Westerton Farm School

Overview

Step into farm life and join us on Wednesday mornings for Westerton Farm School - a relaxed, hands-on learning experience where children can get involved with our animals, discover how a working farm operates, and learn through real-life experiences. Designed especially for home-educated children, each weekly session gives young farmers the opportunity to help with the regular jobs involved in caring for our animals. From feeding and watering to collecting eggs, providing hay and checking on the animals, children will begin to understand the importance of routine, responsibility and good animal welfare.

Every week will be a little different. Alongside our regular animal-care routine, we'll make the most of what's happening on the farm and the changing seasons. Children may get involved with planting and growing, exploring nature, creating, harvesting, learning about food and farming, or helping with other suitable jobs around the farm.

There is no rigid classroom-style lesson plan - Westerton Farm School is about learning by doing, getting outdoors and experiencing real farm life. Children will have the chance to build confidence, develop practical skills, learn about caring for animals and the environment, and discover where food comes from, all while having fun and making new friends.

What's Included
  • Hands-on care of our animals
  • Feeding and learning about animal diets
  • Learning about animal behaviour, welfare and daily routines
  • Seasonal farm activities such as planting, growing and harvesting
  • Nature, outdoor and creative activities
  • Practical jobs and projects inspired by what's happening on the farm
  • Learning about farming, food and where our food comes from
  • Friendly, hands-on guidance from a member of the Westerton Farm team

Activities will vary from week to week depending on the season, weather and what is happening on the farm. This means children can experience the farm as it really is, following the natural rhythm of the seasons and getting involved with genuine, age-appropriate farm activities.

FAQs
How long is the session?
Each session runs for approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, from 10:30am to 11:45am.

Who is it suitable for?
Westerton Farm School is designed for home-educated children aged 5 years and over.

Where do we meet?
Please meet at the Farm To Table shop at your booked start time.

Do parents need to stay?
Parents and carers are welcome to stay and enjoy the café and shop during the session, or join us in the field.

What should children wear?
Please dress children appropriately for a working farm and the weather. Sturdy outdoor footwear and clothes that can get muddy and wet are recommended!

How do we stay safe?
Hand washing is required after handling animals, with sinks available in the Farm To Table shop. Children must be supervised at all times and will be given guidance by our farm team when working with the animals. Please remember that Westerton is a working farm, and tractors, machinery and farm vehicles may be operating. Roads, pathways and farm areas must be crossed and used with care.

Make a Day of It
Why not stay a little longer after Westerton Farm School? Enjoy a hot drink, lunch, children's lunch box or seasonal treat at our Farm To Table café, browse the shop, or make use of the outdoor play areas and any additional farm activities available during your visit.
Come back every Wednesday and watch the farm change with the seasons — there is always something new to learn, discover and get involved with at Westerton Farm School.
Location
Laurencekirk, Aberdeenshire, Scotland, United Kingdom

Additional information

Ticket availability

Tickets are on sale until 12 hours before the experience starts, but may sell out sooner, so don't miss out!

Booking protection

Flexibility to reschedule up to 2 days before the experience starts is included with your booking.