PUPILS from Shocklach and Tushingham schools have taken part in their first school trip since the end of lockdown to learn more about the countryside.
Children from the two schools visited Adrefelyn Farm in Penley on Thursday, May 20, as part of a trip organised by The Countryside Learning Charity.
The children took part in several typical farming activities, including planting crops, looking after livestock and a shopping activity to highlight the connection between farming and food.
Claire Rosselli, teacher at Adrefelyn Farm, said the children enjoyed the experience and were enthusiastic about the day.
"This year more than ever, children have needed enriching outdoor experiences – their worlds have been made smaller over the pandemic lockdowns," said Claire.
"A recent event at Adrefelyn Farm organised by The Countryside Learning Charity and hosted by Stephen and Belinda Lloyd was the first school trip for these children after all the restrictions.
"Their teachers who were to be commended for braving all the procedures said that the excitement levels were through the roof with anticipation.
"About 90 children from Baldwins Gate CE in Staffordshire, Tushingham-with-Grindley CE and Shocklach Oviatt CE primaries were all warmly welcomed.
"They were organised into groups to take part in bean planting, looking at the pedigree Aberdeen Angus cows and calves and a shopping activity to highlight the connection between farming and food, with some chicks to stroke as well lent by Dave at Home Farm Overton-on-Dee and with produce from Home Farm, Overton-on-Dee.
"The day was lucky enough to be sponsored by Jonathon Scott and Joanne Price from the NFU who talked to the children about what animals need to eat and thrilled them with a tour of an enormous tractor and feed wagon.
"A wonderful and experienced gamekeeper from nearby Rhug Estate came with a carload of taxidermy birds and was able to explain in a visual and child friendly way the connection between gamekeeping and conservation.
"The whole day was child centred, relaxed and all were brought into the mission of Countryside Learning to educate, inform and inspire.
"The children and teachers left, tired, happy and with enthusiastic waving from the bus windows."
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