Philip and Maria Samuouel run a unique farm learning experience along side their mixed farm business. Thanks to a grant of £13,000 from the Surrey Hills LEADER grant scheme they will be able to accommodate more primary school children on educational visits. This will benefit both local schools and visitors from further afield. The investment will also lead to additional work experience opportunities on the farm for local school leavers and trainee teachers. The money will be used to install extra toilet facilities and erect mobile field shelters to provide additional cover for picnics. Already hosting approximately 250 school visits per year, Philip and Maria hope to increase this by at least one more class per day and will be able to welcome more public visitors in the summer.
Ladyland Farm dates back to the Tudor times and offers a different kind of educational visit from other farm parks. Their ‘Living Classroom’ covers many school curriculum areas including food and farming, habitats and environment and Tudor life. Due to its popularity some school groups have been turned away as the current picnic area, toilet and wash facilities were insufficient to cope with the numbers of children. The Surrey Hills LEADER grant of £13,000 will enable Philip and Maria to realise their expansion project and increase their visitor numbers. They will also be able to offer placements for secondary school children interested in careers in farming and veterinary surgery and for qualifying teachers at University.
With previous experience of developing their farm, Philip and Maria were awarded half the costs of the project. As a result of LEADER investment, the business can now expand its current activities enabling more children to benefit from visits as well as boosting the local economy through increased trade for suppliers.