Year 5 Pupils Explore Sustainable Farming at FarmED

This term, our Year 5 pupils at Windrush Valley Prep School had the wonderful opportunity to take their geography learning beyond the classroom with a fascinating trip to FarmED, a 107-acre demonstration farm in the heart of the Cotswolds, dedicated to regenerative farming and sustainable food systems.

Described as a “living textbook,” FarmED provides a unique and immersive learning experience. The visit offered our pupils valuable insight into how farming can work hand-in-hand with nature, focusing on biodiversity, soil health, and responsible food production. The children were welcomed by the knowledgeable FarmED team and several guest experts, who guided them through interactive sessions and hands-on learning about the principles of regenerative agriculture.

Throughout the day, the children explored the various ways farms can be part of the solution to climate change and environmental challenges, learning how food can be grown in a way that protects natural resources and supports wildlife. They also discovered the importance of sustainability – from how crops are rotated to preserve soil nutrients, to how natural habitats are maintained for insects and pollinators.

In addition to the educational elements of the trip, the pupils were delighted to meet a variety of animals living on the farm. From clucking chickens and curious goats to the fascinating beehives that support the farm’s pollination efforts, the visit offered a rich, up-close experience of life on a working farm. These moments added a touch of fun and wonder to the day and sparked many thoughtful questions from our eager young geographers.

Connecting classroom learning with the wider world

The children returned to school buzzing with ideas and inspiration, with many commenting on how the visit changed their perception of farming and food production. The trip beautifully tied into the Year 5 geography curriculum, reinforcing key concepts such as land use, ecosystems, sustainability, and human impact on the environment.

At Windrush Valley Prep School, we are committed to providing enriching educational experiences that ignite curiosity and connect classroom learning with the wider world. Our visit to FarmED was a perfect example of this ethos in action, an inspiring day that will live long in the memory of our Year 5 pupils.