Local charity RHET Ayrshire & Arran Countryside Initiative are ready to bounce back bigger and better to give children every opportunity to learn about farming, food, and the countryside as the new school year approaches.

The charity enables school kids to visit farms across Ayrshire and Arran to see up close where their high quality and tasty Scottish food comes from and to meet the farmers who grow and produce it.

Volunteers also deliver classroom talks on many rural subjects and have just recently received funding for a Countryside Classroom on Wheels trailer unit to take small animals and demonstrations to schools for an engaging experience.

Recently elected chair of the charity Christine Cuthbertson explained: “We are so excited about getting back out on farms.

“We have a great team of volunteer farm hosts who are passionate about what they do and are keen to help

children learn about their food and how its produced and how farmers work with and look after the countryside.

“The pandemic has caused children to miss out on so much and put a spotlight on local food production and nutrition, along with a growing appetite for outdoor and hands on learning and we are geared up to deliver. The look on kid’s faces when they see a calf or big tractor for the

first time is just magical.”

Secretary, Elaine Bryson added: “It’s simple for schools to get involved. Just email our wonderful Project Coordinator, Wendy Lawrie ayrshire@rhet.org.uk who will help with your request or visit the RHET website, where you will find online booking forms and a wide range of resources.”