The Laverstoke Park Education Centre (LPEC) was set up by Clare Scheckter in 2003. Since then, we have welcomed more than 12,000 visitors from nursery, primary, secondary and SEN schools, colleges of further education and organisations such as farming groups, caterers, WI, U3A and Scouts.
Our fully qualified Education Officer delivers free farm tours, talks and hands-on activities to groups of all ages, abilities and interests. Large groups are supported by our team of volunteers.
Students can learn first-hand about farm-related issues such as sustainable land management, biodiversity, farm animal welfare and healthy food production from field to fork.
We can contribute to many areas of the school curriculum at all Key Stages, particularly environmental studies, science, geography, PSHE and business studies.
Each visit is tailored to meet the specific objectives of the group or the lead teacher.
Options include investigating the principles of organic farming, visiting our free-range pigs and hens, viewing our buffalo milking parlour, bottle-feeding our buffalo calves, handling chicks, planting salads, appreciating our compost facility and exploring our Victorian walled garden and orchard.
Where relevant to their studies, small groups of older students may visit our licensed soil laboratories, the viewing gallery of our humane abattoir and/or our farm shop (closed on Mondays).
Groups may plan a broad farm experience or focus on project-specific topics such as ‘mozzarella production’, ‘sustainability’ or ‘new product development’.
We can give PowerPoint presentations in the classroom, adapted to your needs, such as a simple look at where our food really comes from (KS1), a farm overview that includes selective breeding (KS4) or effective soil management (farmers/gardeners) etc.
Visits must usually be arranged between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday, during term time. We have hosted groups of all sizes from 6 to 60 and many schools visit us on a regular basis. Your own transport is required for a farm tour; most visit destinations are accessible by coach.
Outdoor clothing, wellies and your own First Aid arrangements are advised. Picnic lunches may be eaten in the classroom or outside. We do not sell pocket money toys but our delicious buffalo milk ice creams can be pre-ordered.
N.B. First time group leaders must attend a pre-visit consultation to see the farm, sign our comprehensive risk assessment and plan a suitable schedule with us.
Contact: Mrs Laura Romney BSc PGCE
Email: education@laverstokepark.co.uk
Telephone: 01256 772 837
Voluntary donations to our charity ‘The Laverstoke Foundation’ (reg. no. 1098108) are most welcome and help to meet our running costs.
