ASN Seasonal Farm Learning Programme

Seasonal Farm Learning at Charleton Farm

Join us for five weeks of hands-on, outdoor learning at Charleton Farm. Children will meet and care for our farm animals, explore the changing season and enjoy practical activities including apple investigations, seasonal planting, den building, bug hotels, nature art and bird feeders.

Our sessions combine guided learning with plenty of opportunities to explore, play and learn at each child’s own pace. Children can meet our Kune Kune pigs, goats, Highland cattle, hens and ducks, with opportunities such as brushing piglets or feeding goats where appropriate and subject to animal welfare.

The park, mud kitchen and outdoor free-play areas will also be available. Juice and biscuits are provided for children, with tea and coffee for accompanying adults.

• Mondays: smaller ASN groups — 1-hour guided session. Every child must be accompanied.

• Tuesdays: preschool children — 2-hour guided session.

• Wednesdays: home-educated children — 2.5-hour guided session.

Refreshments and additional free play take place outside the guided session time.

Sessions cost £12 per child, per week, or book the complete five-week block for £50. One accompanying adult per child is included. Additional adults are welcome for a small charge payable on the day.

Sessions are all adapted to suit the group.

Week 1: Welcome to the Farm

Our first week is all about getting to know Charleton Farm and the animals who live here. Children will meet our Kune Kune pigs, goats, Highland cattle, hens and ducks while learning how to approach and observe animals calmly and safely.

We will look at what each animal needs to stay healthy, including food, clean water, shelter, space and companionship. Children may also have the opportunity to brush the piglets or help feed the goats. Activities will be adapted to suit the age and needs of each group.

£12 per child, or included in the five-week block for £50.

Week 2: Apple Time

It is apple season at Charleton Farm! Children will gather, handle, sort and investigate apples of different colours and sizes. Activities may include counting and colour matching, apple rolling, weighing and measuring, floating-and-sinking experiments and looking inside an apple.

There will also be an opportunity to create apple prints using red, green and yellow paint. Suitable apples may be prepared for the animals, helping children learn that different foods and portions are appropriate for different species.

£12 per child, or included in the five-week block for £50.

Week 3: Caring for Farm Animals

This week focuses on the daily care of our animals. Children will explore the jobs involved in looking after pigs, goats, Highland cattle, hens and ducks.

We will investigate feed, water, bedding and shelter, and look at some of the signs that help farmers know whether an animal is comfortable and healthy. Children may help with simple, supervised care tasks such as brushing piglets, preparing feed containers or feeding the goats.

Older children will be encouraged to compare the needs of different species and create their own animal-care checklist.

£12 per child, or included in the five-week block for £50.

Week 4: Seasonal Planting

Children will discover what can be planted at this time of year and how plants prepare for the colder months. We will explore soil, seeds, bulbs, roots and the conditions plants need to grow.

Each group will take part in a simple seasonal planting activity. Younger children can enjoy filling pots, handling soil and looking closely at seeds or bulbs, while older children can investigate planting depth, spacing, drainage and seasonal changes.

We will also consider how growing plants can provide food and habitats for people, farm animals, insects and other wildlife.

£12 per child, or included in the five-week block for £50.

Week 5: Dens and Wildlife Homes

This week is all about shelter. Children will think about the different shelters used by farm animals, wild creatures and people before having a go at building their own.

Activities may include den building with natural and reusable materials, creating miniature shelters and building simple bug hotels. We will investigate which materials keep a shelter dry, stable and protected from the wind.

Children will be encouraged to work together, test their ideas and make improvements to their structures. The activities will be adapted for different ages and abilities.

£12 per child, or included in the five-week block for £50.