CHILDREN in South Herefordshire are sitting down to lessons at the heart of a working farm.

Farmers Ann and Jim Herbert have converted a barn into a fully equipped classroom at Lewstone Farm, Whitchurch, so that youngsters can see at first hand just how farming ticks. The school groups are also taking part in woodland environmental activities.

The Herberts dedication in encouraging school visits on their 240-acre farm have earned them a hotly contested Farming Award from the Wye Valley Area of Natural Beauty (AONB).

Their trophy, certificate and £400 cheque were handed over to them at Monmouthshire Show by the chairman of Wye Valley AONB joint advisory committee, Councillor Phil Cutter.

While Lewstone Farm is already well-known for free-range egg production, as well as the introduction of a wildflower meadow and 300 newly planted trees, Ann and Jim’s work stood out from other competitors – Wye Valley farms in Herefordshire, Monmouthshire and Gloucestershire – because of the educational aspect.

One of the judges, Wye Valley AONB officer, Andrew Blake said the panel was “really impressed” by the quality of entries.

“All the shortlisted farms are making an outstanding contribution to conserving and enhancing the natural beauty of the Wye Valley,” he said.

“But the judges were particularly impressed with the educational and conservation work that the Herberts carry out at Lewstone Farm.”

Runner up was Monmouthshire farmer, Alan Morgan from Gadr Farm near Llangowan,

Two farms were selected for the Highly Commended Award: Whitehill Farm, Wonastow, Monmouthshire , run by Beryl and Peter Yeomans, and Langley Farm, Stowe, Gloucestershire, run by Helen and John Powell.