Rectory Farm

Education in the Countryside

Directions - Finding the Farm

From the roundabout junction with the A421 and A4421 at Finmere market site, take the single carriageway road signposted to Tingewick. On entering Tingewick village turn left at the mini roundabout, signposted to Water Stratford, and follow the road for approximately half a mile. Rectory Farm is the SECOND farm on the right hand side at the bottom of the hill, turn right over the cattle grid and follow the concrete road into the yard. Grid Reference SP 654 340.

Over the last three years, however, Rectory Farm has developed much stronger links with local primary schools and now hosts more than 50 visits per year. To support this work the farm has developed a new pond dipping platform, three new woodland areas (each of which has been adopted by a local primary school) and a large bird watching hide.

School trips

The farm owners, George and Ann Eaton, have been hosting educational visits for some 12 years. Initially, this mainly involved local interest groups, such as brownies, young farmers and conservation volunteers, coming to the farm for an evening during the summer. However, in 2003, when the Countryside Educational Visits Accreditation Scheme (CEVAS) was introduced for farmers wishing to host school visits, George was one of the first to obtain this nationally recognised qualification which is endorsed by the Government. A visit to his farm can be an integral part of the National Curriculum for all ages; he is able to enthral young people with his knowledge about farming and the environment. He has worked closely with FACE to create an excellent and safe learning experience. George has also obtained an extension qualification covering Work Place Learning and Work Experience.

Mr George Eaton, Rectory Farm, Tingewick.

Website by Andy Hack. All photography (except where credited) by Sara & Andy Hack Copyright 2010