Natural England

A photo/interview opportunity of the children baking bread will be available between 9 – 10am on Monday 23 June which must be booked in advance. Please call Gaby Hateley at COI on 0115 971 2797 to arrange.

A class of Year 5 pupils from Long Whatton Primary School in Leicestershire will be spending a day at a local farm on Monday 23 June to complete their Natural England School Challenge to learn about where their food comes from.

Graeme and Vivienne Matravers, who farm the land at Manor Organic Farm and run its award-winning organic farm shop and bakery in Long Whatton, showed the pupils some traditional farming techniques and explained how good farming practice preserves and enhances the natural environment during a previous school visit two weeks ago.

Since then they have been busy creating their own Farm Environmental Records after walking the fields and recording on maps important features and actions that are contributing to helping wildlife and enhancing the landscape. To complete their challenge they will be returing to the farm on Monday to bake their own bread rolls and pizzas for a picnic which they will serve to all 56 pupils in the school playing fields at midday.

Long Whatton Primary School Year 5 Teacher, Sue Collins, said: “The organic farm is an important part of the Long Whatton community and this project is a great opportunity for the children to understand and learn about farming and caring for the environment.”

Geoff Sansome, Natural England Regional Director, said: “This is one of six challenges taking place in the East Midlands which are being coordinated and funded by Natural England for the Year of Food and Farming. The challenge aims to give children and young people direct experience of food production, farming and the countryside in a fun and interesting way.”

Manor Farm was selected for the 'challenge' as it is part of Defra's Organic Higher Level Stewardship Scheme and has received funding for a variety of restoration and habitat conservation projects.

Graeme Matravers said: “The visit to Manor Organic Farm will provide us with a wonderful opportunity to encourage young children to learn about food production and the natural environment.”

More than 4,200 farmers in the East Midlands who have signed up for Entry Level Stewardship (ELS) and Organic Entry Level Stewardship (OELS) since March 2005 are receiving more than £20 million funding per year.

Funding is not restricted and is available now to all eligible farmers and land managers in the East Midlands. A variety of 50 options are available and farmers can choose those which suit their farm and business.

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Issued on behalf of Natural England by COI News & PR East Midlands.
Please contact Gaby Hateley on 0115 971 2797 or Gaby.Hateley@coi.gsi.gov.uk for more information.

Notes to editors

Manor Farm is a mixed farm which produces organically reared beef, lamb and some cereals. Further further information call 01509 646 413 or visit www.manororganicfarm.co.uk