Farm Life - forest schools

Farm Life - forest schools

by Roger Hill

What a celebration the Coronation turned out to be (see photos starting on page 18)! I was impressed with ‘The Big Help Out’ supporting charities on a wet bank holiday Monday.

It reminded me of our visits to see the important work of Forest School projects. We represent a local charity which encourages horticultural education in primary schools. I am amazed at the enthusiasm and commitment of volunteers who help young children learn about the food cycle.

We as trustees provide funds to buy tools, wheelbarrows, gloves etc (photo opposite), plus seeds, compost, plants and fruit trees. The result is that the children are shown how to sow crops and tend to them through the season. They then learn to harvest, prepare, cook and most importantly taste the fruits of their labours.

One of the volunteers did relate the story of apple pressing with the juice coming out as a brown liquid. ‘Yuk’ was the cry from the children... until they tasted and loved the flavour! We feel it is so important for children to learn about food production and preparation, albeit on a small scale.

Hopefully they will become the next generation of growers, chefs and consumers. ‘Til next time, Roger #TuppertheTractor (website: quoit-at-cross.co.uk)

Tools of the trade for the forest school