A fifth-generation farmer keen to show pupils where the food on their plate comes from has launched a new agricultural school.
Ian Pigott was joined by the Lord Lieutenant of Herts, Lady Verulam, at last Wednesday’s (9) official opening of The Farmschool, at Annables Farm, Annables Lane in Harpenden.
The farmer said he was pleased that Lady Verulam attended the launch, which included a short presentation and tree planting ceremony, as “she is a great ambassador for Herts and the countryside”.
The event doubled as a small commemoration for this county’s deputy Lieutenants, as they also marked the milestone day on which Queen Elizabeth II became the longest-reigning monarch in British history.
Ian said that the school would help teach visitors, particularly children and young people aged between eight and 18, about farming, food, and caring for the environment through workshops and outdoor-based activities on a working farm.
He explained that he was passionate about reconnecting people with the land, to show where their food came from.
The school, which has already welcomed over 3,200 visitors over the past year ahead of it recently gaining charitable status, includes a working kitchen to allow pupils see the entire cycle, “from farm to fork”.
Ian said the school, which also teaches kids from disadvantaged areas, was large enough to cater for entire year groups, as it could take up to 60 children at a time.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here