Inner city youngsters are getting their first taste of the countryside through a pioneering education scheme funded by Defra's Countryside Stewardship Scheme (CSS) and run by the Rural Development Service (RDS) in the North West.

Farmers and landowners are paid to open farms to school groups - or other interested parties - as part of attempts to build stronger links between town and country and increase awareness of farming.

Visitors are shown how different kinds of farm are run and can also enjoy special access to wildlife or historical features.

Farmer Marjorie Dawson said:

"Members of the public show huge gaps in their understanding of rural matters. One visitor asked me whether the fact that lambs were born in January was down to global warming!"

Marjorie and her husband John hosted an event for educational access agreement holders at Greystone House Farm, Stainton, Cumbria, to exchange ideas about the scheme.

At some farms youngsters are given egg boxes and paints to encourage their observational skills. On other visits inner-city children had a rare opportunity to see a lamb being born, while for school visits the farm can be used as a 'countryside classroom' linking agriculture to national curriculum subjects.

Kate Doughty, an adviser for RDS in the North West, said:

"With all the changes in farming the need to promote strong links between town and country and food and farming is greater than ever before.

"There is a tremendous amount of hard work that goes into each visit. That said, the reward of seeing the wonder in a child's face as they watch a lamb being born can be great."

Farmers and landowners thinking of taking part in the educational access part of the scheme are encouraged to take part in a three-day accreditation course which also covers health and safety aspects of farm visits.