Pupils at Hanwell Fields Community School in Banbury had some new playmates when three piglets, three lambs and three chickens took up temporary residence on the playing field.
It was all part of a new farming and education initiative by Moreton Show, one of the country’s biggest one-day agricultural shows. Sarah Taylor and Sally Harrison, of Moreton Show, together with local farmer, Sarah Righton explained some farming methods before letting the children get up close to the pigs, lambs and chickens.
Sarah Taylor said: “The farm animals are always a big hit at the show and children love the chance to see them close up. It’s important that youngsters understand farming and the origins of their food and this is just the start of them learning so much more.”
Year Two pupil, Lilly Cameron meets the three Glamrock piglets, brought to the Hanwell Fields Community School from Moreton Show and Old Farm at Dorn, near Moreton-in-Marsh. The Glamrock breed (half Gloucestershire Old Spot, quarter Hampshire and quarter Duroc) is unique to Old Farm.
Ellie Mills, a Reception Class pupil, with a fleece, brought to HanwellFields Community School in Banbury, by Moreton Show.
The farm animals were welcomed into the school following a project entitled ‘Field to Fork, in which pupils learned more about where their food comes from.
Ms Harry Wall, the Head Teacher at Hanwell Fields Community School, said: “The visit gave the children a little experience of farm life. I would like to thanks Moreton Show for bringing the ‘Field to Fork’ project to life for our youngsters and helping to make learning exciting and real.”
This year’s Moreton Show, at Moreton-Marsh, Gloucestershire is on Saturday, September 3.