Enthusiasm was not in short supply when over 1,400 primary school children were welcomed to the Englefield Estate, in Berkshire, for its annual Schools Days event.

For two days, the Estate’s house, gardens and parkland were transformed into a dynamic, outdoor learning environment for children from 34 schools across the county.

Pupils spent a day exploring themes of sustainability in the countryside, including food and farming, trees and timber, habitats and wildlife, health and wellbeing, energy and water, history, and community.

“Never has it been more important for us to engage young children in educational activities that will help them make good choices for themselves and the world around them,” said Englefield Estate’s Education and Environment Officer, Dr Elizabeth Mattison, who led the event’s organisation.

“We invited schools from across the county to attend free of charge, only having to self-fund their travel, to give their pupils an opportunity to experience and learn more about nature, the environment, land management, and the role that estates like Englefield, play in its careful stewardship.

“The children were so interested and had lots of really great questions, which shows how much they get from this experience.”

On each day of the event, groups were guided along one of four routes by Estate staff and volunteers. Along these routes, the children enjoyed a variety of seven workshops, demonstrations and thoughtful activities, which were designed and hosted by Estate staff, partner organisations and community groups.

From building barn owl boxes with Estate carpenters and learning the ‘Countryside Code’ to getting a worm-eye’s view of life in the soil – little hands got stuck in.

Under the guidance of local farmer, Steve Waters, pupils met some of the farm animals and learnt how milk and meat are produced. A lesson with David Wiggins, the Estate’s Head Gamekeeper, also provided insight into keeping wildlife populations diverse and thriving.

Recycling, renewable energy, and landscape design were also on the agenda, as were opportunities to practice real citizen science. Children looked at water samples taken from the River Pang and checked for invertebrate species for an indication of water quality.

Parish churches are the centre of many rural communities and a treasure hunt for important features at St Mark’s Church, located on the Estate, proved popular and gave children an insight into the history, place, and purpose of parish churches.

A highlight of both days was the children’s visit to the historic Englefield House, which was led by Estate Chairman Richard Benyon, his wife Zoe, and their sons Harry and Louis. This provided the opportunity to learn about the history of the House and the work carried out to preserve it. 

In a note to Dr Mattison, Samantha Harrison, a teacher from Westwood Farm Schools in Reading wrote: “Westwood Farm School’s year three classes were lucky enough to go to Englefield Estate for their school day.

“The day was very well organised, and the staff were all lovely and engaged with the children wonderfully. Our pupils took part in seven different activity stands, which they all thoroughly enjoyed.

“The wonderful world of dragonflies, Butterfly Conservation, and Action for the River Kennet were firm favourites!”

The Estate’s Schools Days – now in its 28th year - holds a Sandford Award for Heritage Education, as well as the Quality Badge accreditation from the Council for Learning Outside the Classroom, which gives schools confidence that the event is well organised and safe for children.

“It has always been important to us to give children a transparent education, which ultimately helps them to build an informed understanding of, and connection with, the countryside,” concluded Dr Mattison.

“We want them to understand the work of the Estate, to be the responsible custodians of the future, and to inspire them to look to the sector for fulfilling careers – that is what is at the heart of the Schools Days.”