Dumfries House will host its third Spring Festival of Farming in May, with schools invited to register now for a day-long series of free workshops and sessions at Valentin’s Education Farm on the estate.

After the success of previous events, The Prince’s Foundation will hold the festival in partnership with Royal Highland Education Trust (RHET), for P4 and P5 pupils from Ayrshire schools on May 25 and May 26.

This is a free, one day event, which will run from 10am-2.20pm each day. Transport is not provided.

Pupils will have the opportunity to meet rare breeds of turkeys, geese, ducks, hens, pigs, sheep and chickens, as well as learn about growing produce and the importance of soil.

They will also familiarise themselves with the work of farriers, foresters, butchers, arable and dairy farmers, and wool spinners.

Representatives of Quality Meat Scotland, The Prince’s Foundation and The Royal Highland Education Trust will be among those sharing their knowledge and expertise.

Iona Murray, farming and rural skills co-ordinator for The Prince’s Foundation at Dumfries House, said: “We’re happy to be working with RHET Ayrshire and Arran once again to deliver the Festival of Farming, an event that has proven to help schools achieve their Curriculum For Excellence objectives while creating the opportunity for pupils to learn more about food and farming.

“The objective is to increase children’s understanding of the food we eat and where it comes from, as well as their knowledge of other agricultural produce. School pupils will have the opportunity to take part in a number of timetabled activities throughout the day.

“We look forward to welcoming all schools and would encourage them to sign up for the free event on a first come, first served basis.”

More info is available at tinyurl.com/FarmFest2022.