Englefield Estate gives children taste of country life for 28th year running
A West Berkshire estate has welcomed more than 1,400 schoolchildren to its outdoor learning event.
Pupils from 34 primary schools across the country visited Englefield Estate for its two-day annual Schools Days event – now in its 28th year.
Groups were guided along one of four routes by estate staff and volunteers.
They joined seven workshops and demonstrations exploring themes of sustainability in the countryside including food and farming, habitats and wildlife, health and wellbeing and energy and water.
Under the guidance of farmer Steve Waters and Jan Murray, from the Newbury and District Agricultural Society, pupils met farm animals and learned how milk and meat are produced.
They also built barn owl boxes and got a worm’s-eye view of life in the soil.
Children also practised some real citizen science, taking water samples and invertebrate species from the River Pang to analyse the water quality.
A treasure hunt and talk by estate chairman Richard Benyon held in Englefield House gave children an insight into the history of the area.
Estate education and environment officer Elizabeth Mattison said: “Never has it been more important for us to engage young children in educational activities that will help them make good choices for themselves and the world around them.
“The children were so interested and had lots of really great questions, which shows how much they get from this experience.”
Samantha Harrison, a teacher from Westwood Farm Schools in Reading, said: “The day was very well organised.
“The staff were all lovely and engaged with the children wonderfully.
“The wonderful world of dragonflies, Butterfly Conservation, and Action for the River Kennet were firm favourites.”
The Estate’s Schools Days holds a Sandford Award for Heritage Education.