Kent College opened it’s Farm gates to the public for the inaugural Farm Open Morning on Saturday 11th of May.
Pupils at the College are incredibly lucky to have access to the school’s full working farm, set in 50 acres of grazing land bordering the ancient Blean woods.
The Farm hosted over 300 visitors from Kent College and the local community creating a wonderful family atmosphere. Visitors experienced an array of what Kent College has to offer from archery, art activities, a farrier at work, folk music, fete games, pond dipping, pony rides, sheep shearing and a show jumping display. The school’s Farm Club students were on hand to show visitors the wide range of animals including sheep, rabbits, calves, goats and guinea pigs. The ducklings and baby chicks were a big hit but the highlight of the day was the surprise birth of twin lambs! The school held a ‘Name the lamb’ competition and the twins have been named Wiggle and Fluff.
Visitors could taste Kent College sausages at the BBQ and enjoy our famous chocolate brownies. The School raised £661 in donations on the day for the charity Farms for City Children, which was started by Sir Michael Morpurgo and his wife to provide urban children from deprived areas the chance to visit the countryside and to experience life on a farm.
Moat Farm is a short walk from the main Senior school campus and is open to all pupils from both the Junior and Senior schools. It is equally popular with students who want to be Young Farmers or are aiming to pursue a career such as veterinary science, or with those who simply love the experience of spending time with the wide array of farm animals. Moat Farm also has a riding school and arena, where pupils can learn to ride and to look after the school’s ponies and horses.