Quartet Community Foundation

Wrington Vale Dance Committee

Yatton Farmers