Children and adults alike enjoyed a fun-filled day of farming activities at the Royal Highland Education Trusts' (RHET) Forth Valley district's 'Estate Day', which welcomed six schools to Lerrocks Farm, in Doune, last week.

The purpose of RHET is to bring farming and the working countryside and it's practices to life for young people, working with volunteers to provide free educational activities and experiential learning opportunities linked to Curriculum for Excellence. The organisation has an aim to provide the opportunity for every child in Scotland to learn about food, farming and the countryside and to create a wider understanding of the environmental, economic and social realities of rural Scotland.

Forth Valley's estate day was no exception with educational talks and activities based on topics including: sheep husbandry; Scottish deer management and butchery; 'Farm to Fork' talks by QMS; nature and wildlife talks, as well as a lesson in woodland management.

"It is a pleasure to organise these events and it's so good to get the buzz of giving kids such a fantastic experience, as we feel it is important for farmers and growers to talk to a generation of curious consumers. We may wonder in some cases if they were taking anything in as there is so much going on at the one time, but I'm sure every one of them will remember the experience and learned a life lesson that cannot be taught in a classroom," commented RHET co-ordinator, Katie Brisbane, who organised the school pupils attendance.

Commenting on her experience of the day, Airth Primary School teacher, Pauling Evans added: "All the children were extremely excited to get out of the classroom and learn about farming first hand. It's a topic we struggle to deliver in the classroom and the children really benefit from listening to experts. It's great to see the children experience some practical learning and we are very lucky to be given the opportunity to take part in events like this – we will definitely be back again next year!"

As well as managing to bring children onto the farm, the district also send some of their farmer volunteers straight into the classroom, last week, to deliver 30 minute-long talks on "Farmers: what we make and do" – driving home valuable knowledge that assists in helping children understand where their food comes from.

Events such as this would not be without the hard work of volunteers – which are invaluable to RHET – and there are a variety of ways in which you can help by volunteering your time – even if you aren't a farmer or working in the agriculture sector. Volunteer roles range from hosting farm talks to delivering educational talks within the classroom, as well as stewarding educational events in your area.

If you could help children understand where their food comes from, and if you are passionate about the Scottish countryside and would like to get involved, then please visit: https://www.rhet.org.uk/volunteers/