This award was awarded to the S.H.E.D (Schools’ Health and Educational Den) an innovative farm classroom based at Frogmary Green Farm in South Petherton, Somerset.  The project brings the classroom to the farm, giving children a ‘field to fork’ experience of the links between food production, cooking and healthy eating and how farming cares for the environment.

• The project weaves food education into school life in a farm setting combining fun and knowledge, as well as helping to tackle the ongoing challenge of reducing childhood obesity
• The classroom also offers an economic benefit to the farm with a funding stream to enable it to operate the facility, strengthen its business and so contribute to its continued viability
• The classroom also meets an environmental objective in providing a “shop window” for the farm in demonstrating and showcasing what it does in food production, renewable energy and the natural environment.

While the classroom is based on a farm, the project is very much a facility for the community. As well as providing an innovative hands-on, educational space for children it also offers a resource for local community groups and societies. The farm places great emphasis on children’s education and has forged close links with local primary and infant schools. The project has become a regular destination for local schools meaning its messages and value spreads throughout the community.