This week, students involved in the Lincolnshire Show Schools Challenge have taken part in two engaging, hands-on learning experiences as they prepare for their entries at the Lincolnshire Show, which begins on Thursday 18 June.
On Monday 19 May, students working on the soil science project visited Chappell Farm in North Lincolnshire. During the visit, they explored the important role soil plays in agriculture, learning about different soil types and why soil health is essential for sustainable farming. The day included practical activities such as collecting soil samples and testing a range of physical properties, giving students valuable real-world experience.
The visit was led by Colin Chappell, an award-winning farmer recognised for his commitment to sustainable farming practices. Colin shared his expertise and demonstrated how soil science underpins the work carried out on the farm, helping to maximise crop yield while protecting the environment. Students gained a great deal from the experience and enjoyed getting involved in every aspect of the day.
The following day, on Tuesday 20 May, a smaller group of soil science students, alongside members of the gardening club, took part in a soil science masterclass led by Bobbie Harvey from the Linking Environment and Farming (LEAF) charity. Bobbie provided a range of soil samples for students to analyse, focusing on both physical and chemical properties.
It was particularly positive to see older students confidently applying the skills and knowledge they had developed during the farm visit to support younger gardening club members with their investigations. The session highlighted the teamwork, enthusiasm and collaboration across the group.
As part of the workshop, students also built their own wormeries to take home, learning about the important role worms play in maintaining healthy soil and supporting plant growth.
Overall, it has been an engaging and practical week, with students showing enthusiasm, curiosity and teamwork throughout both experiences as they continue to develop their projects for the Lincolnshire Show.
