Celebrating British Food Fortnight with Wicor School

Celebrating British Food Fortnight with Wicor School

On Wednesday 30th September, pupils from Wicor Primary School in Portchester celebrated British Food Fortnight with a jam-packed day full of outdoor activities.

The Harfest Autumn Grounds Day was organised by the school in association with Hampshire Fare. The day was supported by lots of local producers eager to share their enthusiasm and knowledge with the eager school children.

Every year group was involved in the event, all taking part in different activities.  Restaurant chefs cooked up local produce on the outdoor demonstration kitchen. Pupils harvested vegetables from the school grounds which include allotments, woodlands and a tropics border.

Children learnt from an expert forager and a beekeeper, tasted jams and honey, had a go at juicing, went on a veg walk and made funny faces from quirky vegetables.

Tracy Nash, Commercial Manager of Hampshire Fare, commented on the success of the event:

“What a fantastic day of food engagement with the children at this truly fantastic school. The local experts involved in the event have really inspired the younger generation and we hope the experience is something that will stay with the children for years to come. It’s been a perfect way to mark British Food Fortnight.”

Mark Wildman, Headteacher of Wicor School, spoke enthusiastically about the event:

“The day exceeded our expectations as a team of professionals brought the subject of food and harvest to life in the most engaging and inspiring ways.  The day was packed with rich learning experiences as 436 hugely enthusiastic children worked in every space in our grounds to learn at first-hand about foraging, harvesting, cooking and local food sources.   The children had an incredible day and went home buzzing about the experiences they had and also much more knowledgeable about what their local area has to offer in terms of food.” 

“For me this has to be one of the most engaging and exciting learning experiences I can ever remember. It was a privilege to be part of such a special day”

With thanks to the organisations who supported the event; Hill Farm Juice, Sunnyfields, Meon Marriot Hotel, Rick Stein’s Winchester, Tree Council, Bee Good, Riverford, Garsons, Fit2Cook and The Southern Co-operative.