The grounds of Englefield House, the deer park and parts of Englefield village were transformed into a giant outdoor classroom last week (June 10 and 11) as the Estate welcomed more than 1,750 children, teachers and support staff to Schools Days 2026.

Interactive stands covering topics including farming and food, habitats and wildlife, trees and timber and energy and water provided a wide range of information and experiences for the children to enjoy at the free-to-attend event, with sustainability as a key focus.

Despite rain on Thursday, students and staff embraced the outdoors and threw themselves into all the activities.

Education and Environment Officer Liz Mattison said: “Organising this event is a huge undertaking, but every year we are rewarded by seeing what the students gain from this experience. I am so grateful for all the support we get from the Estate team and the businesses and organisations that come in to help. It really is a team effort.”

Children had the opportunity to learn about the vital role pollinators play in sustaining the environment through hands-on experiences with the Reading and District Beekeepers Association, while Butterfly Conservation and the Berkshire Moth Group shared their work to help recover threatened species.

Students also heard from Bat Rescue Berkshire about its mission to rehabilitate injured, grounded and orphaned bats, and explored the causes of flooding and how it can be prevented with the Pang Valley Flood Forum. Action for the River Kennet (ARK) introduced young people to its work conserving precious chalk streams, while the Hills Waste Solutions team encouraged pupils to think about the importance of Reduce, Reuse and Recycle, alongside sessions exploring renewable energy sources.

The Newbury & District Agricultural Society championed British farming, helping children to understand where their food comes from, with a further session giving students the chance to learn about the importance of healthy soils.

The Estate’s farming, forestry, carpentry and gardening teams were also involved throughout the day, sharing their passion and expertise with young people through activities ranging from building barn owl boxes to growing crops and timber.

As well as local organisations, Sixth Form students from Theale Green School and Pangbourne College led activities exploring how to measure trees and their importance in our environment.

Teacher Jo Stuart from Englefield Primary School said: “The children all thoroughly enjoyed themselves and haven’t stopped talking about it since they returned to school. The class have also written a super recount about their day upon their return to school. We look forward to coming again next year.”

The event offers a welcome change of scene for many pupils and their teachers and a chance to spend time outdoors. But there is a serious side to Schools Days which prioritises learning objectives and offers opportunities for further teaching.

Pete Philips from Park Lane Primary School in Reading said: “It was great fun and so well-organised. We've been attending for many years and, whatever the weather, our pupils always say it is one of their favourite days of the school year”.

The event, which gives the youngsters the opportunity to learn about farming, the landscape and a range of rural skills, has grown significantly since it was launched in 1997 by Sir William Benyon, the father of current Estate Chairman Richard Benyon.

Just over 300 children from five Berkshire schools attended that first event to learn about the Englefield Estate its history and activities and the broader aspects of rural life.

Since that day Schools Days has become an annual event eagerly anticipated by schoolchildren, the Englefield Estate team and the many representatives from local businesses and organisations who give their support.

In 2023 Schools Days was awarded the prestigious Sandford Award from the Heritage Education Trust as a “safe, accessible and inspirational” event. The award, which lasts for five years, recognises the exciting, interactive and memorable experiences offered to children by the Estate.