LEAF's Education Pop-up Knowledge Hub

NATURE CONSERVATION: Hands on Nature & Conservation Adventures for Students 

This interactive workshop offers creative, student-friendly approaches to helping young people and the public understand agricultural policy and its impact on food production, conservation, and sustainability. We’ll look at key policy milestones since the second World War and how they’ve shaped farms and the natural world, with practical ideas to make these complex topics engaging and relatable for learners. Perfect to help bring the history of farming to life and highlight its huge importance today in addressing the climate crisis. Please bring along a farm photo or artefact with a story to share.

WATER: Working Wisely with Water

This session will introduce you to a range of practical, curriculum-linked activities focused on sustainable water use and management on farm, suitable for all age groups. You'll explore how the topic of water use supports learning, with links from Early Years to A-Level. The workshop includes discussions, demonstrations, and hands-on activities covering the water cycle, soil infiltration, and the role of practices like cover cropping. For younger learners, we’ll explore the topic of water use through map skills. Health and Safety considerations around water on farms will also be discussed, including its role in risk assessment

SOILS: Dig Deep - unearth the scientific secrets of soils on farm

A practical, hands-on session that digs deep into how to engage students and the public about soil science. We’ll uncover the secrets of soil health and fertility through engaging, accessible activities designed to bring complex concepts to life. We'll explore how to engage visitors of all ages with topics around maintaining healthy, productive soils, through hands on activities such as macro aggregate stability tests and measuring soil conductivity. All aimed at deepening understanding of the application of science on farm to advance more sustainable farming. 

CROPS & LIVESTOCK Farm Defenders: Discovering Nature’s Pest Patrol

This hands-on workshop is designed to help farmers and industry professionals communicate the principles and practices of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in engaging, accessible ways for students and visitors of all ages. You’ll explore how to introduce IPM techniques such as biological and cultural control through interactive, farm-based learning. The session will cover real-life IPM approaches such as habitat creation, biological controls, and faecal worm counts, with a focus on how to turn these practices into powerful teaching moments. Through practical demonstrations you’ll learn how to bring IPM to life for diverse audiences so you leave with ideas and confidence to help you educate and inspire the next generation about the vital role of IPM in sustainable farming.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: Inspiring the Next Generation

This practical, discussion-led session explores how to engage visitors with meaningful conversations about careers in food, farming, and the environment. You’ll get hands-on with new resources developed by LEAF and NFYFC, funded by ADM Cares, designed to help you confidently lead school visits, speak at careers events, or support young people through wider outreach. We'll share strategies for making farming relatable to today's students - from showing  the diversity of roles in the sector to tackling misconceptions. You'll leave with adaptable tools, fresh ideas, and renewed confidence to inspire the next generation of land-based professionals.

TOUR OF LOCKERLEY ESTATE 

Join Lockerley Estate Farm Manager, Craig Livingstone and a member of the LEAF Technical Team for a tour of this LEAF Demonstration Farm. See the very best of what they are delivering for more integrated, regenerative farming.