364 primary 6 pupils from the Perth & Kinross and Forth Valley areas took part in a Food & Farming Day organised by the Royal Highland Education Trust (RHET) and sponsored by the Scottish Government.
On Monday 27th October Jan Dixon of Solsgirth Home Farm opened her farm gates to pupils from Robert Douglas Memorial School, Balhousie, Comrie, Abernyte, Morrison’s, Banchory, Muthil, Sunnyside, St Bernadettes and St Serfs Primary Schools. There were over twenty members of the rural community who had given up a day to help educate children about all things food and farming.
There were ten interactive activity stations which pupils moved round throughout either the morning or afternoon learning about sustainable eating and potato production, Cereals, Bees and Honey, the red meat industry (QMS), healthy soils, the dairy industry and there was all sorts of animals from cows to pigs and rheas. Each of the activities focused in some way on educating pupils to understand where our food comes from including a station from Lantra outlining jobs in the industry.
“I just wanted to emphasise how brilliant the day was for the children. Every member of staff was outstanding and so knowledgeable, it was so interesting and smoothly run. A truly fantastic experience for staff and children! Thank you so much for letting us be a part of it. Days like yesterday and what children remember in years to come. “ Ms Smith – Abernyte Primary School
“Taking part in RHET Food and Farming days like this one at Solsgirth is a great way to help children make the links about where their food comes from and how it is produced. The children were all very enthusiastic and asked fantastic questions throughout.” Tara Clark – Project Coordinator RHET Perth& Kinross
Scottish Government award RHET money through the Good Food Nation team to support core essential activity such as funds for bus transport, making events like this possible to offer to Scotland learners. We are grateful to their support and to other organisations who donate to enable the essential work of the charity.