‘Bringing the classroom into the countryside’ was the slogan for the successful Countryside Live! event held last September.

4,000 primary-aged pupils from Enfield, Barnet, Haringey, Waltham Forest, Tower Hamlets, Hackney and Newham descended on a sun-drenched Lee Valley Regional Park to learn more about the countryside at first hand: to see where food comes from; to learn how the countryside is managed; to touch and feel the livestock and to help crafts-people at their work.

Those attending the event, which was organised by the Countryside Foundation for Education, in partnership with the Enfield EBP and the Lee Valley Regional Park Authority, got involved in a variety of activities including guided walks, bug hunting, fishing, visiting the stables, craft-making, meeting bats, otters, birds of prey, working dogs, cows, sheep, donkeys and many other animals.

They watched (and took part) in arena displays involving birds of prey, ferret racing, working with trained dogs, farm machinery and sheepdogs working with geese. Rides on the Fullers’ Dray were popular as was carving on the handmade lathe.

A highlight for teachers and pupils was the Sheep Show – a highly professional and comical show.

It not only demonstrated sheepshearing, but gave the backgrounds on the various breeds as well as looking at wool production. The ‘dancing’ sheep were a sight to behold!

Throughout the day there was a happy, bustling, engaged atmosphere.

If you are interested in this project please contact Enfield EBP.

For more about Countryside Live! click here.