As part of their Unit of Inquiry on How human choices impact the natural world, Year 3 enjoyed a hands-on visit to alumna Mrs Middleton’s (née Shaw, BHS 1998) farm in Barton Hill Farm, Lilley on Wednesday.

Barton Hill Farm has been in Mrs Middleton’s family for generations and is run today with a strong focus on sustainable and environmentally responsible practices. Set in the Hertfordshire countryside, the farm blends traditional farming knowledge with modern approaches to support both productivity and conservation.

The girls explored fields of wheat, peas, and barley, learned how farmers make planting decisions, and discovered how sustainable farming supports local wildlife and biodiversity.

They took soil samples, observed wildflowers and skylark plots, and saw real machinery used in food production. A highlight was linking everyday foods back to the crops grown on the farm, bringing the farm-to-table journey to life.

It was a morning full of curiosity, connection, and meaningful learning about our shared responsibility for the environment.