After a couple of years break, the Kingfisher Award Scheme (KAS) will be running again in Devon in 2026. A special thank you to Kate Ponting who previously coordinated KAS in Devon for several years, providing opportunities for hundreds of children.
We’re thrilled to be collaborating with Emma Herrod and her team at Newhaye Farm in East Devon who will be our hosts for the field days next June. Three schools have already signed up, filling all available slots for the two field days. These will bring a total of 105 local pupils to the farm to experience the fun and adventure of learning about food, farming and wildlife outdoors. If you would like your school to be added to the waiting list for 2026 or express interest in taking part in 2027, please get in touch!
We’re hoping to offer a range of varied, hands-on activities this year including:
- We’re going on a worm hunt: getting hands dirty digging for worms and learning about healthy soil, it’s importance for farming and wildlife, and all the creatures that live in it.
- Heathy hedges: learning how hedges play a vital role on farm and in the landscape, and seeking out all the plants and animals that call hedges home.
- From cow to cookie: getting stuck in learning how cream from dairy cows can be made into delicious butter that will later be turned into tasty treats!
- Farm safari: a trailer ride around the farm to feed the cows and see how the farm fits into the landscape, keeping an eye out for wildlife on the way.
We will be looking for willing volunteers in the new year to help us keep things running smoothly on the field days. So if you think you’d like to muck in please get in touch to learn more about what is involved and how you can help – there is something for everyone!
Now all that’s left to do is keep our fingers crossed for good weather and look forward to welcoming pupils, teachers, helpers, and volunteers alike onto the farm.
Devon Kingfisher Award Scheme Coordinator Eve Halliday. 