Taking the classroom to the countryside

Published: Friday 19 September 2025

Pupils learning about dairy production from local farmer

Primary school pupils from urban areas across South Lanarkshire will soon be enjoying some rural life.

Following the huge success of a visit to the National Museum of Rural Life in East Kilbride last year, which saw 165 P6/7 pupils from local primary schools taking part in a Sustainable Farming Day, the organisers are hoping to set up another visit around Climate Week again this year.

The event allowed pupils to spend a day getting a taste of what farming is all about, from being close up to livestock to taking part in workshops looking at where our food comes from, how it is grown and the impact that farming has on our climate and the environment.

Councillor Robert Brown, South Lanarkshire Council’s Chair of Community and Enterprise Resources, said: “Events like these are great for getting young people to think about where their food comes from, how healthy food production and consumption affects us and the planet.

“And it hopefully will get them thinking about what they can do to help make our environment a healthier and more sustainable place to live.”

Kris Paterson, project co-ordinator for the Royal Highland Education Trust (Clyde area), who organised last year’s visit, said: “This year our visit to the museum will also give participating pupils a chance to hear about and discuss  a wide range of subjects relating to farming, food production and how it affects and interacts with our environment.”

Last year’s event was funded by the council’s Climate Emergency Community Grant Scheme, utilising UK Government Shared Prosperity Fund monies.

The trust also organises other farming and countryside visits to allow young people from urban environments a chance to visit rural settings they would not be able to undertake without these special visits which helps get the message across about the importance of sustainability across agriculture and food production.

Environment image