Case study: How CEVAS training helped a farmer open his doors to the next generation

Arable farmer James Loder Symonds explains why farmers should apply for CEVAS (Countryside Educational Visits Accreditation) training and support when planning farm visits for schoolchildren.

James and Emma run Nonington Farms in Canterbury. Their 1,250-hectare farm became a LEAF (Linking Environment And Farming) demonstration farm in June 2020. They welcome more than 1,500 schoolchildren onto the farm and host over 50 farm visits annually.

James obtained CEVAS accreditation in 2011. He found the training to be immensely valuable and informative. For him, the CEVAS training instilled:

“The confidence to host farm visits: structure and target the individual age groups.”

He says:

"I learned a lot about how to plan and deliver educational farm visits. The training was hands-on and included role-playing, which proved highly beneficial, especially for individuals without an educational background."

James loves sharing his knowledge of farming with schoolchildren:

"It's so rewarding to see the children enjoying their farm visits and learning about where their food comes from. I'm really grateful for the CEVAS training, which helped me to get started. I lacked confidence during my first farm visit, but this has grown with experience, and I have improved on engaging with different groups”.

“Children are inquisitive and always want to learn. Who doesn’t like livestock and tractors?"

James strongly encourages other farmers to apply for AHDB’s pilot support project, take the training and start their farm visits:

“Farmers need confidence to host school visits, and CEVAS training does just that.”

Visit Nonington Farms on the LEAF website

Helping farmers to open their doors to the next generation

AHDB is working with LEAF Education on a new pilot project to support farmers to deliver impactful school farm visits and gain CEVAS accreditation. If interested please apply by 16 October 2023. 

Farm visits are a wonderful way for children and young people to learn about where their food comes from and how it is produced. They can also be a lot of fun! But for farmers, hosting farm visits, it can be a daunting task. There is a lot to think about: from safety and risk assessment to planning activities that are both educational and engaging.

As part of the pilot project, 20 farmers have the opportunity to attend and complete a CEVAS training course. Following the training course they will need to complete and submit a portfolio (estimated to take about 20 hours) for CEVAS accreditation by the end of March 2024.

Other elements of the support programme include:

• Fully funded 1-2-1 consultancy support from an education specialist to help farmers through all stages of their first farm visit
• Access to a support network of new and existing host farmers
• Support with transport costs for schools participating in the pilot

Find out more and apply to be part of the pilot project (by 16 October 2023)

What is CEVAS?

CEVAS gives farmers the tools, knowledge, and practical guidance they need to host safe and impactful farm visits.

The CEVAS training covers a wide range of topics, including:

• Risk assessment and safety management
• Educational planning and delivery
• Communication and group management
• Marketing and promotion

The training is delivered by experienced professionals and is accredited by the Open College Network.

Benefits of CEVAS training

CEVAS training helps farmers to:

• Provide safe and enjoyable farm visits for children and young people
• Deliver educational experiences that meet the needs of the curriculum
• Build relationships with schools and other educational organisations
• Promote their farm and the agricultural industry