West Norfolk pupils welcome livestock visitors

It’s not every day a new pupil called Gromit arrives at your school fresh from Wensleydale and with a mum called Ethel.

But then it’s not everyday your school has a purpose-built sheep pen on the playing field and an army of volunteers waiting for their turn to meet the new stars of the show.

Ethel and Gromit, both Wensleydale sheep, spent a week at Clenchwarton Primary School as part of its Learn About Livestock topic which enabled the children to see first hand what life is like when you have animals depending on you.

“The whole school took part and had the opportunity of learning about farming, food production, and the importance of feed and how wool is used. The children also spent time sketching the sheep,” said Charlie Howells, Assistant Headteacher.

Clenchwarton was joined by West Lynn and Walpole Cross Keys Primaries in hosting guests from a Swaffham farm as part of the special project.

“Staff received training on how to care for sheep and established a relationship with the farmer. We are extremely excited to take part in this project and have the sheep stay with us,” added Mrs Howells.

Sophy Tarsey, Head of Year 3, spent her week in wellies and looking after the school’s newest arrivals with the aid of excited children as she was the designated person to be in charge of the visitors.

Betty and her lamb Flora were the guests at West Lynn Primary School, also a member of the West Norfolk Academies Trust while Walpole Cross Keys Primary School hosted Donna and Minty for the week.

The Learn about Livestock initiative is now in its fifth year and is organised by the Food and Farming Discovery Trust, Rare Breeds Survival Trust, Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association and Chapelfield Veterinary Partnership.

A total of 20 schools across the county took part in the scheme this year by hosting livestock.

“The project is the most rewarding I think I have ever been involved with. From the initial pilot scheme in 2019, it has grown significantly in reputation and reach,” said Gail Sprake, of Rare Breeds Survival.

“To have a ewe and her lambs on the school site for one week provides an opportunity for the entire school to get up close to the animals, and to take responsibility for their animals. So many of the pupils have never been up close to farm livestock,” she added.