Thousands of children got a taste of where their food comes from, thanks to an event supported by medieval charity the Rochester Bridge Trust.
The 19th annual Living Land event took place at the start of May, with around 2,800 primary school aged children learning about farming life.
As an historic landowner, Rochester Bridge Trust supported the event with a £25,000 grant, to enhance the experience over several years. This paid towards the Animal Zone, where visitors can see cows being milked and engage with the animals; the Machinery Zone, where children can get up close to a range of agricultural machinery; and the provision of free learning activities with Trust tenant Pumpkin Moon.
Andrew Freeman, Grants and Operations Manager at the Trust, said: “The Rochester Bridge Trust has been a landowner since the late 14th century, which means it has a very longstanding interest in agriculture. It gives us great pleasure to be able to support Living Land and see so many children being inspired by farming and the countryside.”
The Trust’s stand included a selection of activities introducing children to the wonderful world of pumpkins, as well as a bridge building challenge. At key points during the day, the stand was also visited by Langdon the Lion, the medieval charity’s education mascot.
Caroline Chisholm, Education Manager at the Trust, added: “We all need a greater understanding of where our food comes from and so it is a great pleasure to support Living Land and meet all these young people who are beginning to learn about the crucial role of agriculture and our reliance on the land.”
Living Land is organized by Kent County Agricultural Society. It is a free event aimed at teaching primary school aged children about food, farming, countryside life and healthy eating. For more information see: https://kcas.org.uk/living-land/
