More than 100 primary pupils from four Cambridgeshire and Fenland schools visited the University of Cambridge Farm and Department of Veterinary Medicine earlier this week.

The visit focused on 'Food, Farms and Animals' and covered a range of primary science topics. Children aged seven to 11 took part from four schools: Ashbeach Primary School, near Huntingdon, Murrow Primary School in Wisbech, Over Primary School and Wisbech St Mary Primary School.

The event was organised by the University's Community Affairs team and Gayford Education and Training, partners in delivering the annual Cambridge Science Festival.

The aim of the day was to give pupils an insight into the working of a veterinary science department and a farm, and a chance to see how research at the University tackles animal health, food production and a healthy diet for humans.

The day included a session from Holly Margerison of the MRC Human Nutrition Research Unit, who spoke to pupils about healthy eating and how cereal crops are used to make bread in many countries around the world.

At the Department of Veterinary Medicine, pupils learned about food poisoning bugs from Professor Duncan Maskell, and about human and animal immune systems from Dr Barbara Blacklaws.

The children also found out how sick animals are cared for when they met vets, scientists and veterinary nurses.

At the University Farm, Eric Allen, Director, dug up potatoes to show the pupils. He told them how potatoes have been bred over centuries, and how research continues into the varieties that are most in demand by food production companies.

Jeff Jones, Farm Manager, explained how crops grown at the farm become feed for animals and Gavin Hughes, Dairy Manager, showed pupils the dairy and beef cattle and explained how they are looked after. Daniel Friess, a PhD student in the Department of Geography, discussed the challenges of conservation and farming with pupils.

Ashbeach Primary teacher Mrs Lambert said: “At Ashbeach School all pupils are involved in growing food crops, harvesting and eating them as well as looking after our hens. This opportunity enabled the children to relate this experience to real life on a larger scale and see the relevance of science in everyday life. We hope that this very positive experience will inspire them in their possible future careers.”

The schools' visit was supported by the Wellcome Trust, as part of a package of support for biological science outreach at the Cambridge Science Festival in March, and with Fenland schools throughout 2007.

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