Brighton primary school makes countryside care short film

Pupils from St Martin’s Church of England Primary School in Brighton created the video, which is called the Brighton & Hove Farm School Countryside Code, as part of the Farm School project in Brighton & Hove.

The scheme gives thousands of children hands-on experience of farming through visits and outdoor learning in the South Downs.

Councillor Tim Rowkins, deputy leader and cabinet member for net zero and environmental services at Brighton and Hove City Council, said: “Farms have shaped the landscape of the South Downs for hundreds of years and today they are sharing their farms, expertise and working life with school children from the city’s primary schools.

“Brighton and Hove is surrounded by the South Downs, much of which is publicly owned, with rare chalk grassland and farms which are at the heart of nature conservation and the production of healthy, local food.

“By making The Countryside Code film, the children of St Martin’s School are encouraging other children and adults to enjoy, protect and respect their local countryside.”

Nine farms on the City Downland Estate have hosted guided tours, hands-on activities and nature walks as part of the scheme.

The programme is part of the Changing Chalk partnership, supported by a £2.23 million grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Since the project began in 2023, 1,729 children have visited farms and 3,423 have taken part in related activities.

Farmer Abbie Carr from Ovingdean Grange Farm, who features in the film, said: “We love people coming onto the farm and enjoying the farm and also finding out about what we do.”

The film outlines The Countryside Code in ten simple steps, including staying on marked paths, taking litter home and keeping dogs under control.

Hannah Tedman, farm school co-ordinator, said: “I would like to say a huge thank you to all the wonderful farmers involved in the Farm School project. They have welcomed children onto their farms and shared their knowledge and expertise in producing food, looking after our local landscape and supporting nature.”