Local pupils set to learn about farming in Fife

The Countryside Day, taking place on June 15, is being held at Gilston Mains (by kind permission of Edward Baxter) who has hosted this event for the past nine years.

The event is being organised by the Royal Highland Education Trust (RHET) and funded by The Mary Leishman Foundation and RHET Fife.

Pupils from, Balcurvie, Mountfleurie, St Agatha’s, Methilhill, Kennoway, Aberhill and Parkhill primaries will take part in 12 interactive activities including pond dipping, sheep shearing and forestry, during the day which aims to teach the pupils about the reality of country life.

Volunteers from the local agricultural community will be helping run the activities and with a focus on the countryside pupils will also learn about; game keeping, conservation, cereal production and machinery, as well as being able to meet the cows and their calves.

RHET Fife are working with a number of partners, including, Elmwood College, SNH, Quaker Oats, Reekies of Cupar, Kettle Produce, Police Scotland, local farmers and Young Farmers from throughout Fife.

Edward Baxter from Gilston Estate said; “What goes on in the countryside is a mystery to most people. We are here but are seldom noticed. The Countryside day at Gilston is a wonderful opportunity for the Estate to show-case to children and their teachers the many things that are going on at Gilston both growing the food we eat and providing a refuge for the wild life we enjoy. They are unlikely to have the first hand knowledge of food and farming which we all take for granted and sharing that knowledge is a pleasure as well as a responsibility.”

Carole Brunton, RHET Fife Co-ordinator said: “These days are great as the pupils have never experienced anything like it before and they love it! Its a real taste of the country. We are also indebted to the huge number of volunteers who help on the day.”

RHET, a registered charity funded by The Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of

Scotland, offers its free Curriculum for Excellence based learning to all schools in Scotland.