Farm to Fork
Sheep, pigs and cows are returning to
Doncaster College’s High Melton campus as the College extends its
rural element – and it won’t just be students that
benefit.
Students will grow fresh and healthy food as
they work towards their qualifications around the 126-acre campus
and at sites across the borough. It is hoped that the new
development will produce organic food for all the College’s food
outlets, with the surplus going into the borough. Hard and soft
fruits produced will also help the College produce a number of
juices and ciders.
The idea behind this sustainable project is
that food will not travel more than 15 miles from farm to fork –
cutting down tremendously on the amount travelling from farms
across the UK and overseas, thus reducing costs and harmful
gases..
As well as the rare breeds of sheep, pigs and
cattle returning to High Melton, other animals to descend on the
site will be turkeys, chickens, ducks, geese and bees. Most of
these will be housed at the High Melton site, but some sheep and
pigs will be used to graze and cultivate land at sites in the
community in conjunction with partnerships with Doncaster Council
and Natural England.
It is hoped that the extending of the rural
element of the College will lead to the launch of a Rural Academy
in 2010 although various courses will be offered from September
2009, including Animal Husbandry, Small Holding and Land Crafts –
mainly at Levels 2 and 3.
Solar and wind energy will produce power, heat
and water and a large amount of recycling will take place including
shredding, chipping and composting and the use of rainwater for
irrigation purposes.
A number of projects are already underway to
restore the campus to its former glory and preparing it for the
growing season.
Steve Hall, the College’s Head of Rural
Development and Sustainability, said “This enhanced rural element
of the College will benefit the whole of Doncaster and surrounding
area. There’s no substitute for hands-on experience in a real-life
rural environment and that’s what students will get when they come
here. It also provides a great opportunity for volunteers to gain
experience in this exciting industry.”
Some courses are expected to start in
September later this year. Further details can be obtained by
calling 0800 358 7575 or visiting http://www.don.ac.uk/
Updated 14/10/09