Loan a Lamb

Nearly 4,000 school children across Sussex and Surrey benefited this spring from the Loan a Lamb scheme run by the South of England Agricultural Society‘s (SEAS) Education Committee.

Five primary schools, Milton Mount Primary and The Mill Primary Academy in Crawley, St Lawrence Primary School in Hurstpierpoint and Plumpton Primary and Herons Dale School in Shoreham, took part earlier in the year, with six other schools, including a specialist school for children with autism, joining in the fun at the end of April.

The scheme, held in partnership with LEAF (Linking Environment and Farming) with cash support from the East Sussex Proficiency Test Committee, sees school staff and children caring for a ewe and her lamb for a week.

“It is crucial to get children involved in agriculture at a young age,” said Alan Smith from SEAS’ Education Committee. “The Loan a Lamb scheme is an exciting and educational opportunity for school children in Surrey and Sussex. It provides a unique opportunity for students to learn about the importance of farming in producing our food and other products we use in day-to-day life. We are proud of this initiative and to be making a positive impact within our local communities.”

A teacher briefing was held with representatives from all 11 schools to provide information and training, including details on sheep care, biosecurity and health and safety.

Milton Mount Primary teacher Yvonne Swinson said it was “a wonderful opportunity for everyone at our school”, adding: “Many of our children live in flats and don’t have gardens, and lots of them don’t have pets, so they’ve never had the responsibility of getting up, coming out and feeding an animal. They absolutely loved it.”