TODAY saw the launch of an innovative event that has allowed local schoolchildren to enjoy the benefits of Barlayland Farm Park near Basildon.

To ensure that children can still experience the park and benefit from its educational value during the Coronavirus pandemic, its education team have created a virtual outreach package for schools, nurseries and groups to enjoy.

The idea came from Karen Watson, the education officer at Barleylands, who understood that many educators and group leaders were still unable to plan visits and travel this school year, yet still wanted the children to experience rich, engaging lessons that they would have been able to previously.

Karen worked with her education team to develop an innovative learning experience – which was formally launched today (20 April).

Four classes enjoyed the virtual outreach session on launch day from the safety of their school, joining Karen in the virtual classroom for a lesson all about where their food comes from. They also followed education team members, Josie and Lizzie, as they toured around the farm, into animal paddocks, crop boxes and the educational polytunnel.

In normal times, the Educational Programme at Barleylands provides guided and self-guided learning activities for nearly 20,000 children a year from schools and groups across Essex and London.

Karen says: "The 'Education Programme' has a dedicated team trained to deliver bespoke, curriculum linked visits which bring school topics to life, and at the same time gives us the opportunity as farmers to teach the next generation about food, farming and the countryside."

Just before lockdown began, Barleylands Farm Park had welcomed a record number of visitors to their Educational Programme when 17,000 children attended the farm for an educational visit.