The positive impacts of being outdoors and in nature
Karen Baker, Educational Visits Coordinator at Meadow Lodge Farm.
Having taken over managing the orchard in 2021 during COVID19, the family who own Meadow Lodge Farm soon became aware of the benefits of being outside and in nature, and decided to open up this opportunity to local school children under the Farm Educational Access Scheme.
They constructed an outdoor classroom, a bird hide, made a pond dipping platform and devised nature trails. Since welcoming their first class of children from the local village school in 2022, over 1000 children have now benefited from what they have to offer.
When welcoming school groups we have a suggested programmes depending on the season. However, we talk to teachers about the curriculum areas they are covering at the time and adapt the programme accordingly. After a school has made initial contact, we invite them to come on a pre-visit; this is great opportunity to meet and show them the farm, and find out what they hope to get out of their visit. We discuss how we can meet their expectations, and try to match our activities with their current topic – whether food and farming, habitats, trees and plants, animal life, seasons etc.
Each visit is led by farm staff for the duration of the visit. Weather conditions, and how the children are responding, can dictate any last-minute changes to routes and activities.
We also welcome conversations with school leaders regarding adaptations we can make to ensure the activities are inclusive for the needs of every child whether this be shortening or altering the walking route or scaffolding activities.
As the farm is not open to the general public and there are only staff members present during the visits, the students have the site to themselves and there is a feeling of being safe in an oasis of nature with the sights and sounds of wildlife all around.
After our first school visit in Spring 2022 we felt exhilarated and knew it was something we wanted to continue and improve on. We have found that the teachers and students are very enthusiastic. With feedback comments such as ‘I didn’t know orchards could be so interesting’, ‘I want to come here every day’ and ‘I definitely want to spend my birthday here’ makes it all worthwhile. Our staff are equally as passionate commenting: ‘This is a real educational visit not just a commercial enterprise. We love to engage with the children and encourage them to ask questions and be inquisitive.”
After each visit we ask for feedback from teachers and, being a small team, we are able to put plans in place immediately to act on their suggestions, develop ideas and fine tune activities.
It is lovely to see the children go away with happy faces. Their enthusiasm for learning and being outdoors fills us with joy. They are very excited when they actually see the deer and hares which is a first for many of them, and they can't believe the size of the orchards and all the apples growing on the trees. All these things are on their doorstep, but many had not experienced these before. Our education leaders are both experienced in teaching and learning through their roles within schools and Girlguiding and Scouting organisations. It is a pleasure to share our experiences and site with the wider community.
What can schools expect from your educational experience?
Meadow Lodge Farm is a family run fruit farm in the village of Bluntisham comprising 45 acres of traditional orchards and Nature Reserve.
As traditional orchards are becoming less and less common, Meadow Lodge Farm is ran organically with an emphasis on the benefit to wildlife. We are a County Wildlife recognised site and visitors regularly see deer, hares, partridges and pheasants.
A typical educational visit comprises a tour of the orchards, demonstrating the seasonal changes and how fruit trees are so good for wildlife. Depending on the season, the students: are encouraged to look for signs of wildlife; visit the bird hide and learn about the different birds we see on the farm and how they are adapted to the different habitats; identify trees in our small woodland; go bug hunting and meadow grass sweeping; pond dipping; and fruit picking, pressing and tasting!
One of our more recent additions to the visit is ‘Orchard Bathing’ when children sit quietly and use their senses to absorb their surroundings. It has been known for deer to sit within 10 metres of us or a hare come racing round the corner to be confronted by a crowd of astonished children! Many teachers are amazed that their children can actually sit for a while without talking or moving!
All of the schools who have contacted us have been very keen to bring their students, especially when they see our site, find out what we can offer, and learn that we can tailor our activities to their needs whether educational or to individual children. A local head teacher told us about the LOtC Quality Badge and the adviser was very helpful and constructive, making the process quite straightforward for us - we were delighted when we heard our application was successful! The award ensures that we are able to offer a safe learning environment for all. One school in particular has brought three classes, two consecutive years with further visits already booked for 2024 including a visit from our staff to their school in order to introduce ourselves and the farm which wets the children's appetite for their autumn visit.
Find out more
Visit meadowlodgefarm.co.uk for more information or contact the Karen at visits@meadowlodgefarm.uk or on 07970 404 569.
