Michael Morpurgo connects city children to nature through Devon scheme 

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Michael Morpurgo is connecting city children to nature through a scheme in Devon. 

Michael Morpurgo – known for penning books such as Birthday Duck and War Horse – created the Farms For City Children Project with his wife Clare. 

The Woodland Trust is working with the project on a unique “roundel” scheme - connecting city children with nature and farming.

These roundels are like little powerful pockets of nature – temporary enclosures containing trees and shrubs that will, in time, allow cattle access to forage and browse, whilst also finding shelter.

Each will be ‘adopted’, planted and cared for by a visiting school, and the hope is that the children will feel connected to a piece of natural habitat of their own making throughout their adult life and go on to inspire other children with their story.

Eleanor Lewis, Outreach Manager at the Woodland Trust, which provided the trees and know-how, said: “This is a really special project.

Each roundel will be ‘adopted’, planted and cared for by a visiting school.

“Even though we increasingly know the vital role trees and shrubs play for both habitat and animal welfare, it can be tricky to integrate them into farming systems. 

“Rather than planting isolated trees which is expensive due to the protective fencing, by grouping trees and shrubs Roundels create a more immediate canopy, for a significantly lower price per tree, whilst also providing numerous benefits including shade, shelter and food.

“It’s great that we can involve kids with such an innovative project. There can be a real disconnect between people and nature.  

“This project aims to break down those barriers. This project will provide a place for children to connect with nature and have pride in what they have created. 

“In time we hope it inspires them to develop a love for the natural world which is so important when you consider the bigger issues such as climate change and biodiversity loss.”

Michael said: “To walk through a wood, to listen and to see the wind in the trees, to touch the bark of a tree, and to plant a tree, is to join hands with nature, to feel a deep sense of belonging. 

“It’s great that we can involve kids with such an innovative project."

“Many of the 100,000 city children who have come for a week of farming, of living in the countryside, have felt for the first time that precious connection between us and the world about us. Once felt it is never forgotten. A seed is planted.”

Donna Marie Edmonds, Chief Executive of Farms for City Children said: “This is something very tangible for a young person. To know that they are doing good for their planet, for the farm, for the animals, for the nature that exists all around, and for the future generations of children who will make a visit to the charity from that same school community - that is something very special. 

“You are helping us to create a legacy impact. This might just be the activity completed on the farm that sets a young person on a future path that brings them into a career in agriculture or conservation.”

Planting started at Nethercott Farm, near Winkleigh, in January.

Adam Bratt, Farm Operations Manager said: “I am hopeful that establishing trees (and specifically wood pasture habitat) on our farm will benefit our livestock, local biodiversity and have a lasting impact on our visiting young people.  

“Working with Mick from the Woodland Trust and the Trees for Your Farm project team has allowed us to receive the technical and financial support to trial an innovative way of establishing trees and we are excited to see the benefits of this project develop over time!”