Writtle University College (WUC) is delighted to announce that during the 2019-2020 academic year, over 20 field trips were arranged for university students studying agriculture or horticulture.
These visits introduced a wide range of businesses and offered students the opportunity to gain 'real world' knowledge while increasing their professional networks. Destinations varied from crop production logistics and quality at Ipswich Docks, to learning about regenerative agriculture at Weston Park Farm and organic crop production at Ladlers Farm.
Senior lecturer in agriculture, Henry Mathews, said: "At WUC we pride ourselves on long-standing collaborations forged with partners in agricultural business and the farming industry. We work closely with former students who occupy high profile roles across the agricultural spectrum. We aim to use hands-on learning and our professional network to help ensure our graduates become sector-ready."
In March 2020, trips were temporarily suspended as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. WUC moved to distance learning and began searching for new ways to offer students new and exciting opportunities.
Professor Peter Hobson transformed his annual visit to the Carpathian Biosphere Reserve in Ukraine into an online event. This programme, which is organised by Eberswalde, usually offers students the chance to explore an area known for its Ancient and Primeval Beech Forests.
Professor Hobson said: "2020 marks 15 years of collaboration between Carpathian Biosphere Reserve, Eberswalde University for Sustainable Development and ourselves. Due to lockdown, we were unable to make the trip in person, but managed to create a virtual excursion using Google Earth. We aimed to create a usual learning experience for students and hope to resume travel next year."
Other educational visits included:
- Cammas Hall, Hatfield Broad Oak,
- Reid Rooms, Margaret Roding
- Curtis Farm, Fobbing
- Stourgarden, Great Horkesley
- Fouchers Farm, Good Easter
- Berners Hall, Berners Roding
- Greenstead Green, Halstead
- Ipswich Docks
- Aythorpe Hall & Parklands Farm, Galleywood
- Camgrain, Balsham, Cambridge
- Ickleton, Saffron Walden
- Lysander Park Farm, Sawbridgeworth
- GeeVee, Roydon
- Weston Park Farm, Hertfordshire
- Home Farm Nacton, Ipswich
- Marriages Mill, Chelmsford
- Agrii, Dunmow
- Berwick Hall Farm, Abbess Roding
- Wilkins, Tiptree
- Ladlers Farm, Dunmow
- Fen Farm, Attleborough Norfolk
For more information go to:
writtle.ac.uk/agriculture
writtle.ac.uk/horticulture