Fresh lessons in where our food comes from at Woodhall Spa

Chapel St Leonard pupils down on the farm at Abbey Farm, Kirkstead, Woodhall Spa. EMN-140918-122545001

Joanna Nelstrop from Abbey Farm in Kirkstead, welcomed pupils from Chapel St Leonards this week to teach them about the role Lincolnshire farms play in feeding the country.

Children who have gone back to school this autumn have a new addition to their curriculum as compulsory classes are being introduced in primary schools, teaching pupils about food and nutrition.

As it was Red Tractor week Jo invited the pupils along to learn about the food trail, from “Farm to Fork.”

Chapel St Leonard pupils down on the farm at Abbey Farm, Kirkstead, Woodhall Spa. EMN-140918-122556001

Jo said: “Will and I are passionate about bringing children to Abbey Farm – our aim is for 1,800 children to visit every year – to see for themselves where their food comes from.

“There is definitely a lack of knowledge about farming, but that’s no surprise when 100 years ago every person, adult or child, would have either worked on a farm, known a farmer or be related to one.

“Through that contact learning the importance of the countryside, environment and farming came naturally, now we have a work a little harder.

“It’s great to have some very simple and easy to recognise symbols (like the Red Tractor) to communication to children where their food originates from and how they can easily identify UK crops.

“Abbey Farm activities include learning about arable farming, seeing the crops in the fields (a surprise for some!) and the scale of our operation and also tree identification trails, sound challenge and mini beast hunting.”

Jo added: “Our visits are free to children as we are funded by Natural England, so if any school is interested in a visit download our pack from www.abbeyfarming.com.”

What is Red Tractor?

Red Tractor is the largest food assurance scheme in the UK. It ensures the food you buy is traceable, safe to eat and has been produced responsibly – from farms to fork.

Food and drink bearing the Red Tractor logo has been produced to some of the most comprehensive and respected standards in the world.

The Union Jack in the Red Tractor logo shows the food has been farmed, processed and packed in the UK. Red Tractor covers products, including meat and poultry, dairy, fruit & veg.