AS the ongoing effects of coronavirus restrictions continue to be felt in every classroom across the county, educational charity The Country Trust is doing its bit to aid the healing process.

The Country Trust team, which are supported by the Northumberland County Show, would usually be busy during the autumn term taking children to visit working farms, running in-school cooking and growing sessions and countryside residential visits.

And whilst a few schools are getting their children out to experience the joy and wonder of the working countryside, most are not yet able to.

“As most children can’t come to farms, we are bringing the farm to them through our brand new programme, Farm in a Box,” explained Jill Attenborough, CEO. “Each Farm in a Box is linked to a real working farm and is designed to be delivered at school by teaching staff, with a personalised film from the farmer.”

Children from GUST School, in Ashington, were the first to experience Farm in a Box in the North-East.

Local Country Trust coordinator Sue Thompson paired GUST Independent School with farmer and current High Sheriff of Northumberland Tom Fairfax, of Mindrum near Berwick, and by working together, they created a box filled with interesting resources including farm produce to taste, seeds to touch and plant, and experiments to try. As a special treat, Mr Fairfax also included them some ‘class pets’.

Having enjoyed the programme, the young people were delighted to receive a special award from the High Sheriff. More at www.countrytrust.org.uk/farminabox