Our Commitment to educate
As part of the Environmental Stewardship (ES) and Countryside Stewardship (CSS) Schemes, the Government pays certain farmers to invite school parties studying the natural environment as part of the national curriculum. These visits are free of charge to schools, age 4-16.
Natural England is here to conserve and enhance the natural environment, for its intrinsic value, the wellbeing and enjoyment of people and the economic prosperity that it brings. Natural England administers these schemes to help land managers achieve this goal.
Our Farm
Elm Farm is 112 Hectare and has been in the Paget family for over 250 years. The landscape is a traditional patchwork of species rich grassland, predominantly grazed by cattle, bordered by mature hedgerows producing food for a wide range of birds, bats, insects etc.
The farm runs down the valley to the River Chew, the Bathford Brook flows through a cider orchard. There is woodland, arable land, 5 ponds, plus crops grown purely for the year round benefit of wildlife. The farm is managed for food production with bio-diversity.
We have been doing farm visits for many years and have a barn built with toilet facilities, seating area and kitchenette. The location of the farm close to Bristol and Bath makes it quick and easy to get to us and ample parking for cars and coach.
We welcome pre booked groups of School children. This would normally be one class of children at a time.
Facilities
- Large clean barn with tables and benches. (please note, unfortunately, barn area not available for 2018)
- DVD/Laptop Video projection (including audio)
- Specialist speakers can be booked. e.g. Bees, Owls, Trees
- Toilets
- Hand washing
- Car parking for cars and large coach
- Suitable for people with restricted mobility
Habitats available for study
- Flower rich grassland
- Ponds
- Wetland
- Hedgerows
- Orchards
- Arable
- Woodland
- Kitchen Garden
Activities
- Farm walk and discover wildlife
- Food chain study
- Study of food production with conservation in mind
- Small flock chickens and geese, bees, beef cattle
- Apple juice/ cider making (in the autumn)
- Guest speakers on specialist subjects e.g. bees, owls, bats, moths
Specialist interests
- Food chains, history of the landscape, sustainable food production and environmental issues
- The iconic Barn Owl regularly breeds on the farm
- 9 Species of Bats have been recorded and
- The magnificent Brown Hares are often seen by visitors
- Moths – caught overnight in humane moth traps can be admired by visitors before releasing
- Higher Level Stewardship agreement with Natural England – bio-diversity and sustainability
- Scheduled Monument – the Wansdyke
Booking Information
Please contact us for further information and to discuss your requirements, and discuss a pre-visit meeting here at the farm.
Pre arranged days for individuals can be found on our activities page
We aim to share our knowledge, however, we are not teachers so work in conjunction with your own teachers.
The farm has been visited by the Health and Safety Executive for the necessary safety checks and risk assessments. Public liability insurance covers £10 million.