BIRKENHEAD, England – The Woodchurch High School farm, located near Liverpool, is providing urban teenagers with a unique opportunity to explore careers in agriculture and reconnect with nature. Established 13 years ago, the farm has become a haven for students, fostering their mental health and confidence.
Woodchurch High School, situated in the town of Birkenhead, faces Liverpool across the Mersey River. Despite being an urban area with higher income deprivation, the farm has offered students exposure to various professions and individuals from outside their urban environment.
Headteacher Rebekah Phillips emphasized the importance of providing young people with opportunities to thrive and demonstrate their skills. The farm has also played a significant role in supporting social and emotional development among the students.
The farm at Woodchurch High School has garnered recognition through the participation of its students in prestigious agricultural exhibitions, such as the Royal Cheshire and Westmorland county shows. These events give students a platform to showcase the skills they have developed while caring for animals such as sheep, alpacas, goats, pigs, and chickens. Many students have received accolades and praise from experts in the farming field.
Linda Hackett, the farm manager, expressed gratitude for the warm reception and support received from the farming and agricultural communities.
For students like 14-year-old Ella-Rose Mitchinson, who was awarded Student of the Year 2023 by the School Farms Network, the farm provides a safe space away from the pressures of social media and teenage life. Ella-Rose dreams of becoming a veterinary nurse.
Thirteen-year-old Corey Gibson, a Year 8 student, echoed the sentiment, noting that the farm allows him to be his authentic self. He described it as a happy place where animals do not judge.
The impact of the farm extends beyond the school’s immediate community. Former student Sophie Tedesco, now a dairy farmer in Shropshire, credits the farm with opening her eyes to the agricultural world. Tedesco fondly remembers her time on the farm, describing it as a completely different experience from what she was accustomed to.
Woodchurch High School farm has also gained recognition for its contribution to conservation efforts. In 2010, the farm received a lucky gift of North Ronaldsay sheep, originally from Orkney, which are classified as a priority breed by the Rare Breeds Survival Trust. Over the past 13 years, the farm, measuring one-and-a-half acres, has successfully bred over 60 sheep, with lambs born every year. These sheep contribute to the national census conducted by the Rare Breeds Survival Trust.
While other schools have expressed interest in the farm, Headteacher Rebekah Phillips lamented that it is never taken into consideration in the country’s academic review system, despite its broader community impact. Nevertheless, the farm has remained untouched by vandalism, and the worst incident to date involved a child feeding a sheep a crisp.
The Woodchurch High School farm serves as a remarkable example of how urban schools can provide opportunities and open doors to careers in agriculture for their students. By nurturing their mental health, building confidence, and exposing them to new professions, this unique initiative is equipping the next generation with valuable skills and a deeper connection to the natural world.
