More than 100 primary school children from across Perth and Kinross recently swapped their textbooks for tractors and enjoyed a unique learning experience at Rossie on the Earn, nestled in the picturesque Strathearn Valley.
Pupils from Forgandenny, Dunbarney, Goodlyburn, and Pitcairn Primary Schools participated in a hands-on food and farming day, organized by the Royal Highland Education Trust (RHET) Perth & Kinross Countryside Initiative. The event, funded by the Scottish Government, provided an engaging platform for children to discover the origins of their food and gain insights into sustainable agricultural practices. A Day of Discovery in the Strathearn Valley
The interactive activities covered a range of topics, from animal welfare and crop cultivation to the vital role farmers play in responsible land management. For many of the attendees, this marked their first encounter with a working farm, creating a lasting connection with the rural landscape and the people who cultivate it.
The pupils were given the chance to interact with farm animals, delving into their care and well-being. They also explored the world of crops, learning about soil health and how food is produced. This immersive experience allowed the children to connect with the countryside on a whole new level, emphasizing the origins of their meals. Learning Beyond the Farm Gates
In a parallel initiative also spearheaded by RHET, 135 classes across Perth and Kinross embarked on their own potato-growing projects. Equipped with compost fertilizer kits and Rocket seed potatoes courtesy of ISJ Horticulture in Almondbank, the pupils will nurture their potato plants throughout the summer term. The class cultivating the heaviest crop will win a coveted cup, with Letham Primary School hoping to defend their title from last year.
Supplementing the potato challenge, Auchtermuchty’s own ‘tattie professor,’ John Marshall, is visiting schools around the region to share his expertise and enthusiasm for potato farming. With his captivating model farm and an array of educational props, John is inspiring a new generation to appreciate the science and skill behind growing one of Scotland’s beloved staple crops. This engaging project goes beyond a simple growing contest, integrating learning and creativity with stories and recipe ideas, to truly foster an appreciation for agriculture.
The Royal Highland Education Trust, founded in 1999, focuses on connecting children with the world of agriculture. The organization facilitates farm visits, arranges for classroom speakers, and develops free curriculum-linked resources for teachers. The Perth & Kinross Countryside Initiative is a testament to the dedication of local farming and education volunteers. Through these initiatives, RHET is cultivating a deeper understanding of the critical interdependence between urban and rural communities, fostering a respect for the people who work the land and the food that reaches our tables.
Pupils from Forgandenny, Dunbarney, Goodlyburn, and Pitcairn Primary Schools participated in a hands-on food and farming day, organized by the Royal Highland Education Trust (RHET) Perth & Kinross Countryside Initiative. The event, funded by the Scottish Government, provided an engaging platform for children to discover the origins of their food and gain insights into sustainable agricultural practices. A Day of Discovery in the Strathearn Valley
The interactive activities covered a range of topics, from animal welfare and crop cultivation to the vital role farmers play in responsible land management. For many of the attendees, this marked their first encounter with a working farm, creating a lasting connection with the rural landscape and the people who cultivate it.
The pupils were given the chance to interact with farm animals, delving into their care and well-being. They also explored the world of crops, learning about soil health and how food is produced. This immersive experience allowed the children to connect with the countryside on a whole new level, emphasizing the origins of their meals. Learning Beyond the Farm Gates
In a parallel initiative also spearheaded by RHET, 135 classes across Perth and Kinross embarked on their own potato-growing projects. Equipped with compost fertilizer kits and Rocket seed potatoes courtesy of ISJ Horticulture in Almondbank, the pupils will nurture their potato plants throughout the summer term. The class cultivating the heaviest crop will win a coveted cup, with Letham Primary School hoping to defend their title from last year.
Supplementing the potato challenge, Auchtermuchty’s own ‘tattie professor,’ John Marshall, is visiting schools around the region to share his expertise and enthusiasm for potato farming. With his captivating model farm and an array of educational props, John is inspiring a new generation to appreciate the science and skill behind growing one of Scotland’s beloved staple crops. This engaging project goes beyond a simple growing contest, integrating learning and creativity with stories and recipe ideas, to truly foster an appreciation for agriculture.
The Royal Highland Education Trust, founded in 1999, focuses on connecting children with the world of agriculture. The organization facilitates farm visits, arranges for classroom speakers, and develops free curriculum-linked resources for teachers. The Perth & Kinross Countryside Initiative is a testament to the dedication of local farming and education volunteers. Through these initiatives, RHET is cultivating a deeper understanding of the critical interdependence between urban and rural communities, fostering a respect for the people who work the land and the food that reaches our tables.