Free farm visits for schools in and around the South Downs
August 11, 2025
Free farm trips are being offered to schoolchildren thanks to an exciting new initiative beginning next month.
The Goodwood Education Trust, the independent environmental education charity operating on the Goodwood Estate near Chichester, is offering 15 free farm trips to schools who might not otherwise have the opportunity.
It comes after funding from the Farming in Protected Landscapes (FiPL) programme, which is administered by the South Downs National Park Authority.
The farm visits are suitable for both primary and secondary classes, with content tailored to particular curriculum areas.
Students will have the opportunity to experience all aspects of one of the largest organic farms in the country, meet the dairy cows, gain insight into potential careers in agriculture, make the connection with the food they eat, and learn about how nature-friendly farming benefits the landscape.
The Education Trust is based at a stunning and sustainable Education Centre, offering a comfortable and accessible base for visiting groups.
Catherine Cannon, Trust Manager, said: “We’ve been welcoming schools to the farm for almost 50 years. We know how valuable it is for children to spend time on the farm, meeting the animals, learning about jobs, and learning about where their food comes from. Beyond that, spending time outside, in nature, is so important for both physical and mental health.”
Amanda Elmes, Learning, Outreach and Volunteer Lead for the National Park, said: “Around 70 per cent of the National Park is a mixed farm landscape, providing space for food production as well as some amazing biodiversity.
“It’s wonderful to be able to support this initiative to help more children – many of whom may have never visited a National Park – to learn how farming, nature and heritage can work in harmony.”