Education | ED03 | Summer 2016

Sponsored by
Tunbridge Wells
Hadlow College
How long has Hadlow
had a school farm?
Hadlow began running the Princess
Christian Farm site over seven years
ago, in partnership with Kent County
Council, who own the land.
What animals or crops do you have?
Our farm animals include pigs and
piglets, sheep and lambs and calves.
There are also over 1,000 hens, whose
eggs are collected and graded. There
is also a small Animal Management
Unit, which has rabbits, guinea pigs,
ferrets, hamsters, rats, snakes and lizards.
We also have Rodney the goat and
two Shetland ponies, Josie and Daisy.
Within the glasshouses and polytunnels,
the horticulture department grows
plants, herbs and vegetables for sale
in the Hadlow Farm Shop, alongside
planters and hanging baskets
What benefit does it bring to the pupils?
The farm comprises 115 acres of
pasture and woodland and provides a
unique opportunity for individuals with
learning difficulties and/or disabilities
to develop employability skills within
a land-based setting. It aims to assist
people in developing social skills,
self-esteem, personal responsibility,
confidence, independence and the
ability to work as a team.
We are able to offer a variety of
different learning opportunities
which could include working
towards gaining nationally recognised
qualifications – for example, Land
Based NVQs – and supporting
students to reach their personal
goals and aspirations. Students are
proud of working here and really
enjoy showing the farm off to
visitors – it’s a great way for them to
engage with the local community.
Which animals do the
students like the most?
Lambs are a definite favourite, but
it really varies. Some students really
enjoy mucking out and looking
after the pigs, while others love the
chickens and collecting their eggs.
Hadlow College, Hadlow,
Tonbridge, Kent TN11 0AL
01732 850551. hadlow.ac.uk
67 www.wealdentimes.co.uk