Field to Fork at Occombe Farm
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Torbay
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May 2025
Raising awareness of sustainability through food
As part of Together360’s mission to connect people with nature and promote sustainable living, SDS funded an educational visit to Occombe Farm for Year 5 pupils from Ellacombe Academy. Managed by the Torbay Coast & Countryside Trust, the farm maintains nearly 80% of Torbay’s green spaces and serves as a hub for environmental learning and community engagement.
The Challenge
Many pupils had limited access to outdoor learning and hands-on experiences that connect them with where food comes from. Torbay Council’s objectives include making greater use of natural assets and closing the educational attainment gap — goals which require creating opportunities for practical, skills-based learning outside the classroom.
Our Approach
We funded a full-day visit that rotated pupils between Occombe Farm’s cookery school, garden, and animal paddocks:
– Cookery School: Pupils prepared pizzas from scratch using seasonal toppings and freshly picked herbs, learning about nutrition, food miles, and sustainability.
– Garden: Sessions covered planting cycles, soil care, and the value of growing your own produce.
– Animal Paddocks: Children met and learned about the care of farm animals, biodiversity, and responsible farming.
The combination of cooking, gardening, and animal interaction created a rich, memorable learning experience that supported multiple curriculum areas.
“Thank you to SDS for funding our trip to Occombe Farm and showing me the joy of the outside world […] if you could’ve come, you would feel the same delight that I felt.”
The Impact
71% of pupils felt more relaxed and happier after being outdoors.
91% reported increased confidence in cooking and trying new foods.
83% improved their knowledge of how to make a sustainable meal.
5 hours of offsite education delivered, covering 3 curriculum areas.
Directly supported Torbay Council’s goals to make greater use of natural assets and broaden the skills base.
Why It Matters
This project shows how environmental education can spark curiosity, build life skills, and connect children with their local environment. It demonstrates the circular nature of Together360 — where hands-on learning about food and farming fosters healthier choices, environmental stewardship, and community pride.
