PRE-VISIT BRIEFING (PVB): All schools must send a representative to the PVB, without the PVB, we cannot accept schools on the Estate Day.

A unique chance for everyone to enjoy and learn about the countryside, through visiting key sites of interest:
- Racing Stables
- Nature walk to Dell
- Kennels
- Bird of prey demonstration

For further information contact us.
Tel: 01422 885566
or e-mail

In order to position itself for the next 25 years of its work the charity launched its new name, ‘Countryside Learning’ at an event hosted by Nicholas Soames, Member of Parliament for Mid Sussex.

Mr Soames said; “This is an important landmark for this wonderful charity and I was very grateful to Richard Benyon MP, Minister for Natural Environment & Fisheries, for agreeing to be our guest speaker.”

Speaking at the event Mr Benyon said; “It is difficult to underestimate the importance of this work. The countryside is a magnificent classroom and the Countryside Learning provides children with un-repeatable chances to see and understand a living, working landscape.  I really do commend all those involved with the work that they do and I am delighted to be present at their transformation launch.”

Countryside Learning is a key player in some of the most successful sector partnerships of the last few years; such as the year of food and farming and growing schools.  Its way of working is very much in keeping with the agenda of the times in which we live; best possible value for money for donors, best quality of delivery for its beneficiaries and close sector working to avoid duplication. 

 Gary Richardson, Chief Executive of Countryside Learning said; “By delivering an unforgettable experience for many schools in some of the most economically challenged parts of the country and bringing real social and cultural integration in the process, this is a charity who has not only moved with the times, but in many ways has anticipated the changes needed to deal with the issues we are facing today.  Countryside Learning is the only organisation who for the last 10 years has brought the countryside directly to our capital city running a major event for 10,000 children, parents and teachers and the general public.

“In keeping with the ethos of the charity, not one penny of its funds has been spent on this rebrand with the advertising agency Touch doing all of this work for free with Savills offering further support for new resources.”

The “My Day In The Countryside” competition, which ran last term for all pupils attending an “Estate Day” or “Countryside Live” event, had well over 500 entries. Lauren’s work really appealed to the Judges in that it told a story of a visit to the countryside, expressing her feeling about the things she saw.  Headteacher of Austhorpe Primary School, Mrs Robinson, was delighted that Lauren had won this prize for her school.

The Countryside Foundation for Education (a national charity) has organised such school visits for the last 25 years. New Chairman, The Lord Stafford, has started a re-branding of the charity with a new name “Countryside Learning”. Lauren’s work will be used in the re-branding, it will appear at the Launch Reception in the Houses of Commons and on the new website.

For more information on the Estate Day and Countryside Live Programmes contact Countryside Learning on 01422 885566

Teachers
Please download a copy of our
Guide for Teachers visiting countryside events involving schools

Exhibitors
Please download a copy of our
Guide for Hosts planning countryside events involving schools

Our Education Officer in the South East, in partnership with The South of England Agricultural Society, runs a Schools Day called Connect with the Countryside in July (similar to the Countryside Live events) for children in Years 5 and 6 from schools in East and West Sussex.

Read More..

Read More..

Some photos, press articles and comments from the 2011 event can be seen in the review.

Dates for the 10th consecutive Countryside Live event in 2012 have been set for Wednesday 26 and Thursday 27 September at Lee Valley Regional Park Authority,The Waterworks, Lammas Road, off Lea Bridge Road, Leyton, London, E10 7NU.

It’s a change of venue……but only over the road! The usual event site at Leyton Marsh is being used for the London 2012 Games, so we are relocating Countryside Live 2012 across the road to another Lee Valley Regional Park site, the Waterworks. Public transport connections remain the same on Lea Bridge Road and coach parking will be available as normal.

 I hear and I forget
I see and I remember
I do and I understand

Countryside Live
The essence of outdoor learning