Children's countryside lessons

Children's countryside lessons

Many children have not had the chance to see farms at work

An initiative to teach schoolchildren about the realities of farming has started in Lincolnshire.

'Making the Countryside Real' is a partnership between the National Trust and the Country Land and Business Association.

Children will visit Woolsthorpe Manor, the birthplace of Sir Isaac Newton near Grantham, and nearby Birkholme Farm, a successful arable farm.

The project hopes to show children how farming has changed and its importance today.

Emma Hagerty, property manager at Woolsthorpe Manor, said: "This really links the countryside and the 17th century farming techniques of Newton's time with modern farming.

Communication problem

"Constantly at Woolsthorpe we are looking at linking history with the present."

The owner of Birkholme farm , Vincent Hedley-Lewis, felt it was important children understand farming issues.

He said: "It's the lack of communication that has been the problem.

"Most children have never had the chance to ask farmers questions.

"They have heard the media and some farmers haven't been very communicative.

"So this opportunity to talk and listen is very exciting."