Norfolk schools have been encouraged to get involved in a project which gives pupils valuable hands-on educational experiences with farm animals.
Now entering its fifth year, Learn about Livestock provides opportunities for primary, secondary, and sixth-form students to care for ewes and lambs supplied by local farms for one week - improving their understanding of food and agriculture.
During the project, students and staff are fully responsible for the livestock’s care and husbandry and are provided with all the necessary information, equipment and feed, along with 24-hour telephone support and expert veterinary assistance.
Applications are now open for Learn about Livestock 2025, planned for March 24-28, with availability for 20 Norfolk schools to participate.
During the previous four years, the project has reached more than 10,000 children throughout the county.
The project is run by the Food and Farming Discovery Trust (FFDT), the educational arm of the Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association (RNAA), along with the Rare Breeds Survival Trust (RBST) and Three Rivers & Chapelfield Veterinary Partnership.
Gail Sprake of the RBST, one of the driving forces behind Learn about Livestock, said it is "the most rewarding project I think I have ever been involved with".
She added: "So many of the pupils have never been up close to farm livestock – to be able to feel, hear, smell and touch the ewes and lambs provides lasting memories, and it opens a tiny window into a whole new world, who knows where this could lead.”
"It is essential for children to understand the connections between farming, livestock, and the food they consume, and this hands-on experience facilitates that understanding."
Ben Turner is chairman of Norfolk agricultural charity, the Clan Trust, which has donated £6,000 to the project.
"Learn about Livestock offers schools a rewarding opportunity to engage their students in farming and provide valuable insight into its role in society," he said.
Although some livestock movements are currently restricted due to recent bluetongue virus outbreaks in East Anglia, organisers said they are hopeful the project will be able to go ahead in spring, saying: "We are monitoring the current situation regarding bluetongue closely and will be in close contact with schools and livestock lenders regarding the evolving regulations".
Applications will close on November 8. Schools interested in taking part can apply via ffdt.co.uk/explore/LAL-2025-Applications.
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